design
Ross Lovegrove
2007
Solar Tree
Solar Tree is a light fixture combining an innovative
design with the technical performances of LED
lighting systems using solar energy supplied from
photovoltaic system.
This project aims to combine the reduced envi-
ronmental impact, especially deriving from the low
absorption of fossil fuel-based energy, with the need
of ensuring constant working and expected light
performances. The operation of this light fixture is
not influenced by weather randomness and project
changes due to winter periods (e.g. number of panels,
accumulator dimensioning). These project changes
concerning dimensions and weights would imply
higher costs, and however the fixture would not
ensure continuous working. In fact hybrid versions
are being more and more used in leading sectors.
In this direction Artemide has developed the Solar Tree
project which, with a mixed configuration of accumu-
lators/solar energy and mains power supply, can
combine Energy-saving and functionality at the best.
Structure composed by curved steel poles
of different diameters and heights, with a maximum
total height of about 5,5m over road level.
This system is composed by 10 “stems of grass”
with 40mm Ø. On their extremity there is 1 LED
of about 1 W protected by a diffuser screen
in PETG and 10 poles with 76mm Ø supporting
the heads.
The poles are painted with outdoor epoxy
paint in light green colour shading into white.
The 10 heads, housing the photovoltaic cells in their
upper part, are supported by poles with a diameter
of 76mm; 20 power LEDs, which can be supplied
with power up to 500mA and have a white neutral
colour temperature, are housed in the lower part
of 4 of them, on an aluminium dissipator, and
are provided with a screen in plastic material which
ensures protection against water and dusts.
The base is made of hot-galvanized steel plate
to be fixed to the ground. Otherwise it is possible
to use a base, always in galvanized steel, with
reinforced concrete parts forming a circular bench.
In this case the base can rest on the ground without
need of further fixing systems.
The connection/wiring parts, the control and
recharge boards and the batteries are contained
in several watertight boxes, provided with male
and female connectors with IP Rating IP65 or higher,
placed at the foot of the base or inside the concrete
bench, according to the technical specifications
of the Solar Tree version supplied.
Benches in white painted concrete, with second
coat of anti-graffiti paint.
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