An Urban Green Revolution: The New Solar‑Powered Phone Box
Remember the red telephone boxes that dotted every London street? Those iconic out‑of‑date relics have finally clocked out. We’re no longer ringing up the old play‑phones thanks to the smartphone boom. But that new comfort comes at a cost: Slack battery life. For many of us, a single charge can feel like a distant fantasy.
Enter the Solarbox
London‑based duo Harold Craston and Kirsty Kenney, fresh out of the University of London’s Geography program, were like, “Why not piggyback on those old boxes?” Their solution? Put a shiny solar panel on the top, paint the whole thing green, and voilà— free charging stations for every passer‑by. While you’re buzzing your phone to full, adverts will do the rest of the heavy lifting.
Why You’ll Love It (and Why You Won’t Have to Pay for It)
- Zero cost – The boxes are completely free.
- It’s eco‑friendly – Solar power, no extra grid draw.
- “A must‑have in modern life,” Kenney said. “Phones can’t keep pace without a solar arm‑y.”
- Craston was proud: “One square metre of space is worth more than a bathroom or a random street‑corner number. These boxes are the proud Brits of the world; let’s give them purpose.”
- Boris Johnson is backing the idea: “As London’s low‑carbon economy grows, it’s start‑ups like this that keep us ahead of the tech curve.”
Where It’s Happening
The first green Solarbox popped up on Tottenham Court Road beside the Dominion Theatre. Word went viral on Twitter—no one could resist snapping photos of the new green icon.
And the city’s not stopping there. Five more boxes are set to roll out next year, expanding citizen access and offering a place where you can literally recharge.
Takeaway
With the Solarbox rolling, a city’s streets become more than just old, charming artifacts; they transform into tiny power plants. A nostalgic nod that’s also functional. If you’re still waiting for the red worm, this green makeover might just give an early bird a sunrise fix.
