How Can Solar Water Heater System Save on Electricity Bills?
Renewable as well as solar energy source are high in demand these days. Through a lot of marketing, support of government, and subsidies solar products are exceptionally well known these days in India. One such item is a solar water heater.
What is a solar water heater?
The solar water heater is a system that uses solar energy (or the energy from sunlight) to warm water. It has a system that is placed on a terrace or open space where it can get enough sunlight and the energy from the sun is then used to warm water and store it in an insulated tank. The system isn't associated with power supply and hence, does not have an on-off switch, but rather it utilizes the sunlight for the duration of the day to heat the water and store it in the storage tank. Water from the storage tank would then be able to be utilized for any application as wanted.
Different sorts of solar water heaters available in the market
There are 2 sorts of solar water heaters that are accessible in the Indian market:
- FPC (Flat Plate Collectors) system: These are metallic type systems and durable as well.
- ETC (Evacuated Tube Collectors) system: These systems are formed using glass and are fragile.
Both these sort of water heaters available with or without a pump. The Pump is utilized to shift water from collectors to the storage tank. Those without pump utilize thermosyphon rule to move water from collectors to storage tank naturally.
Which type is best to buy?
ETC systems are breakable yet are less expensive. They are likewise useful for colder areas where the temperature is below zero. Set up where the water is salty, these systems need regular cleaning because of deposition of salt on the glass tube’s inner surface.
FPC systems are durable, as they are metallic. However, they are costly than ETC systems. They can work in colder regions with below zero temperature yet will require an anti-freeze solution making the system cost. In locations with salty water, a heat exchanger is required with FPC system to maintain a strategic distance from scale deposition that can affect the heating capability of the system.
A system without pump (thermosyphon) is perfect for residential and small application clients (as it is less expensive) if water does not have high chlorine content. Those with pumps are useful for industries.
Does system work on rainy/overcast days?
Numerous individuals have worried that heavenly bodies won't take a shot at overcast days. Well, a system can still work if there is no overcast anymore (not exactly multi-day or two) as the system takes a shot at diffused radiation in the environment. A solar system can also be incorporated with a current electric system that can go about as a backup amid the days when the overcast is long. The electric system can switch on if the water temperature from the sun powered water heater goes down underneath 40oC.
Electric backup isn't needed in the solar system if you have a current electric water heater. If you don't have a current water heater, you can install an electric backup. You can likewise keep the two systems separate and utilize the electric system just when required.
Summing Up
Using a solar water heating system is the best option for purchasers, utilities as well as the earth. The future is renewable energy and in addition, making a use of it saves you a lot of money.