SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS
Solar water heating system is a device that helps in heating water by using the energy from the SUN. This energy is totally free.
Solar energy (sun rays) is used for heating water. Water is easily heated to a temperature of 60-80o C.
Solar water heaters (SWHs) of 100-300 liters capacity are suited for domestic use.
4. Larger systems can be used in restaurants, canteens, guest houses, hotels, hospitals etc.
5. A 100 liters capacity SWH can replace an electric geyser for residential use and may save approximately 1500 units of electricity annually.
6. The use of 1000 SWHs of 100 liters capacity each can contribute to a peak load saving of approximately 1 MW.
7. A SWH of 100 liters capacity can prevent emission of 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEM
1. Solar Collector( to collect solar energy)
2. Insulated tank (to store hot water)
3. Supporting stand
4. Connecting pipes and instrumentation etc.
INSTALLATION IN MULTI STORIED BUILDINGS
1. In new multi storied buildings under construction, the system can be installed on the roof of the building with piping system designed accordingly for providing the hot water to the flats.
2. In existing multi storied building a small solar water heater can be mounted on the window sill/door sill towards the south-west facing wall similar to desert cooler.
STORAGE OF HOT WATER IN SWH
1. Hot water produced by the solar system during the day is stored in an insulated storage tank. The insulation of the tank is such that water should remain hot without significant drop in temperature for around 24 hrs. Thus water heated during the previous day should be available for use in the next morning.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FROM GOVERNMENT
The Central governments provide Incentives a solar hot water heater system in the form of cash subsidy at present.