Solar Powered Vending Machines
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 09.26.07
Just what you wanted to find on a secluded beach far away from any source of power- a nice cool one from a vending machine. The challenge, according to Springwise, 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."
Now you can shop just about anywhere. ::Solarvending via ::Springwise
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is that.......a water bottle dispenser??
LA: GASP- I missed that! Horrors!