Cutting Trees For Solar Panels

In the foreground is a copse of trees which could be cut down to make space for solar panels.

Cutting trees for solar panels.

Ironically maximizing those solar benefits may involve cutting down a tree or two. The state department of energy resources estimates that approximately 2 500 acres of trees equal to the size of 50 boston commons have been cut down to put up solar panels in the last 10 to 15 years. I expect most of us would think twice before truly cutting down 50 trees but you get the general point. Some environmental benefits of trees however can be counted.

A mature tree absorbs carbon dioxide co2 at a rate of 48 pounds a year. The trend is particularly pronounced in the western part of the state where some residents and environmentalists are worried the demand for cleaner energy is destroying some of their beloved forests. Robin lubbock wbur for the. It s a difficult truth but solar power and trees do not always get along.

One of the only instances where cutting down trees can be environmentally friendly is if trees were being removed to maximize solar panel exposure. Although we can calculate the amount of greenhouse gases offset by solar panels other things just can t be quantified like the sustenance and comfort that trees provide. Let s do the math here. Companies like six flags are cutting down trees to make room for solar panels and missing part of the point of environmentalism.

Trinity episcopal church in stoughton is surrounded by woodland. Sharon lynn president of the league of women voters of seminole county a group that helps residents tap solar power said the league doesn t advocate for the cutting down of trees in every. Sometimes solar can involve painful tradeoffs. Fifty is what the numbers say.

Branches and leaves can block sunlight from hitting your roof which means your solar panels aren t maximizing their electricity production potential. If you are considering cutting down fewer than 50 trees to get the most out of a 7 500 watt solar electric system don t feel guilty. That s a tough question. On a net environmental basis you are doing the right thing.

6 thoughts on should you cut down trees to improve solar panel performance.