- What are Renewable Energy Resources?
- What is Solar Energy?
- What is a "Solar Energy Device"?
- What is Solar Water Heater?
- How does Solar Thermal Technology work?
- Why use Solar Heating Systems?
- Why use Solar Water Heater?
- What are the basic components of a Solar Water Heater(SWH)?
- What are Solar Collectors, and how do they work?
- What is Insulated Storage tank and why they need to be insulated?
- What are the requirements for installing a Solar Water Heaters?
- Does this Solar Water Heater work in any climate?
- Is there any maintenance required for SWH systems?
- How does Solar Water Heating systems work?
- What are the Applications of Solar Water Heating Systems?
- Is Solar Water Heater a good investment?
- What are the benefits of installing Solar Water Heating Systems?
What are Renewable Energy Resources?
Renewable energy resources come from the sun, wind, oceans, rivers and plants. They are the oldest, cleanest and in most cases the most efficient forms of energy humans have at their disposal. Unlike fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, they will never run out and will not pollute the environment.
Right now, only 8 percent of our total energy use come from renewable energy resources. The other 92 percent are primarily made up of fossil and nuclear fuel sources. Fossil fuels have had damaging effects on the quality of our air, water and soil. In order for people to continue to live healthy lives we must increase the use of renewable energy sources.
The three most common natural renewable energy resources are SUN, WIND and WATER. The first and most important renewable energy is solar energy. TOP
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy. What is it, and why we may be using it as a major energy source in a couple of years. Solar energy is the energy that is produced by Sun. It is the oldest and most efficient form of renewable energy. Solar Energy is nothing but electro-magnetic radiation given off by the sun and received by the Earth. It is the world's most abundant, permanent source of energy. The amount of solar energy received by earth is 170 trillion kilowatts, an amount five thousand times greater than the sum of all other energy sources combined.
The amount of solar energy received by earth is 170 trillion kilowatts, an amount five thousand times greater than the sum of all other energy sources combined.TOP
What is a "Solar Energy Device"?
A device that is designed to perform certain function by using the free and natural Light Energy from the Sun is called a "Solar Energy Device". The function could be Heating water from sunlight, Heating Air from Sunlight, Producing Electricity from sunlight and also cooking food using Sunlight.
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What is Solar Water Heater?
A solar Water Heater is a device that helps us in heating the water by using the free and Natural Light energy from the Sun. The water can be heated to any desired temperature above normal temperature but cannot exceed the boiling point temperature (100° C)
"Every 15 minutes sufficient amount of energy from the sun strikes the earth which is enough to supply the energy requirements of the whole world for one year"TOP
How does Solar Thermal Technology work?
When the sun's rays hit certain types of materials such as copper and aluminum, they become very hot. Lining containers with copper and aluminum can produce very high temperatures. As water flows through these containers it is heated. This heated water can be used for pool water, shower water or to heat homes.
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Why use Solar Heating Systems?
Today, Solar heating is becoming more important than ever before. Natural gas and oil, which is burned to heat our homes and water, is limited. As reserves of gas and oil shrink, these fuels become more expensive. If more people began using solar heating systems, fossil fuels such as oils and gas would become less expensive and last longer.
Burning natural gas and oil in our heating systems also causes air pollution. Even electric water and space heaters cause air pollution indirectly, because coal and natural gas in burned to produce electricity in large power plants. So if more people use solar energy to heat the air and water in their homes, our environment would be cleaner.
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Why use Solar Water Heater?
Consider any place like House, Hotels, Lodges, Hostels, Industries, and Colleges etc., most (80%) of the energy consumed by these organizations is used for heating water whether they are in the form of Electricity, Gas or Oil.
Since major part of the energy consumed is for heating water, the need is to use an alternative way in which water could be heated by using the free and naturally available energy from the sun. This led to the introduction of Solar Water Heaters.
Since the Solar Energy is inexhaustible and is continuously available, we not only give importance in designing & manufacturing efficient and effective systems but also make sure that the systems once installed should provide years of dependable service. We work on the principle that "Solar Energy is an inexhaustible source of energy and hence increase in the life of the system meant increase in energy saving". Thus we commit ourselves to provide our customers a quality product at a competitive price.
"Solar Energy is an inexhaustible source of energy and hence increase in the life of the system means increase in energy saving."
The total number of Solar Water Heating systems that we have installed as on today contributes to the savings in Electricity in the order of MEGAWATTS. These savings go on increasing as years pass. We are looking for potential applications of this Solar Water Heaters in various organizations & Institutions to meet their hot water needs. We are committed to convert the figures of MEGAWATTS into GIGAWATTS.
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What are the basic components of a Solar Water Heater(SWH)?
The basic components that is required for the effective working of a Solar Water Heater are
- Collectors
- Insulated Storage tank
- Cold water supply tank and
- Pipeline interconnecting them.
Depending on the system, size pumps may also be included in the systems components.
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What are Solar Collectors, and how do they work?
Collectors from the most important part of the SWH systems because they serve the basic purpose of heating water. Solar Collectors tap the sun's rays to produce heat. Most solar collectors are boxes, frames, or rooms that contain these parts" (1) Clear covers that let in solar energy (2) Dark surfaces inside, called absorber plates, that soak up heat; (3) Insulation materials to prevent heat from escaping; and (4) vents Or pipes that carry the heated air or liquid from inside the collector to where it can be used.
Cover:
Many clear materials can be used as covers for solar collectors, but glass is the most common material. Glass can be made quickly and easily. The special glass used in the solar collector resists breaking and scratching. When sunlight passes through glass and hits a surface inside a solar collector, it changes into heat. Although glass allows sunlight to pass through, it also traps the heat produced inside the collector.
Absorbers:
The heat produced inside a solar collector is soaked up by metal sheets or containers filled with water. These dark-colored objects that soak up heat are called absorbers. Without absorbers, solar heating systems would not produce enough heat to warm rooms inside your house or Water.
Insulation:
Heat always tries to move from a hotter object to a colder one. Insulation is what prevents or slows down the movement of heat. Because insulation prevents the heat inside a solar collector from moving to the outside where the temperature is lower, it is an important part of any solar collector.
Vents and Pipes:
When a solar collector is working properly, the heat that it produces moves from the collector to an area where that heat can be used. If the collector's job is to heat water, then pipes, tubes, and pumps move water form the collector to water utility equipment or point.
Collectors are basically of 3 types namely Flat Plate Collectors, Vacuum Tube Collectors & Parabolic concentrating collectors. Solar Flat Plate collectors are the most widely used collectors for Water Heating systems because of their Simplicity in design, easy operation and Installation & they form a very good cost effective solution for hot water needs.
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What is Insulated Storage tank and why they need to be insulated?
All Solar water-heating systems need a storage tank to store the cold water that is to be supplied to the collector and to store the hot water that comes from the collector. Since the natural law says that any hot substance tends to radiate heat to its surroundings to get back to its lowest energy state, it is obvious that the hot water in the storage tank also radiates heat, thus to prevent this radiation and cooling of water, the storage tank is insulated with Rock wool and Aluminium cladding.
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What are the requirements for installing a Solar Water Heaters?
A shadow free area on the rooftop with enough of Sunlight. A cold-water tank at a height of 7 - 8 ft from the terrace level.
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Does this Solar Water Heater work in any climate?
Solar water heaters can operate in any climate. Performance varies depending, in part, on how much solar energy is available at the site, but also on how cold the water coming into the system is. Only during rainy season you will need a conventional backup system (Electric).
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Is there any maintenance required for SWH systems?
Solar Water Heaters once installed requires very little maintenance. Maintenance involves wiping the dust deposited on the glass surface once in 5 days. Wiping the glass every day will help increase the efficiency of the system.
Other important thing to be taken care of is to see that the main cold water tank from which water is supplied to the solar tank is always filled up to the level. Use of Automatic Level controller can help in maintaining an optimum level of water.
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How does Solar Water Heating systems work?
Solar Water Heating systems depending on the capacity can be made to work using 2 different principles.
a) Thermosiphon Principle Systems
A Thermosiphon system relies on warm water rising, a phenomenon known as natural convection, to circulate water through the collectors and to the tank. In this type of installation, the tank must be above the collector, As water in the collector heats, it becomes lighter and rises naturally into the tank above. Meanwhile, cooler water in the tank flows down the pipes to the bottom of the collector, causing circulation throughout the system. The storage tank is attached to the top of the collector so that thermo siphoning can occur. These systems are reliable and relatively inexpensive but require careful planning in new construction because the water tanks are heavy.
b) Forced Circulation Principle Systems
This type of is used for Solar water heating systems of capacity more than 2000 LPD. It uses a Pump and differential temperature controller to circulate and heat water.
Usage of Solar Water for any application where steam is produced using a boiler or Steam generator can save 70-80% on electricity or fuel bills.
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What are the Applications of Solar Water Heating Systems?
The different applications of Solar Water heating systems are 1) Residential water heating 2) Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hotel, Lodges etc. 3) Feed water to boiler in Industries to produce steam. 4) Textile Industries 5) Milk Dairies 6) Any processing application where hot water is required.
A Residence save can 70-80% on electric or fuel bills by replacing its conventional water heater with a solar water heating systems.
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Is Solar Water Heater a good investment?
Solar water heaters, both domestic hot water systems & commercial hot water systems may be a good investment for you and your family. Solar water heaters are cost competitive in many applications when you account for the total energy costs over the life of the system. Although the initial cost of solar water heaters are higher than that of conventional water heaters, the fuel (sunshine) is free. Plus, they are environmentally friendly. To take advantage of these heaters, you must have an un-shaded, south facing location (a roof for example) on your property.
However of all the Solar energy devices in the market, Solar water heating systems are found to be the most reliable, durable and are backed up by longest warranty period of all other solar energy devise. Solar Water Heaters are known to have the fastest repayment of investment. The larger the capacity of the system the faster is the repayment period.
"Of all the Solar energy devices in the market, Solar water heating systems are found to be the most reliable, durable and are backed up by longest warranty period of all other solar energy devices. Solar water Heaters are known to have the fastest repayment of Investment."
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What are the benefits of installing Solar Water Heating Systems?
There are many benefits to owning a solar water heater, and number one is, economics. Solar water heater economics compare quite favorably with those of electric water heaters, while the economics aren't quite attractive when compared with those of gas water heaters. Heating water with the sun also means long-term benefits, such as being cushioned form future fuel shortages and price increases, and environmental benefits.
In large factory canteens employing steam cooking & feeding of hot water at 90° C from Solar Water Heater to the boilers can save 70-80% on electricity or fuel bills.
Economic Benefits
Many homebuilders choose electric water heaters because they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive to purchase. However, research shows that an average household with an electric water heater spends about 75% of its home energy costs on heating water.
It makes economic sense to think beyond the initial purchase price and consider lifetime energy costs, or how much you will spend on energy to use the appliance over its lifetime. It is found that solar water heaters offered the largest potential savings, with solar water-heater owners saving as much as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric water heating.
Depending on the price of fuel sources, the solar water heater can be more economical over the lifetime of the system than heating water with electricity, fuel, oil, propane, or even natural gas because the fuel (sunshine) is free.
Payback vary widely, but you can expect a fast payback on a well-designed and properly installed solar water heater. (Simple payback is the length of time required to recover your investment through reduced or avoided energy costs). You can expect shorter payback in areas with higher energy costs. After the payback period, you accrue the savings over the life of the system, which ranges from 15 to 25 years, depending on the system and how well it is maintained.
You can determine the simple payback of a solar water heater by first determining the net cost of the system. Net costs include the total installed cost less any tax incentives or utility rebates. After you calculate the net cost of the system calculate the annual fuel saving and divide the net investment by this number to determine the simple payback.
If you are building a new home or refinancing your present home to do a major renovation, the economics are even more attractive.
A Hospital can save 70-80% on electric or fuel bills by replacing its conventional water heater with a solar water heating system for Bathing, Cleaning, Washing & Sterilization.
Long-Term Benefits
Solar Water heaters offer long-term benefits that go beyond simple economics. In addition to having free hot water after the system has paid for itself in reduced utility bills, you and your family will be cushioned from future fuel shortages and price increases. You will also be doing your part to reduce this country's dependence on foreign oil.
When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone.
Environmental Benefits
Solar water heaters do not pollute. By investing in one, you will be avoiding carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and the other air pollution and wastes created when your utility generates power or you burn fuel to heat your household water. When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions alone. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the upper atmosphere, thus contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Be a Smart Consumer
Take the same care in choosing a solar water heater that you would in the purchase of any major appliance. Your best protection is to consider only certified and labeled systems.
A Bright Future
A solar water heater is a long-term investment that will save you money and energy for many years. Like other renewable energy systems, solar water heaters minimize the environmental effects of enjoying a comfortable, modern lifestyle. In addition, they provide insurance against energy price increases, help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and are investments in everyone's future.
Water heating accounts for approximately half of the total energy used in a typical single - family home. An electric water heater is the single biggest energy user of all appliances in the home.
* Design and technical specifications are subject to change without notice.
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