RALEIGH (WTVD) -- A new tree at North Carolina State University is offering some practical uses for students, but is also raising awareness of solar energy.
On Friday, crews put the finishing touches on a solar tree.
The 16-foot tree incorporates six solar panels, and allows students to charge their laptops and phones.
The solar tree was a gift from NC State's Park Scholars. The group of students raised the funds for the project, which cost about $45,000.
NC State already has 11 solar systems on roofs, Hunt Library is a green building and NC State plans to build two more solar trees in the area.