We often do work on trees that are obstructing solar panels from receiving maximum sunlight, or satellite services. Sometimes the tree has grown toward the available light, other times the solar or satellite service was installed in a poor location. Most of the time the tree can be pruned and trimmed to allow good service.
Recently we completed a job for a new solar panel installation where a number of large trees were blocking out almost all of the available sun throughout the day. Trees are very good at doing this as their major source of energy is through photosynthesis – this makes them natural competitors for light.
When considering how you are going to manage the installation, it is important to consider the effects of performing tree works to the surrounding environment – not just the improvement of light!
By removing or heavily pruning trees your property has a higher exposure to wind, and is less protected from extreme weather. The shade that is normally cast over your house during the summer may be gone, increasing the energy cost of keeping cool. Increased wind flow can affect other trees which did not grow accustomed to high wind loading, potentially leading to failure. The wind can also reduce your homes ability to stay warm.
Do you have the required permits for the works to be done? By going ahead with unapproved tree work, you may be opening yourself up to liability from your local shire or neighbour.
If you have considered the environmental effects of canopy reduction of your trees, then we can help.
I’ve put a few photos of some recent work where a house extension had been planned, solar panels had just been installed and the owner was interesting in maximising the energy gained during the day.
His 11am solar input went from 260 kWh to 2800 kWh. Over 10 times!
With careful planning and analyse of your vegetation problem, we can trim, prune or remove the trees you require to improve your solar power system or satellite reception.
