The vending machines, powered by solar panels on the top and batteries for night or cloudy days, can be placed anywhere – ski runs, the beach, etc. Solar Energy Vending has been working on the concept for the machines since 2004.

While outdoor vending machines may be more of a surprise, it makes total sense that billboards should be powered with solar panels to light them at night. Pacific Gas & Electric Company just outfitted the first solar billboard in San Francisco. The 20 solar modules actually produce more power than the billboard requires, so it sends the excess energy back to the grid. South Africa is the only other place using solar powered billboards.

And for a more daredevil approach to solar power, a Swiss teacher plans to drive his completely solar-powered taxi (using no fuel) around the world, and will even pick up folks along the way – hence the "taxi."

It's inspiring to see innovation at work that uses natural resources so wisely.