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- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTThe <a href="http://www.solarkiosk.eu/?p=363" target="_blank">world's first solar-powered kiosk</a> is now open for business in Lake Langano, Ethiopia. Topped with photovoltaic panels, the lightweight modular unit sells a variety of goods to local villagers, provides power for battery charging, and stays open with the lights on at night. <a href="http://www.solarkiosk.eu/" target="_blank">SOLARKIOSK</a> was designed by <a href="http://www.graftlab.com/" target="_blank">GRAFT Architects</a> and is now its own company based in Germany. These modular, off-grid buildings will help developing countries leapfrog over traditional electric grids towards renewable energy generation and along the way help grow the local economy through sustainable businesses.1
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTDemand for electricity in developing countries is on the rise, but without a reliable electric grid or even access to power, other solutions have to be developed2
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTLuckily, developing countries can now leapfrog the traditional grid and head straight for off-grid renewable power solutions like the <a href="http://www.solarkiosk.eu/?page_id=6" target="_blank">SOLARKIOSK</a>.3
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTThe first one to be up and running is located in Ethiopia and provides solar battery charging and a variety of goods.4
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTThe lights come on at dusk and provide safe and sustainable lighting during the night for business, reading and other activities.5
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTOther kiosks have been deployed and are expected to be up and running soon in other off-grid locations.6
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFT<a href="http://www.graftlab.com/" target="_blank">GRAFT Architects</a> designed the autonomous business units using a kit of parts system that can be customized according to an area's needs.7
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTDifferent sized units provide for different business or power needs and modules can be grouped together to create even larger systems.8
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTThe solar panels will be manufactured centrally to control quality, but the modules themselves can be fabricated locally using materials akin to the region.9
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTAfter fabrication, the parts are flat-packed and shipped by whatever means is available - truck or even a donkey and a cart.10
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTUpon arrival, the units are easily assembled and ready for business quickly.11
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTEach kiosk will be staffed with local residents after proper training on how to run the solar systems and run a sustainable business.12
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTInstalling the solar panels and stocking the new kiosk with supplies and items for sale.13
- Solar Kiosk-GRAFTAssembly of the SolarKiosk almost complete.14