Solar Tree and Plaza Dedicated At Dittmar Recreation Center

Austin Energy, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP) program hosted a dedication ceremony this morning for a one-of-a-kind solar tree and plaza with embedded LED lights and located in front of the gymnasium at the Dittmar Recreation Center in South Austin.

The celebration highlighted the summer solstice (June 21), the longest day of the year, when the most solar energy can be produced. The 2-kW Solar Tree stands 10 feet tall with a circular canopy supporting 10 solar panels, each generating up to 200 watts. The panels have the ability to capture light directly from the sun and from light reflected upward from the ground. At night, the tree displays a halo of LED lights, with additional light from LEDs embedded in the plaza. 

The tree was commissioned by the AIPP program as part of the construction of the gym, which opened in 2012.