A solar-powered shower could curb hygiene-related diseases recorded in poor countries

Jan 9, 2012 15:48 GMT  ·  By
Solar-powered cheap shower, developed by Michael Kilbane in an attempt to decrease the incidence of hygiene-related diseases
   Solar-powered cheap shower, developed by Michael Kilbane in an attempt to decrease the incidence of hygiene-related diseases

Water is a limited resource that has to respond to the ever-growing demand of 7 billion people. Since water scarcity crisis is linked to a series of hygiene-related diseases, an Irish inventor has come up with an ingenious, cost-effective idea involving renewable power.

Michael Kilbane has invented the solar-powered shower, depending on a water jug painted in black to harness sunlight, a tank, a lost of rope and a pulley system which is easy to implement.

All in all, the entire manufacturing process is considered a child's play. The water jug acts as an efficient showerhead, displaying 2-millimeter holes.

The size of the holes is considered ideal to help preserve water, when the shower isn't being used. Since raw materials and solar power are available almost everywhere, the affordable prototype has a lot of potential.

It could become even greener, by involving recycled materials, diverted from landfills. So far, the health benefits offered by this simple solution is inspiring the inventor to open his very own line of business.