Cutting Trees For Solar Panels

Robin lubbock wbur for the.

Cutting trees for solar panels.

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. Ironically maximizing those solar benefits may involve cutting down a tree or two. Trinity episcopal church in stoughton is surrounded by woodland. Some environmental benefits of trees however can be counted.

Removing trees to get more exposure to solar panels is actually very environmentally friendly. One of the only instances where cutting down trees can be environmentally friendly is if trees were being removed to maximize solar panel exposure. Branches and leaves can block sunlight from hitting your roof which means your solar panels aren t maximizing their electricity production potential. A mature tree absorbs carbon dioxide co2 at a rate of 48 pounds a year.

It s a difficult truth but solar power and trees do not always get along. 6 thoughts on should you cut down trees to improve solar panel performance. 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. Companies like six flags are cutting down trees to make room for solar panels and missing part of the point of environmentalism.

Sometimes solar can involve painful tradeoffs. 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. That s what s been happening in massachusetts. In the foreground is a copse of trees which could be cut down to make space for solar panels.

That s a tough question. 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. I expect most of us would think twice before truly cutting down 50 trees but you get the general point. On a net environmental basis you are doing the right thing.

Let s do the math here.