# Device-Charging Road Signs The PENSA 'Street Charge' Idea is Solar-Powered By Vivian Lau | Published 2012-05-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pens-street-charge References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669803/an-urban-oasis-street-signs-that-charge-our-gadgets) & [vimeo](http://vimeo.com/41526179) The PENSA 'Street Charge' initiative to install [power stations on existing street signs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joshua-tree-charging-outpost) is an idea that will supercharge the world. Brooklyn-based PENSA has conceptualized a world where everyone can stay connected at all times. These charge-up rest stops comprise of an ultra-modern curved structure that would attach to the top of a regular street sign. Sporting [photovoltaic cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eo-canopy) on the top face of the curved structure, it would harness solar energy, providing energy for the [two USB ports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkeep-halo) at the small ledge near hip level. With the curved section doubling as a light during the night, the structure provides light so the contraption is useful still at nighttime. Integrating this minimally disruptive proposal into existing infrastructure seems more than plausible, leading a whirlwind of implications in terms of solar energy and changing the face of cities for the future. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Street Signs:** Installing photovoltaic cells on street signs to create charging stations is a disruptive innovation in providing sustainable energy and convenient charging options. - **Street Sign Technology:** Using curved structures attached to street signs for charging ports and lighting at night is a trend in smart city technology that integrates well with existing infrastructure. - **Public Charging Stations:** Expanding access to charging options through the installation of public charging stations in convenient locations is a trend that could transform urban spaces and create new business opportunities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Urban Planning:** The integration of solar-powered charging stations into city infrastructure creates opportunities for urban planning professionals to develop sustainable, tech-forward solutions for connected cities. - **Renewable Energy:** The use of photovoltaic cells to power charging stations on street signs represents a disruptive innovation in clean energy production and distribution. - **Tech Manufacturing:** The development and production of charging stations and curved structures specifically designed for retrofitting onto existing infrastructure represents a new area for tech manufacturing and supply chain management. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Street Lamp Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamppost-ev-charger.md) - [Artistic Lamppost EV Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voltpost.md) - [Unwinding Multifunctional Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/better-energy-charge.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Sustainable EV Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/change-wind-corporation.md) - [Scalable EV Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epit-ultra-fast-charging-station.md) - [Vehicle-Matching Charger Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clair-electric-vehicle-charger.md) - [Solar-Powered Charging Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-mars-bot.md) - [Solar-Powered eBike Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beambike.md)