Solar trees and canopies sprouting in Miami parks

FPL hopes to increase harnessing energy from sun

A new species of trees is taking root in some Miami city parks.

The first of 11 solar trees was topped off this week at the Bay of Pigs Memorial Park in the 300 block of SW 56th Ave.

Standing 24-feet high, the structures have a blue or green curved stem and a solar panel as its roof which can provide 200 feet of shade. People can sit under them and recharge their personal devices from cell phones and laptops.

In addition to the trees, other Miami parks will receive solar canopies which look like a contemporary aluminum roof. The solar displays are from Florida Power & Light to increase its harnessing of energy from the sun.

“These new solar installations will provide an opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about solar energy,” said Miami commissioner Manolo Reyes whose district will be home to four of the 10 locations for the solar equipment.

The other Miami parks to receive the structures include Domino Park in Little Havana, Coral Gate Park and Margaret Pace Park in downtown.

The solar trees and canopies in Miami join others that have sprouted in South Florida recently. Visitors may have spotted them at Zoo Miami, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and Vista View Park in Davie. FPL has 200 structures under construction or already installed statewide.

JOHNNY DIAZ/STAFF Solar trees are being added to Miami public parks such as the Bay of Pigs Memorial Park.