Looks like the tree will shadow my panels in the winter.
Looks like I am screwed.
I did another calculation on the Cottonwood tree height which came out to 35′ feet tall – which is good the news, the bad news is once it grows a bit more my planned solar panels will be shaded in the winter.
I found the following on the Town of Superior‘s web site:
“Cottonwood trees typically grow several feet per year, depending on moisture, and reach heights of 50-70 feet.”
So it looks like the Cottonwoods planted in my town have a max height of 70 feet.
I found the angles of the sun path for my location shown below – 27 degrees in the winter and 73 in the summer.
So it looks like my solar project might be coming to an end because of this major road block.




not trying to be ecologically unfriendly, but shouldn’t you just cut down the tree? Or even chop the top off. I know trees are nice for privacy and all, but plant another one or something. It looks like you have already put a lot of work into this, you might as well do it!
Andy,
If the tree was on my property I would be getting the chain saw out right now.
Unfortunately it is located on the greenbelt so either the town or HOA controls it.