As mentioned before, the first hypothesis was proven correct during the data collection phase of this project. Results were consistent throughout the twenty trees that were sampled, in a wide range of different areas around the city of Calgary . Tree branches of an apical upwardly-angled form near 90° were proven to be the ultimate angle for solar collection in not only plants, but solar panels as well, as statistically proven. Branch angles at the middle to top of a tree were higher than near the bottom, since there was more exposure to sunlight there. As constant throughout twenty trees, there had to be a set amount of bare branch, due to excessive shading from other needles and environmental adaptation. Branches near the bottom of the tree also had to be longer than the ones at the top to prevent unnecessary shading. The Picea glauca species of tree has adapted to the specific conditions necessary for survival, spanning over many generations. After this project, it can be concluded that this species can be considered the ideal modeling technique for solar panels.

Blueprints and measurements for the construction system were based solely on the results of the tree data collection. For the second phase of the project, the constructed solar tree system and the single panel system were both tested for their power output, in direct sunlight. Different methods of circuit wiring were also compared. The solar tree produces 2.31 watts in a parallel-series circuit, which becomes 8.28 kilowatt-hours. This totals 72532.8 kilowatt-hours, per year. In a series circuit, the solar tree system produces 2.68 watts, which becomes 9.648 kilowatt-hours, or 84516.48 kilowatt-hours per year. To test the power of the solar panels without the tree layout as a benefit, a simple system of just eight solar panels in a conventional layout was tested as well, resulting in 2.4 watts from a series circuit, which is 8.64 kilowatt-hours, or 75686.4 kilowatt-hours per year. This may be more than a solar tree in a parallel-series circuit, but a parallel-series circuit will not be a preferred method of wiring. For the eight panel system wired in a parallel-series circuit, 1.625 watts was generated, or 5.85 kilowatt-hours. This is 51246 kilowatt-hours per year. The single solar panel system produces precisely 1 watt, which becomes 3.6 kilowatt-hours, and 31536 kilowatt-hours per year.

This shows that the solar tree in a series circuit produces 268% more power than the single solar panel system and 11% more power than the eight-panel system set up in the same manner. The solar tree in a parallel-series circuit is 142% more effective than the eight-panel system wired in series as well, and 263% more effective against a single solar panel system. This proves eight small solar panels produce more power when they are set up in a tree-branch arrangement than one larger solar panel with the equal amount of equivalent theoretical voltage, because the solar tree is capable of absorbing direct and reflected light from a variety of different angles, as it is naturally adapted from trees. A series circuit provides more power due to a higher voltage ratio, regardless of the panel arrangement. Therefore, the second and third hypotheses are correct. They state that the solar tree arrangement can be used and is more effective. With such an incredible difference of power output, adapting the tree arrangement is definitely more efficient than the single panel with a rotating motor.

The scale model of this solar tree system has also been calculated for power output in a forest system, consisting of many solar trees for a greater power output. 362664 kWhr/year per square metre of electricity can be produced, using only the scale model in a parallel-series circuit, as safety precautions for prevention of power overload. This proves that the potential for a solar energy collector is definitely greater with this design, and should be used for such applications. Therefore, it can be concluded that the designed system is definitely an option to be considered for alternative energy collection, due to its minimal maintenance and optimal effectiveness over single panels with rotator motors. As tests were only done for a minimal amount of time, this does not show results for long term use. This designed system could be used year-round for twelve months if placed in a consistently sunny location.

This project is the intellectual property of Eden Full. Use of this information for one's own purposes is not permitted.