Energy does grow on trees, thanks to Israeli engineers
Oct 22, 2014
The eTree is an ecological sculpture of sorts that resembles a real tree and whose "canopy" is made up of solar panels that produce energy from the sun. The eTree offers a shaded recreation area and a cold-water drinking fountain, but also free WiFi, a docking station to charge smartphones and tablets, outlets for electrical appliances, a computer monitor that allows one to chat with friends who are at other eTrees, and decorative night lighting.
The frenetic Israeli brain has already presented the world with numerous developments in the solar energy and hi-tech fields, but Sologic's new "solar tree" is a unique combination of both worlds.
The innovative tree is designed for installation in residential neighborhoods and urban centers, as well as the courtyards of educational institutions, parks and along hiking trails. Its designers believe it will be especially popular among the youth as a place to meet up and hang out with their various gadgets. It is expected to be installed at cultural institutions and museums too.
Designed by artist Yoav Ben-Dov, the eTree will operate automatically, with minimal maintenance, and provide energy around the clock. It will be offered in two models – a basic model, the Citrus, 3.5 meters wide, which will offer cold drinking water in schoolyards and parks; and an advanced model, the Acacia, 4.5 meters wide, which will serve for all intents and purposes as a small solar power station, with seating areas, night lighting, communication ports and more.
The eTree is green in all senses of the word – it is radiation-free, doesn't pose a danger from electrocution and meets the most stringent safety standards.
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