India has begun installing a new generation of “solar trees,” metallic structures designed to resemble the shape of real trees while producing electricity and reducing carbon emissions. Each solar tree generates up to 53.6 kW of power and is estimated to offset around 12 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually by replacing electricity that would otherwise come from fossil fuels.
The technology has been developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) as part of efforts to expand renewable energy without requiring extensive land area. The compact, vertical design allows the panels to be arranged like branches, taking up significantly less ground space compared to conventional solar farms.
A Solution for Limited Land Availability
In many regions of India, land availability is a critical barrier to expanding solar infrastructure. Solar trees offer a smaller physical footprint, allowing them to be installed in narrow fields, rural roadsides, farm boundaries, or even small institutional campuses.
The structure houses wiring within the central “trunk,” while extendable “branches” position solar panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. This approach reduces shadowing and maintains generation efficiency.
Cutting Carbon Emissions and Boosting Rural Energy Access
While solar trees do not physically inhale or absorb carbon, the 12 tons of CO₂ savings refers to avoided emissions from coal-based power generation. By producing clean electricity locally, the trees reduce the demand for fossil fuel sources that contribute to air pollution and climate change.
In rural areas, the technology has also supported small-scale entrepreneurship and energy independence. Farmers can use the power generated to run irrigation systems or small processing units, reducing costs linked to diesel-based equipment.
Changing the Landscape and the Mindset
Beyond measurable power output, researchers and environmental planners note a cultural impact. Because the installations resemble real trees, they serve as visible symbols of sustainability, shifting public perception of renewable energy from industrial infrastructure to something integrated into everyday surroundings.
Some communities report cooler ground temperatures and improved local conditions around installations due to changes in shading and reduced diesel usage, though researchers say these effects need further study.
Solar trees are now being viewed as part of a blended approach to India’s clean energy expansion one that uses open land efficiently while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Advocates say that if deployed at scale, even modest CO₂ reductions per tree could add up to a significant cumulative climate benefit. More importantly, they believe the technology is helping foster a broader transition in how communities think about energy, land, and environmental responsibility.