Heating water is one of the biggest energy users in many homes. An electric geyser can easily add a noticeable amount to your monthly bill. A solar water heater does the same job using free sunlight.
The basic parts
- Collector — either evacuated glass tubes or a flat plate panel that absorbs heat from the sun
- Insulated storage tank — stores hot water so it stays warm into the evening and next morning
- Cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes
- Supporting stand to mount it on your roof
How it works
Most home solar water heaters work on a natural principle called thermosiphon. As water inside the collector is heated by the sun, it becomes lighter and rises into the storage tank. Cooler water from the tank flows down into the collector to be heated. This circulation continues all day without any pump or electricity.
The insulated tank keeps the water hot for many hours, so you get hot water in the early morning too.
Benefits
- Big savings on electricity or gas used for water heating
- No running cost for the solar part
- Long life — a good system can last 15 years or more with basic maintenance
- Less load on your home's electrical system
- Lower emissions
What about cloudy days?
Many solar water heaters can be fitted with an electric backup element inside the tank, which can be switched on only when needed during long cloudy spells.
Where should it be installed?
- On a shadow-free roof facing south
- Above the level of the bathrooms for good water pressure — or with a pressure pump where needed
- Close to the bathrooms to reduce heat loss in pipes
Water quality matters
Hard water can cause scaling inside tubes and tanks over time. In areas with hard borewell water, choose a system designed for hard water or use a softener, and plan regular descaling.
The bottom line
A solar water heater is one of the simplest, most cost-effective solar products you can buy. For most families, it pays for itself within a few years.
We supply and install Supreme Solar water heaters for homes, hostels, hotels and hospitals.
