Ecacia: A Solar Experience Of The Innovative Kind

Ecacia is a prototype of a tree-like structure designed by London-based architect Samuel Wilkinson that collects solar energy and provides shelter to the public during extremely hot weather. Ecacia was designed by Wilkinson's Studio on the lines of a species of acacia tree native to the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa, which is distinguished by a broad canopy that allows it to absorb a lot of sunshine.

Recently, prototypes of Ecacia were developed in collaboration with US start-up Solar Forma, which aims to create solar products that serve more than just power generation in public urban spaces.

Embedded in the Ecacia's faceted nonagonal roof are 708 monocrystalline silicon solar cells. In conjunction with accompanying electricity storage, this solar canopy can power nearby public amenities or kiosks, or charge electric vehicles (EVs) and bikes. Ecacia can also be plugged into the grid. Moreover People can gather under the large shaded area under the timber-lined roof, which measures seven metres wide. With four programmable LED lights concealed within the "branches," Ecacia illuminates the surrounding area at night with a soft glow, allowing the canopy to glow at night. Solar Forma intends to incorporate a misting active cooling system into the product so that it can provide additional relief from extreme heat.

The "trunk" of the prototype can be either 6.7 metres or 5.2 metres tall, consists of a steel frame and an aluminium plate, installs in just one day, and can withstand gusts of up to 160 kph. In designing this prototype Ecacia has put Biomimicry which attempts ‘to mimic nature in order to address human difficulties’ to good use.