The position of the sun is expressed in altitude (or elevation) and azimuth, both of which will vary by location, time of day, and time of year. Altitude refers to the height of the sun over the horizon (higher in …
Trees for energy conservation and solar panels – are they compatible?
Trees help conserve energy in three primary ways: casting shade to keep buildings cool, blocking chilly winds to keep buildings warm, and transpiring (evaporating) water to decrease ambient air temperature. Obviously, trees casting shade onto buildings affixed with solar panels …
Can I plant trees to increase the efficiency of my wind turbine?
Depending on their size, density, and placement, trees can either decelerate or accelerate wind. Trees also create turbulence in the prevailing wind flow, which reduces the efficiency of the wind turbine. To maximize turbine efficiency, there should be no obstructions …
How do trees save energy in the winter?
Winter sun helps warm things up so, when deciduous trees loose their leaves, more sunshine and solar radiation are cast on homes and buildings. Money and energy are saved by increasing warming in and around structures. Savings also come from …
I'm planting a tree and shrub windbreak to shelter my home in winter. What should I take into account in locating and designing it?
First, the windbreak should be located upwind from prevailing winter winds. If most of your winter wind comes from the north, then locate the windbreak to the north of your home. Also, wind will tend to curl in around the …
Will my electric or gas utility company provide me with trees for my property?
Your local gas or electric company may provide you with trees you can plant on your property. This is done to encourage the right kind of trees being planted in the right kinds of places, to reduce peak energy demand, …
Will trees near my home increase the chance of a lightning strike?
Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful forces and is the 2nd leading cause of weather-related deaths. Since trees are often the tallest objects in the landscape, they are vulnerable to being struck by lightning. Only about one-third of the …
Are some trees better for energy conservation than others?
It depends on which part of the country you live in.
In northern latitudes with cold winters, dense evergreens planted to block chilling winds are important for conserving heat energy. Likewise, deciduous shade trees with a sparse branching habit are …
How does vegetation help reduce noise pollution in urban ecosystems?
Vegetation reduces noise pollution through a phenomenon called sound attenuation, which is the reduction of sound intensity. Normal attenuation of sound occurs as the energy of sound dissipates over long distances until not enough energy is left to vibrate …
How does vegetation reduce glare and reflection of light on smooth and light-colored surfaces?
Glare is directly from a primary light source, such as sunlight. Reflection is the bouncing of the primary light source from a reflective surface. Vegetation can be used to reduce both glare and reflection and thus reduce heating, by filtering …