Methodology for locating and selecting trees for solar control in Utah

Research results indicate that trees can significantly reduce energy used for space cooling during the overheated period in Utah. Trees must be precisely located and carefully selected to achieve planting designs that optimize both shading during the overheated period and solar access during the underheated period. To accurately locate trees for solar control, the position of the sun during the overheated period must be determined. A method for calculating and graphically portraying this is presented. The selection of trees for solar control entails consideration of the following plant characteristics: canopy density, time of leaf out and leaf drop, average height-to-bole, size, form, growth rate, and other factors typically noted during the plant selection process. A computer program was developed to free the designer/planner/homeowner from the complexities and time constraints associated with accurate selection and location of trees for solar control. The program was translated into a Solar Control Matrix System (SOLMAT). SOLMAT allows the user to easily determine which tree species meet the solar control criteria at any given location around a variety of building types.