Solar Water Heater

A Solar Water Heater is a device used to convert sunlight into heat energy for water heating. The Solar Water Heating system consists of a horizontal tank with attached solar collectors. The hot water is stored in a tank which is insulated and it can be accessed at any time. Solar Water Heater is a cost effective way to produce hot water for domestic use. The Solar Water Heating systems have limited maintenance costs and fuel (solar energy) is unlimited, which makes it highly efficient and hassle-free.
Solar Water Heater heats up water up to 55°C to 70°C which is an ideal temperature for household purpose including bathing and kitchen use. Some of the solar water systems come with inbuilt electric heating systems for use on cloudy days. Hence these solar water heating systems can be used for any weather condition.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

Evacuated Tube Collector (ETC)

ETC’s are the most efficient collectors available in the market. The evacuated tube in principle is very similar to a thermos. The water or heat transfer fluid is stored in a glass or a metal tube which is surrounded by a larger glass tube. Since the space between them is a vacuum there is minimal heat loss. The tubes can be replaced individually whenever needed. Flat Plate Collectors can be twice as expensive as Evacuated Tube Collectors

Flat Plate Collector (FPC)

FPC’s typically consist of copper tubes which are fitted to flat absorber plates. A series of parallel tubes are connected at their ends by two pipes, i.e. the inlet and outlet manifolds. The assembly is placed within an insulated box which is covered by tempered glass. An average flat plate collector can contain approximately 150 liters of water. Having two such collectors will provide enough hot water for a family of four. Both of them work on the same solar water working principle.