The Solar Cube: Solving Emergency Water Problems

Spectra Watermakers, a company specializing in land-based water purification systems, has developed the Solar Cube, an off-grid fresh water maker. Powered by wind and solar energy, the Solar Cube holds a lot of promise for disaster relief and emergency preparation. Essentially, it is a portable fresh water supply. Imagine hurricane victims, left without electricity or running water for days, desperate for water. In comes the Solar Cube, using its reverse osmosis desalination system, which could literally be dropped off in someone’s front yard (as long as there’s a water source nearby) and immediately start producing potable drinking water.

And not just some water, but a lot of water. Spectra claims that the solar cube can produce 950 to 1500 gallons of fresh water daily. These units, recently on display and under scrutiny in Chile at the Western Hemisphere Information Exchange (WHIX), may have a wide array of implications, not only for disaster relief but also for the military in Iraq, village water supplies in underdeveloped countries, and more. It is no understatement to say that these solar and wind units could revolutionize emergency preparedness – yet another in a long line of positive applications for solar power.

The studies conducted at WHIX are the most comprehensive to date and will likely dictate the near-future of the Solar Cube. Studies range from disaster relief to desert conditions (e.g., Iraq). Results will be available at Spectra’s website.

Posted on October 3rd in Solar News by Dan.