What is the more effective source of alternative energy; solar, or wind? 

With this new unique emerging science, called biomimicry, it will not matter.  Both solar and wind energy will be produced from the same source.  Biomimicry is the process of studying nature and its elements, and imitating them in order to solve human problems. 

Through imitating natural processes of nature, it will be possible to harvest the power of both sun and wind, which will in turn produce clean energy. 

In this case, artificial will become beneficial to the Earth.  Whereas it is highly unlikely to clean up the environment by planting more and more trees, which take years and years to mature, artificial trees can be produced much quicker, and can also supply us with clean energy from nature. 

SolarBotanic, is the company with the plans for these alternative energy artificial trees, and the energy capturing piece is going to be the nanoleaf.

The nanoleaf is made up of some high Tec materials capable of converting light, heat, and wind energy into electricity.

The nanoleaf looks like any other leaf, however, when the wind pushes one of these leaves back and forth, Pico watts are generated from stresses in the twigs, branches, and the petiole. More wind causes the leaves to flap back and forth more and more, and in effect millions of Pico watts can be generated.

Of course, the nanoleaves do not stop there. Throughout the day the nanoleaves will be collecting energy from the sun, while reflecting only a small percentage of the light back. Even after the sun has set, the nanoleaves will still be converting thermal energy into electricity. Infrared radiations can also be converted into energy by these leaves.

Customers will be able to choose between trees, shrubs, and plants, which will produce between 2,000 to 12,000 kWh of power per year. Each of these trees will have special features, and will be designed to produce the maximum amount of energy in any climate. SolarBotanic will appoint their own dealers to sell the trees, which will be installed by professional installers. The trees will be able to withstand severe weather, and will compy with various safety regulations.

The biggest benefit of these artificial trees would be the production of electricity without polluting the environment in any way. As nanotechnology progresses, photovoltaic and thermovoltaic materials will become cheaper and easier to produce, which will in turn bring down production costs.

Another advantage that the artificial trees have over other alternative energy sources is the look. The trees will look like real trees, while silently harvesting energy from the sun and wind. This may be a better option, rather than having solar panels on your roof, and wind turbines in your yard.

Article Sources: Alternative Energy, SolarBotanic