If you have a family of 3 people or more, chances are that you’ve thought about getting a solar water heater installed. The primary reason could be to save cost on energy bills but you also want to do your bit for environmental protection. Government incentives and subsidies make the proposition even more exciting. Solar water heaters easily beat traditional electric and gas water heaters by offering benefits you can’t ignore, some of these include:
- Saves you money:
A solar water heater can supply 80 percent of your hot water needs. On average, a 100 liter per day capacity solar water heater can save up to 1500 units of electricity per year. This roughly translates into a 3-4 years payback period. After which, you’ll literally have free hot water for the rest of the equipment’s life span which is often estimated to be 25-30 years. A lot of cost savings indeed! - Saves environment:
Electricity is produced using non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas which are infamous as greenhouse gas emitters. On the other hand, solar water heaters utilize 100% clean, renewable solar energy. In fact, a 100-liter capacity solar water heater can prevent 1.5 tons of CO2 emission. - Government subsidies reduce cost burden:
The Indian central and state governments provide a subsidy of 30-60% on the total cost of solar water heaters to the different categories of users. Also, there is an option for soft loans for the rest of the money to be paid. All this reduces the cost burden for the buyers and drives the adoption of solar water heaters. - Round-the-clock hot water supply:
Solar water heaters come with insulated water storage tanks to store hot water and make it readily available for use even after sunset. You can also add a heat pump to the solar water heaters for reliable round-the-clock hot water supply. - Low Maintenance:
Solar water heaters have no moving parts and therefore no tear, wear, or breakages, meaning, they are relatively low on maintenance. If the pump and antifreeze are considered, annual maintenance can see things work all fine without leaving you with expensive maintenance bills. In case you have hard water that is fed into the water heating system, you may need to descale the collector tubes as and when you face heating and water flow issues. But this can also be fixed using water softeners. - Rust-free, hygienic hot water for use:
Geysers are made up of metals that can rust. This can contaminate the water. On the other hand, solar water heaters often come with stainless steel and glass enamel tanks that prevent rusting. Thus, providing you with rust-free hygienic hot water and ensuring your safety.
Types of solar water heaters
The benefits are great, but before you zero in on the best solar water heater for your hot water needs, it is essential to know the different types of these systems available in the market. Each does its job differently.
Check our blog if you’re looking for more in-depth information: Shining some light on Solar Water Heaters
Pointers to keep in mind before choosing a solar water heater
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the information on solar water heaters, but the below pointers will give you a simplified guide to choosing the best solar water heater that fits your bill.
- Check if your house has a space for a solar water heater:
Solar water heaters are installed on the roof. Generally, a 100-200-liter system requires 6 sq. m space for installation. Besides, the location of the roof is crucial as well. It should be facing south to receive abundant sunlight during the day. - Determine the size of the system:
The size of the solar water heater is directly dependent upon the hot water requirement you have. The quantity of hot water is based on different factors like the number of people living in the house and their usage style. A 100-500 liter capacity water heater is sufficient for domestic application. - Select the type that best suits your need:
- If you have a large family and your house is located in a warm climate, a direct active solar water heater can be your best option considering overall cost and efficiency.
- If you are located in an area that has tropical weather all year round and low on budget, you can bet on a passive direct system.
- If you live in a cold region, an indirect active system makes sense as the heat-transfer liquid can operate well in temperatures that reach freezing point.
- FPC systems are made of metals like copper and aluminium and work well in tropical climates. They have high conductivity and lose heat to the surroundings easily. But these are budget friendly and require less maintenance.
- ETC systems are more efficient in absorbing and retaining heat due to the vacuum between glass tubes carrying water and the absorbing plates. These systems are suitable for both tropical and moderate regions. But can be on the pricier side and require high maintenance as these are made of glass.
- Choose the right tank capacity:
Selecting the right tank capacity and type of material used to build it is crucial to maintain a steady availability of hygienic hot water. Tanks should be thick and be able to retain heat for 60-70 hours to ensure you get hot water even during the night and on cold and rainy days. And these should be made of food-grade material to prevent rust and foul smell. - Work on your budget:
Though water heaters save you money over time, these can be more expensive than traditional water heaters. Depending on the hot water needs of your family, evaluate if it is worth spending on a solar water heater in the long run. You can research local codes, regulations, subsidies, and tax exemptions available to you that can reduce the cost burden.
Emmvee Solarizer: Your go-to solar water heater manufacturer
By now, you might already have a rough idea about which solar water heater is best for you. Emmvee Solarizer is a leading solar water heater manufacturer with over two decades of experience in the solar industry, and can easily help you in finalizing a system. You can opt for our best-of-breed solar water heaters, and we take care of the rest, from delivery, and implementation, to maintenance.
Some Solarizer products that you could consider:
- Solarizer Value
Solarizer Value is a value-for-money solar water heater. It comes in 100-, 200-, and 500-liter capacities to suit each customer’s individual needs. Its main features include the best quality tank and collector, PUF insulation, superior durability, easy installation, and more. - Solarizer Spring
Solarizer Spring is a top-of-the-line solar water heater by Emmvee. It prevents rust and inhibits bacterial growth in the collector and the tank thanks to its stainless-steel build and glass enamel coating – offering you and your family hygienic hot water. The system comes in 100-, 200-, 300-, and 500-liter capacities that you can opt from. Some of the industry-leading features of Solarizer Spring include uniform heating, corrosion resistance, glass enamel tank, tempered glass, and more.