Solvatten Solar Can: Using the Sun to Clean Drinking Water

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Matt Embrey in Food+Drink, Gear+Gadgets

We take it for granted but access to clean drinking water is a huge problem in many areas of the world. Particularly 3rd world countries that lack the infrastructure to deliver potable water are forced to deal with what they have, which usually means boiling water before drinking it. This is an effective way of purifying the water, however, the fuel (wood or gas) needed to boil the water is a limited, and valuable resource as well. Enter the Solvatten…

clean water, invention, solar, third world

7 Responses to “ Solvatten Solar Can: Using the Sun to Clean Drinking Water ”

sealy mattresses

14. Jan, 2009

looks great but I wonder if the panels were made larger, would it then work faster cause the can is collecting more sunlight? it might not be the easiest to carry cause of the extra size and weight but some would probably prefer a faster solution

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Uncle B

13. Feb, 2009

Good Stuff!

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Willow

14. Feb, 2009

That’s barely enough water to drink and cook with for one person. These poor people with kids and no water are supposed to buy multiple cans and hope that the sun is gonna do it’s share?

The LifeStraw system makes much more sense.
http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw.htm

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Willis Whitlock

19. Apr, 2009

I have reviewed both solar can and lifestraw at http://willisays.com. Each has some good points. But neither is more than a short term fix.

Many places in Africa use a solar cleaning system that is comprised of a black tarp and clear water bottles. It is roughly the same thing. Each saves fuel for boiling water.

The LifeStraw is not really practical. A five dollar straw can provide a person clean water for a year. That sounds really good. But can you imagine walking around with a piece of plastic on a string. Every time you drink any water you need to use it?

Long term solutions are needed to keep people from dieing. Poor government is the main obstacle to access to clean water world wide.

I’m glad there are people inventing things to keep the water clean, but we need to do more than throwing our money at band aids. Where people lack clean water, yes, we should help them get it. But we should also help them demand access to clean water as a basic right that should be expected from all governments.

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Andang

20. Apr, 2009

quite an interesting stove. I think its the same principle as that of solar water desinfection. the problem lies in its cost for most people in the developing world will not be able to afford for it.

I hope if donor oragnisation can promote by subsidizing the cost, it will be a good thing.

From Cameroon

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leer

25. Jun, 2009

Wow! Looks great! But how much would this cost every poor family?

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