A study in Goseong County, South Korea, has compared solar trees with flat-panel solar installations. Traditional projects were clearing vast areas of forest, causing biodiversity loss, erosion and habitat destruction. Deforestation from solar projects was 529 hectares in 2016, 1,435 hectares in 2017, and 2,443 hectares in 2018. Flat panels had converted 98% of the forest into gray solar surfaces, disrupting the coastal ecosystem. In contrast, solar trees were simulated to preserve 99% of forest cover. They were spaced 20 meters apart along hiking trails and site boundaries. The study found 63 solar trees with high-efficiency panels equaled 1 MW of flat-panel capacity. Results showed solar trees have matched energy output while reducing land use and ecological damage. Further research was still required for broader applications.