Energy and clean, drinkable water are two privileges that we often take for granted in the United States. Energy is a luxury in some underdeveloped nations, as it is very difficult to make traditional means of conducting energy available in remote areas. Similarly, clean water is limited and not easily accessible. SunSaluter took both of these crucial needs and created a product that addresses both of them.
Developed by Eden Full, SunSaluter is a gravity-powered device in which solar panels follow the rotation of the sun, while filtering at least four liters of water a day. Solar-powered energy panels are heavy, expensive, hard to install, and do not harvest as much energy as possible, because they do not always face the sun. The SunSaluter rotates so that it is in sync with the sun, producing 40% more energy than traditional solar panels. Furthermore, the SunSaluter is easy to install, assemble, and maintain. While the SunSaluter is collecting energy, it is also purifying water, by having a drip mechanism attached to the end of the device. This innovative product solves two extremely important issues and is so simple that even a child can operate it. So far, there have been two successful projects in Kenya, and the product will soon be used in Peru and India as well.
Eden Full is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at Princeton. Starting from a young age, she was interested in engineering and solar energy. At ten years old, Full noticed that her solar panels were not getting maximum exposure to the sun. She began to work with ideas on how to rotate the panels, and at 19, Full had developed the SunSaluter. Instead of pursuing engineering for her own pleasure, or to earn a high income, Full focuses her attention on helping other people, saying: “I don’t just want to tinker because it’s fun for me. I want it to have an impact on someone else.” Eden was able to make a difference when she was young, by applying a great invention with a great need. As young entrepreneurs, we can follow her example of identifying a problem and creating a simple and innovative way to address it.
This is such a great example for entrepreneurs. It shows us that we to can make a big difference if we believe we can. Eden is a great example of someone who is fully using their right and left sides of their brains to the fullest.
As a Mechanical Engineer myself I am really impressed and inspired by this bright young women. Her desire to use God’s gift of engineering and tinkering to change the world is something I am really astounded by. This simple example of using her education and heart to change and improve the world give me a hope and a desire to do the same with my own similar skill set as a fellow engineer. As Eden continues to use her talent for philanthropic work I pray that I will be able to serve God through my major and education in this world. Keep changing the world Eden and continue to inspire people everywhere that God has a plan for all of us to make a difference in whatever skill set we have.
Lack of clean drinking water is a real problem in this world. Eden did a great job of recognizing a problem and finding a solution by continually adjusting her idea. This is a great story and a good inspiration for all entrepreneurs.
This business is extremely inspiring for me. As a entrepreneurship major I am interested in starting a non-profit organization that will benefit third-world countries. It is exciting to read beneficial current solutions to these third-world problems.
I think Eden displayed her problem solving skills well in recognizing that her solar panel was not getting the full amount of sun that was available and then solving the problem with new ideas. Eden’s desire to help improve the lives of others with her product and knowledge reminds us of the importance of serving others.