How Solar Water Heaters Work: Benefits, Installation, and Costs

Whether it’s winter or summer, a water heater (geyser) can be found in almost every household. Over the years, the choices in water heaters have become more extensive with the focus gradually shifting towards being environmentally conscious. Lately, solar water heaters have gained quite a lot of popularity due to their energy and cost efficiency by utilising the sun’s energy to heat water. You might have heard of a solar water heater, but have you wondered how does it works? This article will help you understand the workings of a solar water heater and why it is worth the investment.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

Solar water heaters are geysers that convert the sun’s rays into heat for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. They are designed with panels that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy. This heat is then transferred into storage tanks, which help provide hot water. It consists mainly of solar collectors and storage tank. Here is how these components work together to provide hot water:

• Solar Collectors: Solar collectors are mounted on the roof where they can receive maximum sunlight. These collectors absorb solar energy and convert it into heat. The most common types of solar collectors used are flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat-plate collectors have an absorber plate covered with a texture toughened glass, while evacuated tube collectors consist of glass tubes containing metal absorber tubes.

• Storage Tank: The water that is heated is stored in an insulated tank ready to be used. The tank is designed to keep the water warm for longer, ensuring a steady hot water supply even when there is no sunlight.

Benefits of Using a Solar Water Heater

Now that you’ve understood how a solar geyser works, let’s explore the benefits of a solar geyser, and why it should be your next investment:

• Energy Savings: One of the biggest advantages is the reduction in energy consumption. A solar water heater significantly lowers the need for electricity or gas, which can result in substantial savings on utility bills. Solar heating often meets up to 80% of a household’s hot water requirements.
• Environmental Impact: Since it uses renewable solar energy, a solar water heater produces no greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it an eco-friendly option, reducing carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner environment.
• Low Maintenance: Solar water heaters are durable and require minimal maintenance. They tend to have less issues with fewer mechanical components than traditional water heaters. Regular cleaning of the collectors and occasional system inspection are usually all needed to keep it running efficiently.

Installation Process and Associated Costs

Let’s understand the installation process and the costs associated with the solar water heaters:

• Initial Purchase and Installation Cost: The initial investment includes the cost of solar collectors, a storage tank, and other system components, along with installation fees. In India, the price ranges from INR 20,000 to 50,000, depending on the system’s size, specifications and installation complexity.
• Site Assessment:  A site assessment is necessary to determine the accurate location for the solar collectors before installation to determine optimal performance. The roof should receive ample sunlight, ideally facing south with minimal shading.
• Mounting the Collectors: Solar collectors are mounted on the roof at an angle that maximises sunlight exposure. Proper installation ensures the system captures as much solar energy as possible throughout the year.
• Insulation and Testing: All pipes and tanks should be appropriately insulated to maximise efficiency. After installation, the system is tested to ensure it is operating smoothly and safely.  
• Maintenance Costs: While solar water heaters require minimal upkeep, occasional costs for routine inspections, cleaning, or minor repairs exist. Despite these periodic expenses, maintenance costs are lower than those of traditional water heaters.

Conclusion

Solar water positively impacts every aspect, from reducing energy costs to promoting environmental sustainability. Understanding how the system works, the installation process and the costs involved can help decide whether to invest in one. Although the upfront expenses may be higher than conventional water heaters, the long-term benefits and savings can outweigh the initial investment. So, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy bills, investing in a solar water heater could be the smart choice for a sustainable future.