Set up solar, or save a tree? It’s complicated

Set up solar, or save a tree? It’s complicated

From Short Wave by NPR

April 28, 2026 · 12 min · Episode 1472

About this episode

The episode explores the dilemma of installing solar panels versus preserving a large cedar tree.

To solar or not to solar? That is the question for this latest episode of our monthly series Nature Quest. For listener Darcey Hughes, installing solar panels isn’t just about keeping her utilities free of fossil fuels – it’s also a way to become fully self-reliant and save some money each month. But there’s a catch: She might have to chop down a large, shading cedar tree. Today, we investigate: When is solar worth it? And is it worth the price of an old, majestic tree? Do YOU have a question you have about your local environment? Send us a voice memo telling us your name, where you live, and your dilemma… we may make it the next Nature Quest. We’re reachable at shortwave@npr.org . Want to learn more about easy-to-install solar? Check out NPR climate correspondent Jeff Brady’s reporting on plug-in solar panels . Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave . See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

People in this episode

Guest: Darcey Hughes

Topics covered

  • solar energy
  • environment
  • self-reliance
  • nature
  • sustainability

Keywords

  • solar panels
  • cedar tree
  • fossil fuels
  • self-reliance
  • environmental dilemma

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR

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