Path-Q Solar
How should expected tree growth be accounted for in a solar shading assessment?
Answer
The assessment should model mature or expected future tree height, canopy spread, and seasonal foliage rather than evaluating only the current appearance. It should show how growth could affect each roof plane over the solar system's planning horizon and identify whether pruning, relocation, or design changes are needed.
Key points
- Record current tree dimensions, species, age or maturity, and distance from the array.
- Model both leaf-on and leaf-off conditions where relevant.
- Consider changes in sun angle and shadow length across seasons.
- Use conservative assumptions when growth information is uncertain.
What it depends on
- Tree species and growth characteristics
- Soil, water, climate, and site conditions
- Expected system life and landscaping plans
- Potential pruning or removal practices
Risks and trade-offs
- A current-year shade assessment can understate future production losses.
- Overly conservative growth assumptions can lead to unnecessary tree work or reduced array size.
- Future pruning may add recurring cost and may not be feasible.
Information you may need
- Tree survey or measured locations and dimensions
- Arborist growth assessment
- Year-round shade model
- Planned landscaping and tree-management approach
Your next step
What to do next
Ask the solar designer to include a future-growth scenario in the shading report and have an arborist review the growth assumptions.
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