In many countries around the world the supply of electricity and clean water is often sporadic and of poor quality. Consulting and design company NOS is looking to address this problem with PhotoFlow, a two-in-one concept design that combines solar power generation with water collection and storage.
The PhotoFlow design is composed of eight identical triangular photovoltaic panels that are mounted on a 400 liter recycled polyethylene water tank. When assembled, the panels measure 2 sq m (21 sq ft) and form an octagon with a slope of 3 degrees that allows water to funnel into a central filter and continue on through a hose into the tank. The inner layer of the tank is covered with a coating designed to control levels of bacteria and fungi and keep the water potable.
According to the designers, the assembled unit would be capable of generating around 340 kWh which feeds directly back into mains power.