How Solvatten Works

Solvatten uses the sun to heat and purify water. When the container is filled with water and placed in direct sunlight for 2–6 hours, pathogenic microorganisms are exposed to heat and UV radiation and neutralized.

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Solvatten provides clean (see definition below) and warm water where access to water and infrastructure is still lacking or insufficient. It operates without electricity; no batteries or complicated filters are needed, and no spare parts are required. Solvatten can be used for at least 7 years, providing approximately 40,000 liters.

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Clean hot water in three steps

Fill & open

Each Solvatten unit consists of two five-liter containers. Fill with water and open the container like a book.

Place in the sun

The container is placed in direct sunlight, and the water is heated and purified by the sun’s UV radiation and heat.

Clean hot water

In hot and sunny weather, it takes about 2–6 hours. An indicator shows when the purification process is complete. Leave it out and the water reaches up to +75°C.

Time in the sun

When the outdoor temperature allows, Solvatten should be placed in a sunny spot. Because it is protected from wind drafts, the water heats up quickly.

While it heats up, microorganisms are affected by the UV radiation, and their protection and DNA structure are destroyed. Over time, a synergy effect occurs (photolytic effect) which sterilizes living organisms.

Kombinationen av värme, UV-ljus och exponeringstid gör att vattnet blir rent inom loppet av några timmar!

* Vad menas med rent vatten?

Solvatten has been developed and tested to achieve water quality in line with WHO guidelines for safe – “Safe” drinking water, E. coli <1 per 100 ml, and meets WHO’s highly protective technology standards.

Laboratories have specifically tested the water against E. coli, cryptosporidium, poliovirus, and rotavirus. Tests conducted according to the U.S. EPA’s Guide Standard for Water Purifiers show a 99.999% reduction or >5-log reduction. Cryptosporidium is a chlorine-resistant parasite.

The risk of microplastics has also been investigated. In the tests conducted, we have not seen any elevated levels of microplastics in connection with the use of Solvatten.

Solvatten’s ability to treat water while reducing the need for energy and fuel has also been reviewed and is continuously verified by an independent third party according to Gold Standard methodology.

Note: Solvatten does not remove minerals such as salt or chemical contaminants. If the water contains high levels of, for example, fluoride, salt, heavy metals, or other chemical contaminants, these must first be managed with an appropriate purification method before the water is used in a Solvatten unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?

On a hot sunny day, the process usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. In cloudier weather, it can take 5 to 6 hours. In thick clouds or rain, Solvatten is less effective.

What does the green smiley mean?

The green smiley face shows when Solvatten has received enough sunlight and heat. When the red sad symbol has turned green and happy, the water is ready and safe to use.

How much does it hold?

A Solvatten unit holds 10 liters of water. Under good solar conditions, it can be used 4 times per day, providing up to approximately 40 liters of treated water.

What kind of water can be used?

Solvatten is developed specifically for fresh water that may be microbiologically contaminated. The water should be as clear as possible. Water that is too turbid should first be strained or pre-treated with a simple sand filter according to the user instructions.

What does Solvatten not remove?

It is not designed for saltwater, heavy metals, chemical contaminants, or industrially polluted water. It should be used where the problem is microbiological contamination from, for example, animals, dirt, or unsafe water sources.

Does Solvatten work when it is cloudy?

Yes, in light cloudiness, Solvatten can still be used, but the process takes longer. In cold or overcast conditions or rain, the user should wait for better solar conditions. In variable cloudiness, the water can still be heated, but not as much as when it is sunny.

Is Solvatten a solar panel?

No. Solvatten is a solar thermal water purifier and water heater. It uses the sun’s heat and ultraviolet (UV) light directly in the water. Solvatten produces no electricity and requires no batteries, cables, or solar cells.

Is the water safe to drink the next day?

Yes, but treated water should be used within 48 hours. It is also important to store the water cleanly after treatment, for example, in a clean bucket with a lid and a tap at the bottom. (Scooping water directly from the bucket with a dirty cup is a risk, which is why we recommend a bucket with a tap).

Is Solvatten food-grade approved?

Solvatten is made of materials approved for contact with water. According to current technical information, no chemicals, such as bisphenol, are leached from the material during sun exposure.

Does Solvatten affect the taste of the water?

Solvatten normally does not affect the taste of the water. If the water tastes or smells bad from the start, the cause may lie in the water source.

Where does Solvatten work best?

Solvatten works best in areas with many sunshine hours and strong sun, such as tropical latitudes. It is particularly useful in homes, schools, health centers, refugee camps, and other environments where electricity, clean water, and fuel are limited.

How is Solvatten cleaned?

Lime juice is a fantastic and natural detergent that works well for washing the inside. Do this regularly with a little water, and you can use a handful of dry beans, rice, lentils, or felted wool balls to remove sediment and layers. Shake it around, rinse it out, and let it dry. Do not use sand or harsh detergents as they can damage the surface. Use a long or extended bottle brush to reach the bottom.

How long does a Solvatten unit last?

Solvatten is built for long-term use. On average, it works for about 7 years, and with careful use, it can last longer.

Why is hot water important?

Hot water makes daily life easier. It can be used for drinking, cooking, hand washing, personal hygiene, and caring for small children. When families gain access to clean and hot water, the need to burn wood or charcoal to boil water is also reduced.

How does Solvatten differ from other ways of purifying and heating water?

Solvatten is developed for households where safe water supply, electricity, fuel, and fixed infrastructure are limited.
It combines water purification and heating in the same 10-liter container. The sun’s heat and UV light act directly in the water over time. The process requires no solar panels, batteries, cables, fuels, chemicals, or filter cartridges.

This makes Solvatten particularly relevant where families need safer and hot water in their daily lives, but where electricity, wood, charcoal, or installed hot water solutions are expensive, unreliable, or difficult to access.

What do the alternatives cost over time compared to Solvatten?

Many solutions look simple or cheap at first, but the cost returns in daily life. Boiling with wood and charcoal requires fuel, time, and labor, and produces smoke. Improved stoves reduce fuel consumption, but the household still needs fuel. Solar cookers can heat water but often require active management and are primarily suited for cooking. Solar heaters can provide hot water but normally require installation, a tank, or pipes. Solar panels, batteries, and electric kettles require more components, higher investment, electrical expertise, service, and battery replacements. Therefore, solutions should be compared over several years of use: purchase, energy, maintenance, fuel, health, time, and daily labor. Solvatten has a low recurring cost because the energy comes directly from the sun and its use requires no fuel or consumables.

Is Solvatten the most cost-effective way to have clean hot water at home?

In the right context, Solvatten is hard to beat: clean hot water with the sun as the energy source, without fuel, electricity, batteries, chemicals, or filter cartridges that need to be replaced.

The real cost of a water solution is seen over several years. Wood and charcoal require money, time, and labor every day. Solar panels, batteries, and electric kettles require more components, higher investment, service, and battery replacements. Fixed solar heaters normally require installation, a tank, or pipes. Solvatten has a low recurring cost because the energy comes directly from the sun. Therefore, it is one of the most cost-effective and resource-efficient alternatives for households that need safer and hot water in their daily lives.