Solray

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,800.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Technology for Tomorrow

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Solvatten Solar Safe Water System.

Manufacturing/Building Method

The Solray solar water heater device is individually manufactured by t4t in their workforce based in Kampala, Uganda.

Intellectural Property Type

Trade Secret

User Provision Model

Users can obtain this product directly from the manufacturer.

Distributions to Date Status

57 devices have been distributed, from which 30 are in schools in Wakiso and Luweero districts and 27 in across households in Kampala, Uganda. Interview with representative

Design Specifications

Design specifications include a water tank (12 depth x 250 width x 400 length mm) made from galvanized or mild steel plate with a glass sheet cover, and both the tank and glass are enclosed in a wooden box. Above the wooden box is a water reservoir or a connection to a water supply. The hot water that comes from the box can reach up to 80 ºC.^{Interview with representative} The water tank can be used alone or connected in series to multiple tanks.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The solar water heater is installed by t4t, technical support is unknown. However, for further support users must contact the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

Available from the manufacturer.^{Interview with representative}

Lifecycle

5 - 7 years. Over 7 years when galvanized steel is used.^{Interview with representative}

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

None

Vetted Performance Status

The manufacturer found that the product needed to improve the circulation of the water through the hot reservoir and that it should be constructed with materials that don't easily rust, such as galvanized steel metal sheets.^{Interview with representative} The temperature of the water was an average of 65ºC with a high of about 80ºC. The product didn't rust for about 2-3 years.^{Interview with representative}

Safety

There are no potential hazards reported to the use of this product. To pasteurize drinking water, the water must be heated to 55ºC. This requirement is exceeded with this device as it heats water up to 83ºC.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

None

Evaluation methods

None

Other Information

The production of this product has been suspended since 2012.^{Interview with representative} t4t commercializes sanitary pads made from papyrus and paper waste (called Makapads) and interlocking stabilized soil blocks (ISSBS), stronger and more durable than the traditional fired brick. Some case examples can be seen on the organization's Facebook page.