Hydropanels

Introduction

These can be set on the ground or on rooftops.



14:06 minute video about solar-powered, rooftop condensers.



According to a South African case study, "Small, local solutions can crack water crises"

Before you get started on any project, always be careful to check your local legal codes and policies. Some types of water harvesting are forbidden in certain places for a variety of reasons. 

North America

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Learn about which activities use the most water, to develope a plan on curring your own water footprint. In many cases consuming less will have a greater impact than harvesting water, though water collection may be your first step in your water conservation journey.

About Hydropanels


Source Hydropanels from Zero Mass Water These 350 lb water harvesting panels contain solar panels, an air filter, a mineral cartridge which adds calcium and magnesium, and a 30 liter water collection storage tank, which can be connected to a pipe which can be connected to your home spigot. A 2 Hydro Panel Install can cost between $5,500-$6,500, with shipping from Arizona, USA. The panels can produce up to 8 liters of water per day. They are warrantied for 15 years, and need around $100 of maintenance work every 5 years to replace the air filter and mineral cartridge. There is an app to monitor how the panels are working, for example how much water they are holding. These should work where outside humidity is anywhere above 10%.

Cons: These can be noisy, but have a quiet mode to reduce the fan speed and noise of the fans, but consequently this reduced water production. The mineral packs can also create a strange citrusy flavor, which is said to subside after a few weeks. During freezes the panels go into hibernation, which turns off the pumps and completely stops access to the drinking water.

Life Expectancy: Warrantied for 15 years with repairs/maintenance ever 5 years at roughly $100 per service.

Pro: Uses sunlight and atmospheric humidity to condense water out of air.

Con: Requires solar energy, meaning they may not work during the night or in cloudy weather. Requires humidity, so may not work properly in particularly dry climates.

Solution: Consider pairing this system with back-up options such as rain barrels, a grey water system, and/or a well with ground recharging infrastructure.

Fuel Types: Solar Panels

Additional Equipment

Green Roof

Rain Barrels/Butts & Cisterns 

Life Expectancy: 20 years.

Pro: Safely stores rain or grey water for later use.

Con: An turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, or be contaminated with dead animals that can fall/get trapped inside. I've found dead frogs who might have hatched but not been able to get out. Dead leaves can build up, leaching tannins into the water.

Solution: Install fixtures that will help keep wildlife and leaves out of the system. Make sure to clean these to prevent plugging and backups. Empty and clean out the container periodically.

Fuel Types: Water Cycle + Gravity

Alternative At-Home Water Harvesting Options

Air Conditioner Drip

One simple and cheap way to harvest water if you already own or work in a place with an air conditioner, is to divert the condensed water that drips out into a flower pot or flower bed.

Life Expectancy: A portable AC unit may only last 5-10 years, while a home unit is expected to last 20-25 years if properly maintained.

Pro: Simple solution of diverting condensed water to plants or a container, instead of letting it go to waste or causing damage to any structures it might drip on.

Con: Relies on a functioning air conditioner, which costs money, and produces dangerous emissions: both air pollutants as well as excess heat.

Solution: Switch to a green energy provider if possible to reduce emissions, and try to supplement your water harvesting options, so you don't have to rely on an A/C for the small amount of water it provides.

Fuel Types: Electricity and refrigerants which act as green house gases.

Water Recycling 

Grey Water 

Simple Greywater Systems For Your Home "A greywater system is used to take water that has already been used from places like your laundry, shower and sink and divert it to use in another purpose like watering gardens or landscaping instead of flushing it down into the sewer. Greywater is different from blackwater (aka sewage) because while it may have some residuals like dirt, hair, grease, etc from it’s first use, they aren’t toxic to the environment and the water can be reused in some applications." When using a grey water system for irrigation, it is important to be very careful in choosing "bath soaps, used homemade shampoos and biodegradable dish soap so as not to damage the soil, plants or watershed." Link talks about legal issues, installation costs, and design elements such as filters.

Toilet to Tap Water Recycling

Toilets can use grey water, function without water, or be a source of water depending on the type you choose, and the infrastructure around it. 

Tools & Resources

Landscaping Know-How

This may give ideas for how to capture and redirect water on the land, which can integrate well with rooftop water harvesting.

Organizations

Asia

USA

Oceana


South America


Maps

North America

USA


Grants & Funding

Oceana

Australia

Western Australia

Further Reading