Solar Water Heater & Its Working Principle

The solar water heater is one of the popular solar system devices that utilize solar energy. The solar water heater is a cheap yet cost-effective way to supply hot water for your home, and it also uses solar radiation or sunshine as fuel to heat water. We are blessed with unlimited solar power at no cost. In this blog, we will cover the key components and the working principle of solar water heaters.

Though the solar water heater or solar water heating system is the cheapest method of heating water, we don’t require to pay for the heat of the sun. It can be used for homes, hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, hotels, dairy plants, ashrams, hostels, swimming pools, canteens, and industries.

The solar water heaters are manufactured in different designs, but, they have common components:

• Solar Collector (helps in collecting solar energy)
• Insulated Storage Tank (its purpose is to store hot water)
• Supporting Stand
• Connecting Pipes and Instrumentation, etc.

Solar Water Heater Working Principle

First of all the Sun rays fall on the Solar Collector, which is consisted a black absorbing surface (absorber) that absorbs solar radiation, and transfers the heat energy to water flowing through it.

After this, heated water is collected in a tank, insulated to prevent heat loss. Then the circulation of water from the tank through the collector and back to the tank continues automatically.

An Insulated Storage Tank of a Solar Water Heater is useful to collect solar energy by collector panels to store hot water.

                                                           (Image Source: Slideshare.net)

Salient Features of Solar Water Heating System

• Fuel Saving- A 100 liters capacity SWH can save 1500 units of electricity annually.
• Beneficial for Environment- A Solar Water Heater of 100 liters capacity can prevent the emission of 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
• Total Life- 15 to 20 years of life span (durability) approximately.
• Costing- Rs.15000- 20,000 for a 100 liters capacity system and Rs.110-150 per installed liter for higher capacity solar water heating systems.
• Payback period- 3-4 years’ time duration for payback when electricity is replaced 4-5 years/when furnace oil is replaced 5-6 years/when coal is replaced. 
• Solar Water Heater has the longest warranty period as compared to other solar energy devices.
• Solar Water Heater is one of the most reliable and durable devices.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

Installation ID: #9150

Customer Name: Viveganand R

Address: Varanasi, Bidarahalli hobli, Next to NRI Layout, Near Mytiles showroom

City: Bangalore

Postal Code: 560036

State: Karnataka

Country: India

Product Installed: V-Guard WinHot TRU-HOT Solar Water Heater

Capacity: 200 LPD ETC

A solar water heater operates on a simple yet effective principle. It uses solar collectors to capture sunlight, which is then converted into heat to warm the water in a storage tank. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a typical solar water heater functions:

1. Solar Collector: The solar collector, often made of a flat plate or evacuated tubes, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat. The heat generated is then transferred to the water circulating through the system.
2. Heat Transfer: The heat from the solar collector is transferred to the water via a heat exchanger or directly into the water itself, depending on the type of system.
3. Storage Tank: The heated water is stored in an insulated storage tank to minimize heat loss. This tank is designed to keep the water hot for an extended period, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water even when sunlight is not available.
4. Continuous Circulation: Most solar water heating systems use a pump to circulate the water from the tank to the collector and back. This process continues automatically as long as there is sunlight available, maximizing the efficiency of the system.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

There are several types of solar water heaters available, each designed to suit different needs and climatic conditions:

1. Flat Plate Collectors (FPC): These are the most commonly used solar water heaters. They consist of a black flat-plate absorber, a transparent cover that allows solar energy to pass through, and an insulated backing to reduce heat loss.

2. Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC): These are more efficient than flat plate collectors, especially in colder climates. They consist of multiple glass tubes with a vacuum between them, which helps in minimizing heat loss and improving performance during low-temperature conditions.

3. Integral Collector-Storage (ICS) Systems: Also known as batch systems, these are a combination of a storage tank and a solar collector in a single unit. ICS systems are ideal for areas with mild climates.

4. Thermosiphon Systems: These systems rely on natural convection to circulate the water. As the water heats up in the collector, it rises naturally into the storage tank. Thermosiphon systems are simple and highly efficient in regions with consistent sunlight.

Benefits of Using a Solar Water Heater

1. Energy Savings: A solar water heater with a capacity of 100 liters can save up to 1,500 units of electricity annually, leading to substantial savings on your energy bills.

2. Environmentally Friendly: By using solar energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. A 100-liter solar water heater can prevent the emission of about 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide every year.

3. Long Lifespan: Solar water heaters are durable and have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.

4. Cost-Effective: The initial investment in a solar water heater can be recovered in a few years through reduced energy bills. You typically recover the investment in 3-4 years when you replace electricity.

5. Low Maintenance: These systems require minimal maintenance compared to other water heating solutions, reducing the overall operational costs.

6. Government Incentives: Many governments offer subsidies and tax benefits to encourage the use of solar water heaters, further lowering the cost of installation.

The key factors to consider when selecting a solar water heater

Factors	Details
Hot Water Requirements	Choose capacity based on household size: 100 LPD for 2-3 members, 200-300 LPD for 4-5 members, 500 LPD+ for larger families.
Type of Solar Water Heater	Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) for moderate climates; Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC) for colder regions or higher efficiency.
Climate Suitability	ETC systems are ideal for colder areas; FPC systems work well in warmer or moderate temperatures.
Material Quality	Look for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel for the storage tank and durable collectors.
Certifications	Ensure the product has BIS or MNRE certifications for safety and performance standards.
Installation Space	Check if there is sufficient roof space, oriented for maximum sunlight exposure.
Warranty & Support	Choose systems with a 5-10 year warranty and reliable after-sales service.
Budget & ROI	Initial cost ranges from Rs. 15,000-20,000 for 100 LPD; payback period is typically 3-5 years.

Applications of Solar Water Heaters

You can use solar water heaters in various settings, include

1. Residential Homes: Ideal for daily hot water needs like bathing, washing, and kitchen use.

2. Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Essential for maintaining hygiene and providing comfort to patients.

3. Hotels and Resorts: Cost-effective for providing hot water to guests.

4. Industrial Applications: Useful in processes that require hot water, such as in dairy plants and food processing units.

5. Swimming Pools: Efficient for heating large volumes of water in pools.

6. Canteens and Restaurants: Helps in saving costs for commercial kitchens that use large amounts of hot water.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Heater

When choosing a solar water heater, consider the following factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs:

1. Capacity: Determine the capacity of the solar water heater based on the number of people in your household and your daily hot water requirements.

2. Climate: Select a system that performs efficiently in your climatic conditions. For colder regions, evacuated tube collectors are more suitable.

3. Space Availability: Ensure that you have sufficient roof space for the installation of the solar collectors.

4. Quality and Warranty: Choose a system from a reputed manufacturer that offers a long warranty period to guarantee product reliability.

5. Cost and Budget: Consider your budget and look for a system that offers the best value for money while providing all the necessary features.

Why Choose Solarclue for Your Solar Water Heater Needs?

Solarclue offers a wide range of high-quality solar water heaters to cater to your specific needs. With competitive pricing, robust customer support, and a commitment to sustainability, Solarclue ensures that you get the best value for your investment. Here’s why you should consider Solarclue for your solar water heater purchase:

1. Wide Range of Products: Solarclue provides a variety of solar water heaters, including flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, and more, suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

2. Expert Guidance: Our team of solar experts is ready to assist you in choosing the right solar water heater based on your requirements and budget.

3. Affordable Prices: We offer competitive pricing on all our products, ensuring that you get the best quality at an affordable rate.

4. Quality Assurance: All our products are tested for performance and durability, providing you with reliable and long-lasting solutions.

5. Easy Online Shopping: With our user-friendly website, you can easily browse, compare, and order the best solar water heater from the comfort of your home.

Find the Best Solar Water Heater at Solarclue

Ready to make the switch to solar? Solarclue is here to help you find the perfect solar water heater for your needs. Visit Solarclue today to explore our wide range of products, or contact our team of experts to get personalized recommendations. Make a sustainable choice for your home or business and start saving on energy costs with Solarclue.

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