Solar-powered cash machines hit the beach

What do you do when you're out of cash but need an ice-cream while at the beach? Head to the nearest solar-powered beach cash dispenser, of course.

That is what the world's leading automated teller machine (ATM) maker NCR has in mind.

The company has demonstrated a battery-operated, solar-powered ATM that can be set up anywhere where there is enough sunlight.

Designed originally as an event ATM, the Handy Amounts in Remote Places (Harp) ATM can be used where power supply problems exist, and makes use of mobile communications such as GSM/GPRS where there is no dial-up infrastructure.

"The system can work anywhere where there's daylight," said Mark Grossi, chief technology officer of NCR's financial systems division, in a statement.

"In sunny parts of the world, even with high usage, continuous operation is possible. It could even be the answer to cash at the beach for more remote resorts with high levels of seasonal usage."

Harp uses two batteries, one running the ATM while the other is recharged using solar power, so it can potentially operate through the night.

Strangely testing took place near NCR's Dundee manufacturing plant in March, hardly comparable with the Costa Del Sol where the device is expected to operate continuously without battery changes.

But even in Dundee there was, apparently, enough solar power filtering through the clouds to have a positive impact on battery life.

NCR said larger solar panels were needed to achieve the performance achievable in hotter climates.

The University of Dundee cooperated with NCR on research. Students flocking to Dundee's Broughty Ferry seaside resort, boosted by global warming, could well appreciate a handy cash dispenser in the future.