A computer known as Watly is said to be the world’s largest solar-powered computer. This computer was invented by a start-up company by the same name. The purpose of this solar powered computer is to ensure adequate provision of Internet services, electricity and water to communities across Africa. Watly, therefore, has the capacity to transform lives in rural and regional Africa. The Italian-Spanish start-up company created a computer that resembles a futuristic space capsule.
It is said there are around 625 million Africans living in Sub-Saharan Africa who have no access to electricity, with another 40% lacking clean drinking water. This is a large population that goes without essential services so the new computer provides hope and chance for a better, more quality lifestyle. According to Marco Attisani, the founder of Watly, this new computer provides infrastructure solution for a lot of people. Hundreds of millions of Sub-Saharan residents are expected to gain access to fundamental pillars of civilization.
Panels on top of computer
The system functions by using solar energy received via panels located on top of the computer. The solar energy is then converted to electricity and stored in a 140kwh battery within the computer. It comes with a patented water treatment system that can deliver clean water for domestic use. The capacity currently is 5000 liters of water per day. The solar powered computer also powers a connectivity hub that provides wireless Internet access to the population. Th Internet has a reach of 800 meters all round and comes with a station for charging mobile devices.
Apart from providing the basic needs of Sub-Saharan Africa, this solar powered computer is also able to stimulate economic growth within these communities. Plenty of local entrepreneurs are expected to start small and medium size businesses around Watly. It is expected that within a period of 8 years, there will be over 10,000 units of this computer all across communities in Africa with about 50,000 jobs created.