Vending machines can be found just about everywhere, except, maybe, where they’re needed most—tucked away on a remote beach or at the end of a gruelling golf-course hole. An Anglo-Spanish firm has come up with a solution: an off-the-grid, solar-powered vending machine that can be placed anywhere there’s adequate sunlight. In the process, Solar Energy Vending has greatly expanded the locations that can be served by an industry that matured decades ago. A big challenge for SEV was developing a refrigeration system strong enough to keep the machine’s food and drinks cool, while powered solely by the sun. Solar panels on top keep the machine’s refrigerator running, and a rechargeable battery provides power at night or during prolonged cloudy periods. A wind turbine can substitute for solar cells in less sunny climes, where hot beverages could make the vending dispensers a popular stop-off along ski runs.
The company has been working on the concept since 2004. At last word machines have been placed at locations throughout Spain and on at least one golf course in the UK, and SEV is currently seeking inquiries from potential distribution partners in other countries. Besides revenue from sales of food and drinks, the machines are also equipped to display advertising. SEV’s website touts what could be another major enticement for machine purchasers, at least in Europe, saying EEC regulations waive income taxes on profits from the machines since they rely on renewable energy.
SEV’s vending machines join a growing number of devices that can be placed just about anywhere, thanks to their reliance on solar energy. Lighted road signs and emergency phones are two other examples. For entrepreneurs and inventors the vending machines illustrate how any common device can be retrofitted for solar and placed in out-of-the-way locations. (Related: Vending goes organic & Solar-roasted coffee.)
Website: www.solarvending.com
Contact: graham@solarvending.com
Spotted by: Bjarke Svendsen
Having just returned from an eight month travelling stint, I am now fully equipped with a large number of scenic photographs. One thing that I am glad to be missing from these photos is a solar-powered vending machine. Do we really want our recreational spaces and areas of natural beauty to be dominated by solar-powered vending machines? Yes they are environmentally friendly, but one could argue they are not exactly pleasing on the eye.
The solar-powered vending machine would provide a brilliant opportunity for advertisers to reach their audience in locations that were once out of reach. However, companies must be wary of associating themselves with a product that has the potential to destory areas of natural beauty.
I think these solar powered vending machines are great... not only for far away places, but everywhere to help reduce the power consumption worldwide... I don`t think this might cause a damage to nature, since it is environmentally friendly... sooner or later, someone will think about a convenience store in that far away place of yours... so, do you still think a vending machine as a big deal ? I think it`s not.
i know the guy who invented and made this machine it is absolutely fantastic. did you know?
"A SINGLE NORMAL DRINKS VENDING MACHINE CONSUMES MORE ELECTRICITY FROM THE MAINS THAN 3 HOMES PUT TOGETHER" SO WANT TO SAVE THE PLANT? USE THIS MACHINE........
so using solar powered machines instead saves the environment he is looking for investors and help to get drinks companies to take the machines on so if you want to invest in the green future and make money get in touch with him.
oh yes they still work when its raining and at night as the panel also charges a battery inside to last up to seven days without daylight as i said "FANTASTIC" I HAVE USED IT AND I STILL CANT GET MY HEAD AROUND HOW GOOD IT IS
why dont companies like virgin cola use this machine they could sell lots more and off set the pollution from aircraft
anyone know richard bransons number?????
Graham Smith is not only an inventor he is a father who believes there needs to be action taken by us to make the planet a better, cleaner place. I know Graham well, he's a good man with many many ideas. The company that actually gets off their arse and takes this idea to real world wide fruition is; like Graham a genius.
Heard of Carbon Footprint, for god's sake it's the biggest buzz word since Computer or Internet and hey, don't we all use that. I was once told the internet would never be a place for commecrial activity????????????? Er WRONG!
Get hold of this visionary NOW, or someone else will. BRILLIANT.
This is brilliant.. one for Vorovoro I think... www.tribewanted.com
Mark Bowness
It could use a better way to advertise produts bieng sold.
will you design shelving acordding to specs of products or all machines comes with standered size,shape and color.
nice job
My year 9 enterprise group is looking into the idea of eco friendly vending machines after looking at your website we believe your vending machines meet our criteria
If you could send back prices and other such information to this email address as soon as possible
Mrs W Glover
we era the earthplay eco store in ojai california , could you please respond with a price sheet for these vending machines