Design of Tree-Mimicking Solar Photovoltaic System Achieving Both Power Generation and Acceptability

The design of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is a crucial challenge for sustainable urban development. Conventional systems are composed of flat-mounted systems, which maximize the power generation per unit cell. However, they require vast lands with sufficient sunlight and have been limited to installations in mountainous areas or on building rooftops. Solar PV tree has been proposed as a solution to this problem. It retains solar PV modules three-dimensionally in a structure similar to a natural tree. It has the potential to effectively utilize small scattered urban spaces by reducing the ground contact area compared to conventional systems. In solar PV tree systems, there is a demand for a design that harmonizes spatially with the urban environment, in addition to pursuing the conventional goal of ensuring power generation. In this paper, we parametrically describe tree-like shapes, evaluate their electrical performance and acceptability in the urban environment through simulations and demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing small urban spaces.