FortyGuard is excited to announce our pivotal role in the installation of the Solar Tree at Masdar City's Eco Plaza. This innovative structure addresses urban heat challenges and demonstrates the effectiveness of data-driven solutions in promoting sustainable urban development.

Our collaboration with Masdar City involved an extensive study to analyze the thermal properties of the Eco Plaza and surrounding areas. Over nine months, FortyGuard collected more than six million data points using ground-based sensors and drones. This comprehensive data collection provided valuable insights into the thermal dynamics of the area.

Sebastien Miller, Design Manager at Masdar City, emphasized the significance of this data: "The strategic placement of the Solar Tree was guided by scientific analysis based on the data provided by FortyGuard. Along with adjacent trees and landscaping, the Solar Tree has the potential to lower ambient temperatures by up to 5℃."

The Solar Tree is Masdar City's newest eco-friendly feature in the Eco Plaza, designed to promote awareness of sustainable energy use. Standing 5.5 meters tall and 10 meters wide, the structure features an asymmetrical column design and intricate detailing. The design team focused on reducing the carbon footprint associated with steel by minimizing steel volume, using thin load-bearing structures, and employing an unobtrusive system of joints and bolts. The result is an elegant yet functional structure.

The Solar Tree includes 16 bifacial solar panels arranged in a curve, allowing it to generate electricity efficiently from both sides of the panels. This design boosts energy efficiency by 20 to 25%. Beyond providing shade and cooling the area, the Solar Tree can charge two Teslas with 11kW chargers, which are designed to preserve battery life. When not in use for charging, the energy produced by the Solar Tree feeds into the adjacent buildings and the wider grid, enhancing the city's overall energy efficiency. This innovative project exemplifies Masdar City's commitment to sustainability and advanced urban solutions.

The successful implementation of the Solar Tree underscores FortyGuard’s dedication to leveraging advanced technology and data to create cooler, more livable cities. Our partnership with Masdar City showcases the impact of precise, data-driven strategies in addressing urban heat challenges and promoting climate resilience.