An Israeli renewable energy startup has developed a “tree” bedecked with solar panels that's designed to blend into parks and other public spaces. Apart from offering shade, Sologic’s eTree has a water fountain, a WiFi hotspot, a docking station to charge devices, and lights up with LEDs at night, according to the company. The metallic tree with its faux foliage was designed by artist Yoav Ben-Dov. “I wanted to integrate the idea of solar energy to the community by creating the eTree,” Sologic chairman Michael Lasry told NBC News. “The tree is made of metal pipes and the leaves are solar panels.” The six-year-old Israeli company got its start providing solar energy systems to homes and businesses. The first eTree is due to be unveiled Thursday at a park near the town of Zichron Ya’akov, in northern Israel, according to Ynetnews.com.
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--- Paul Goldman and Matthew DeLuca