A hybrid photovoltaic-photochemical prototype for simultaneous energy generation and water purification in rural areas of Mexico

A hybrid photovoltaic-photochemical system was tested for the first time on field, under local climatic conditions and available water sources. Results show that after 3 h of sun exposure complete inactivation of E. coli was reached, and the lower irradiance received by the PV module was compensated by the cooling effect of the water being purified on top. Thus, this work demonstrated the feasibility of the SOLWAT system to contribute to palliate the lack of access to safe drinking-water and energy in developing countries, since, under real operation conditions,it was able to simultaneously produce clean water and electricity.