WHY NOT BUILD ARTIFICIAL SOLAR TREES THAT COULD GENERATE THE SAME POWER AS SOLAR FARMS BUT WITHOUT CUTTING DOWN FORESTS?

WHY NOT BUILD ARTIFICIAL SOLAR TREES THAT COULD GENERATE THE SAME POWER AS SOLAR FARMS BUT WITHOUT CUTTING DOWN FORESTS?

No, this is not just an idea anymore.

South Korean researcher Dan-Bi Um of the Korea Maritime Institute has studied a concept called “forest-photovoltaic,” in which photovoltaic panels are mounted on tree-like structures above forest land. A 2025 study published in Scientific Reports found that properly arranged solar trees could preserve about 99% of forest cover, while conventional ground-mounted solar installations in the comparison would eliminate about 98% of the forest cover for equivalent power capacity. 

As a fair warning, the South Korean work is a published research/simulation study, with a 2025 study comparing solar-tree arrangements with conventional ground-mounted PV in a coastal forest—not yet a claim that a full commercial solar-tree farm is operating at utility scale. The study nevertheless found that solar trees could preserve about 99% of forest cover while achieving equivalent or higher modeled power capacity.

Nonetheless, here I am again with my question: If they can do it, why can’t we?

Without putting down the intelligence of South Koreans, I would dare say that our Filipino scientists and engineers could do what they could do, and perhaps even do better, with the right support mechanisms.

What is new about this idea is that we can now seriously consider putting these artificial trees inside or around forest areas without cutting down real trees simply to make room for solar panels.

Who knows? Perhaps our engineers could even design the structures to minimize soil disturbance, improve drainage or help stabilize selected slopes. I would not claim that solar trees can automatically prevent landslides—that would require proper geotechnical engineering—but why not investigate whether their foundations can provide additional environmental benefits?

And so I will repeat my favorite question: Who will lead this project?

That is important because the answer may also determine where the funding will come from.

As I see it, this project is “sandwiched” between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Without proper coordination, it could die before it starts because nobody wants to assume “parenthood.”

Why don't we try something different?

Let the DOE take the lead, while the DENR participates by identifying suitable forest areas and ensuring that not a single healthy tree is unnecessarily cut down to install the artificial ones.

And let us bring the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) into the picture immediately. DOST can determine whether we can develop the technology locally or whether we need to license or import certain components.

I also see possibilities beyond electricity.

These artificial trees could potentially carry weather sensors, environmental monitors and, subject to proper engineering and regulation, communications equipment. They could even become relay points for radio or internet signals in areas where connectivity is weak.

Why stop there?

The Philippines already has experience developing solar-powered vehicles. DLSU students built the solar car Sinag, while UP Diliman and DOST continue to participate in Filipino-developed electric mobility projects. 

So why not bring these talents together?

DOE for energy. DENR for forests. DOST for science and technology. UP and DLSU for research and engineering.

If South Korea can show us that solar power and forests do not necessarily have to be enemies, perhaps it is time for the Philippines to build its own version.

If they can do it, why can’t we?

I deliberately kept the landslide and communications ideas as proposals for research, rather than established capabilities. That makes the column stronger and harder to challenge scientifically.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/09-20-2027

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