The necessity for a switch to renewable energy sources has risen as a result of the oil shortage and rising prices for electricity, gas, and other fossil fuels. One of these renewable energy sources, solar energy, is crucial to this effort, especially for domestic water heating. The solar water heater is one of the widely used solar energy harvesting systems used not only in India but across the world. Solar water heating system manufacturers in India manufacture different types of solar water heaters for different household requirements. Due to so many different options, somebody who is purchasing the equipment for the first time is often confused regarding the purchase.
Since so many people these days are interested in buying solar water heaters as a primary device for heating water in their households, this article will help them identify and choose the appropriate one for them.
Working of a solar water heater
A solar water heater is a device used to heat water for home purposes using solar energy. Solar energy is the endless supply of energy that may be obtained from the sun in the form of solar radiation. These sun rays are transformed into heat when they hit an absorbent surface. The water is heated using this heat. An array of solar collectors to capture solar energy and an insulated tank to hold the hot water make up a solar water heater. Both are linked to one another. The thermosiphon concept is used to automatically pump warm water from the solar collectors into the storage tank during the daytime. After that, hot water is kept in the tank for further usage, including bathing, washing dishes, and cleaning.
How to select a good solar water heater for your home?
Some of the points you must remember while selecting a good solar water heater for your home are below
- Calculate the system's economics for solar water heating.
- Consider your site's solar resource, including the number of days the Sun is present, the direction it is available, and the area where the installation is possible.
- Identify the precise system size.
- Obtain information about the available municipal laws, ordinances, and tax exemptions.
- Compare the features and costs of the offers you receive from various manufacturers. Additionally, look at their brand, reputation, and customer reviews of their after-sale support and services.
Factors to consider while selecting the best solar water heater
Some of the factors you must consider while selecting a good solar water heater for your home are below
- House compatibility for solar water heaters
Solar water heaters are obviously placed on the roof of your house where the panels and receivers get the maximum sunlight. Consequently, the position of your roof is crucial. Your roof should face south and receive plenty of sunshine from 10 am to 4 pm for the greatest results. So, before buying the solar water heater, you must consider whether your house is compatible with installing a solar water heater or not.
- Budget
The capacity of a solar water heater, the material used in the interior and external tanks, and the length of pipes required for water distribution all affect the cost of a solar water heater. Everybody has a different budget and it becomes very important to decide the budget before you go for the purchase. This is because solar water heater manufacturing companies in India make different types of solar water heaters which vary in shapes, sizes and price so if you know your budget beforehand, you will not find it difficult to select the right one for your home.
- Capacity of the solar water heater
The amount of hot water needed on a daily basis will determine the solar water heater's capacity. The amount of domestic hot water used varies on a number of variables, including the number of occupants, their age and lifestyle, the number of bathrooms, and the number of guests staying. In general, solar water heaters with capacities between 100 and 500 litres are appropriate for use in home hot water applications. Hotels, guest houses, hospitals, and other organisations can employ solar water heaters with capacities beyond 500 litres. Normally, 100 litres would be enough for a family of four.
- Quality of the solar water heating system
Some technical specifications have been set forth by India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for the installation of solar water heating systems in the field. For suppliers and manufacturers, these are necessary. Additionally, their website has details on the topic. You may check to see if the manufacturers and suppliers are adhering to them. If the ministry is notified of a manufacturer or supplier who is found to be ignoring any of these technical standards, he may be banned.
- Financial benefits like subsidies from the government
Solar water heaters are subsidised by the government. All Indian states have been classified by the Indian government, which offers subsidies ranging from 30% to 60% to various user groups and states according to a set benchmark cost. Therefore, you must pay the amount that remains after the government subsidy has been subtracted. So, if you are planning to buy a solar water heater for your home, make sure you know everything about the subsidies granted by the government and how to claim them. If you have no knowledge about them, make sure to contact a good supplier who will definitely assist you on this.
- Cost of the solar water heater
A 100-litre system is enough for a household of three to five people. Depending on the kind of system, the cost of a 100 litres per day system ranges between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 22,000 on average. The price may be 15% to 20% more in hilly or chilly locations like North India, North East India, or places with low temperatures. There might be some additional costs on this price but if you know the approximate cost, you will be able to decide on a good one based on your budget.
