Coca Cola India has successfully field-tested a solar-powered cooler (chest freezer powered by solar panels) with remote rural retailers who don't have any access to grid power. In addition to storing around 50 bottles of chilled coke, their eKOCool solar cooler also charges solar lantern and cell phones. Coca Cola India currently gives these units to select women entrepreneurs free of cost and they may sell such units to other retailers, in future.
What's surprising is, why are urban and rural retailers not considering solar energy to provide electricity to their shops? Many small retailers operate out of small/temporary structures where obtaining electric power connection is a challenge. Many of them borrow power from nearby shops or just use kerosene lamps, etc. There are so many retailers who are mobile and predominantly use kerosene based lamps.
Solar powered lanterns with LED lights are slowly getting popular with small retailers. Other solar initiatives have also been successful in bringing solar-powered lighting for retailers. But what about retailers who want to use electricity beyond just lighting? This Coca Cola India project has demonstrated that solar powered cooling is possible and with the reducing prices of solar panels, it may even become commercially viable in the near future.
Through the eKOCool project, Coca Cola has set an excellent example which can become an inspiration to tens of thousands of small retailers across the country. A solar panel system, battery, inverter and charge controller is all that people need today to generate their own electricity, where ever and when ever they want! Ready-made integrated units that combine all those components are available.
The cost of implementing solar power for all their electrification requirements may be a hindrance today, but considering that small businesses anyway pay a hefty amount for the real-estate and for other capital expenditure involved in setting up their business, a small additional cost for generating their own electricity might just be in their grip. Solar power may even be cost-effective and affordable for many retailers who currently have no way of getting connected to the grid.
The cost of implementing solar power for all their electrification requirements may be a hindrance today, but considering that small businesses anyway pay a hefty amount for the real-estate and for other capital expenditure involved in setting up their business, a small additional cost for generating their own electricity might just be in their grip. Solar power may even be cost-effective and affordable for many retailers who currently have no way of getting connected to the grid.
Have a look at the mobile cooling unit designed for Coca Cola. Such mobile units can be used by any retailer. Even if the retailer has a small shop in a certain location (in front of a super market, for example), they can always erect a mobile solar panel system in order to generate electricity required for their needs instead of being dependent on Government or the super market. Many retailers do not have access to any source of electricity and solar panels could just be the right solution for them.
Let us hope that retailers all across India will soon consider solar power for their electrification needs. Vendors need to come up with integrated and ready-to-use solar panel systems that are specifically tailored to the needs of urban/rural retailers and shop-keepers. A ready made solution that is easy to use and easy on the pockets might just be what Indian retailers are looking for!
