In the small and charming town of Saint-Georges-Buttavent, in Francethere is a unique work: a solar tree which looks like a sculpture but is much more than that. Hervé Louifia talented and creative local metal carpenter, brought this innovation to life from a personal dream. Although Louifi is not a famous designer, his creativity has led to a small work of art that allows anyone to charge their mobile devices completely free. Today, this visionary project is on sale for local governments, ready to conquer the entire nation.
Not all brilliant ideas are born in sophisticated or multinational laboratories. The inspiration for the solar tree came during a dream in which Louifi found himself, with his cell phone dead, in the shade of a tree in the middle of the desert. From that dreamlike image a concrete project was born, designed to offer clean and free energy to citizens. Completely powered by solar energy, this installation is ecological and sustainable, and aims to reduce environmental impact by using an inexhaustible energy source. The result is a structure that is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing, as already demonstrated by a first version which was very successful.
Characteristics of the solar tree
Installed right in front of Louifi’s workshop, the prototype stands six meters high, with its nine metal arms adorned with solar panels. These photovoltaic modules absorb the sun’s energy, storing it in lithium batteries inside the trunk. The accumulated energy fuels four USB socketsallowing passers-by to charge their electronic devices for free. Around the tree, a circular table and two benches invite you to take a break, offering an oasis to recharge not only your devices but also yourself.
Currently, Louifi’s tree is located in Saint-Georges-Buttavent, but it is not difficult to imagine its spread to other French cities, with Paris itself having already shown interest in such an installation in its public spaces. The initial cost of around 15,000 euros appears to be a reasonable investment for municipalities, ready to offer an innovative service and reduce energy dependence.
This invention represents a perfect combination of art, technology and sustainability, demonstrating that even a small dream can transform into a great reality.
