A group of scientists at VTT, northern Europe’s largest multi-technological applied research organization, has developed a working prototype of a solar energy generating tree that was made with a 3D printer. The tree works inside and outside and can power small devices like phone chargers, humidifiers, led lights, and much more.
The solar panel “leaves” were printed according to VTT’s new printing technique. The flexible leaves are also, all integrated and create a complete energy conduction and multi-conversion system. The leaves can harvest energy from multiple power sources including wind and temperature fluctuations. The trunk of the solar tree is printed from wood based bio materials which were also developed by VTT.
While the leaves cannot regenerate and grow like trees, the leaves will work for a few years, and can be replaced quite easily. The plus side, though, is that the leaves are recyclable which means that you can make new leaves from your old ones. Their roll-to-roll rapid additive manufacturing method allows them to print about a hundred meters of leaf rolls a minute.
Unfortunately no numbers about the amount of energy it can produce, just a hint at it that it can charge your mobile. - VTT Research