Are you in search of a cost-effective alternative to traditional geysers and heaters with high running costs? Consider the best solar water heater in India, a one-time investment that promises substantial savings on your electricity bills. This is particularly beneficial for large organizations, such as hotels, where hot water consumption is significant.
Solar water heaters operate by harnessing the sun’s energy and utilizing renewable resources for heating. The solar collector absorbs sunlight, whether directly heating water or a heat transfer fluid. This warmth is transferred to the water stored in a tank, offering an energy-efficient solution for producing hot water on demand.
Not only is solar energy clean and eco-friendly, but it’s also sustainable. Installation options include rooftops, top floors, or outdoor spaces where you get ample sunlight exposure throughout the day. Whether for domestic or commercial purposes, investing in a solar water heater geyser proves to be a wise decision. While the initial cost may be higher compared to other heater types, it’s a one-time expense with no maintenance requirements and no ongoing electricity bills, making it an ideal choice for long-term savings and environmental consciousness.
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What is a solar water heater geyser?
A solar water heater is a solar-powered appliance typically mounted on roofs. It consists of solar radiation collectors designed to face the sun and capture solar radiation. Cold water enters the vacuum collector tube at the initial level, where the collector absorbs solar energy, causing the water to warm up. As the temperature rises, the water starts to rise or warm and then moves into an insulated tank. This tank serves as a storage unit for hot water, ensuring it remains heated for extended periods. The insulation in the tank prevents heat loss, maintaining hot water availability even hours after use.
How does a solar water heater work?
The operation of a solar water heater based on collectors involves the absorption of solar energy by the collector, which warms the water in the vacuum collector tube. The warmed water moves into an insulated tank for long-term storage. The presence of features such as a thermostat, timer, notification system, and alarm enhances the functionality of this solar geyser kit, making it an ideal choice for harnessing solar energy for hot water needs.
Best Solar Water Heater
The best 200-liter solar water heaters
Supreme Solar 200 LPD Solar Water Heater (SS-003)
Key Features:
- Flat plate collector with Copper Tubes
- 5 years warranty for the solar tank
- Durable stainless steel SS-304 inner tank
- Corrosion-free system
Pros
- An ergonomic solar heater.
- The price range is also good for this.
- Their expert will install it after paying just 1500 rupees, which is quite a good thing.
- A most popular brand with great convenience.
- It comes with a year-long comprehensive warranty.
Cons
- It is a stainless steel tank, not a glass-lined
- It is only suitable for soft water and can’t be used with hard water
This is an impressive solar water heater geyser from SupremeSolar. The Supreme Solar 200 LPD Solar Water Heater (SS-003) features a stainless steel SS-304 Grade inner tank with a substantial capacity of 200 liters, making it highly suitable for various home uses. To optimize its performance, it is recommended to position the overhead tank at least 5 feet above floor level, ensuring a consistent water supply to the solar tank. This configuration makes it an excellent choice, particularly for households with three bathrooms accommodating 4 to 5 people each.
Sudarshan Solar Water HeaterWonder Ultimate 58 X 2100 GL Model (300L, White Color)
Key Features:
- 300-liter capacity
- Crystal blue-glass lining tank
- Corrosion- and scaling-free
- PUF insulation
- Compact size
- Low-height and lightweight
Pros
- Most versatile option.
- Larger capacity for commercial purposes.
- Available in five sizes.
- 10 years of comprehensive warranty
- Huge savings on electricity and fuel charges
Cons
- No electricity option to heat water.
Sudarshan Solar Water Heater – Wonder Ultimate 58 X 2100 is highly versatile in capacity and can be installed on both home roofs and commercial buildings to meet various bathroom needs. It is a lightweight yet durable solar water heater with a blue lining inner tank featuring a special coating that prevents rust and scaling. This 3-star Sudarshan Saur solar water geyser comes with PUF insulation, minimizing heat loss within the tank, ensuring a long operating life, and offering low maintenance costs. It provides efficient performance even in winter and partial clouds. Overall, it is one of the best solar water heaters, being compact in size, low in height, and lightweight, with a greater absorption area and auto sun tracking due to the circular shape of vacuum tubes.
Racold Alpha Pro Solar 100 Lpd Domestic Water Heater
Key Features:
- 100-liter capacity for home
- 58 X 1800 tune size
- Duronox Specially Treated Duronox Ss 304 L Tank
- Suitable For Hard Water
- Applications up to 1000 PPM
Pros
- Durable and rust-proof outer body.
- Patented smart float tubes for better safety.
- A specially treated inner container that resists corrosion.
- Suitable for hard water applications.
- Low-maintenance.
- Blends well with modern bathroom aesthetics.
Cons
- Low ratings
Let’s move on to the next geyser, the Racold Solar Domestic Alpha Pro Water Heater. It features the most durable heater with a stainless steel tank and a special coating that enhances durability, providing corrosion resistance for superior, long-lasting performance. Equipped with an auto-feed system and backup heating features, it ensures the desired temperature. Fully customizable with manual features for convenient use, it is an overall decent solar heater to purchase with a five-year warranty.
Mandhata Inventions 500 LPD ETC Non Pressurized GP, GI, SS tank GLC Solar Water Heater
Key Features:
- 500 LPD capacity
- 15 Years Tank Leakage warranty
- Durable build.
Pros
- Costly.
Cons
- It is a bulky installation.
Mandhata Inventions 500 LPD is another reputable solar heater brand, known for its quality offerings. Mandhata Inventions provides a remarkable 15-year warranty on their solar water heaters. The 500 LPD ETC Solar water heater from Mandhata is an ideal one-time investment for water heating solutions in hotels, commercial properties, and larger buildings. With 20 high-quality pipes and high-efficiency multi-crystalline solar cells, it ensures quick water heating. The Mandhata Inventions 200 LPD ETC Solar Water Heater comes with a storage tank and is suitable for both residential and commercial use.
Diman Solar Water Heater ETC 200Ltr
Key Features:
- 20 Tube
- 200L Capacity
- Metal build.
Pros
- Good price range
- Five years of warranty
- GI coating for a longer lifespan
- The tubs are made of borosilicate glass
Cons
- Not a well-known brand
The Diman ETC 200Ltr solar water heater is a decent option at an affordable price point for home installation. It features a 58x1800mm tube size made from borosilicate glass and a 1.5mm thick inner tank made of stainless steel with GI coating to prevent rust. Additionally, the outer layer of the tank is coated with powder to withstand winter, summer, and rainy seasons without leakage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters
Solar appliances, whether used in homes, offices, or agricultural settings, present an environmentally beneficial and economically sensible choice. However, when it comes to solar water heaters, understanding both their advantages and drawbacks is crucial.
Advantages of Solar Water Heaters:
Electricity Cost Savings: Installing a solar water heater leads to significant savings on electricity bills across various settings, from homes to large organizations.
Low Maintenance: Solar water heaters require minimal maintenance. Once installed, they operate efficiently without the need for regular fuel or part replacement, thanks to galvanized and powder-coated structures.
Environmentally Friendly: These appliances are eco-friendly, posing no harm to the environment in their operation.
Reduced carbon footprint: Opting for solar water heating not only makes a home more eco-friendly but may also open up opportunities for tax incentives tied to renewable energy use.
Disadvantages of Solar Water Heaters:
High Initial Costs: The upfront cost of purchasing and installing a solar water heater can be substantial, making it challenging for everyone to afford. However, it proves to be a one-time investment for those with larger properties, like hotels or residences.
Dependency on Sunlight: Solar water heaters are reliant on sunlight, making them less effective in areas with prolonged shading or snowy weather. Unlike gas or electric heaters, their performance is directly impacted by sunlight availability.
Types of Solar Geysers
When it comes to solar water heaters, understanding the types available is crucial. In general, two types dominate the market: evacuated tube collectors (ETC) and flat plate collectors (FPC). Let’s delve into each to determine their strengths and affordability.
Flat Plate Collector (FPC): Also known as a solar geyser, the Flat Plate Collector (FPC) stands out as a popular choice compared to the ETC counterpart. Its design features a durable, metallic construction in the form of a glass-covered rectangular box. The placement of interconnected copper pipes, facilitating water flow, adds to its appeal. Given its rooftop placement, corrosion resistance is paramount. To address this, FPCs come with enamel coatings, and various companies offer a range of coatings and anti-rust technologies to ensure longevity and reliability.
Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC): The full name for ETC is Evacuated Tube Collectors, and these systems utilize glass tubes to capture sunlight. These tubes consist of individual heat-absorbing plates within, collectively harnessing solar heat. While there are various designs available, they all operate on the same fundamental principle. Each tube essentially acts as a miniature greenhouse, efficiently collecting sunlight and converting it into heat. Exploring the diversity in designs allows users to choose an ETC system that best suits their specific needs.
Buying Guide for Solar Water Heaters
In the search for the best solar water heater or solar geyser, navigating through various brands, features, and quality standards can be overwhelming. Consider these key factors before making your purchase:
Solar Type: Choose between Flat Plate Collectors (FPC) and Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC). FPCs are cost-effective, easy to install, and have low maintenance costs, while ETCs are more efficient in heat transfer, boasting up to 163% efficiency.
Dual Function: Opt for a dual-purpose solar water heater for consistent performance even in less sunny conditions.
Size: Select a standard size that meets your requirements, balancing cost and effectiveness.
Safety Measures: Ensure significant safety features in construction materials, connected inlets, tanks, and other components.
Brand: Prioritize well-known brands for reliability and longevity.
Warranty: Look for a solar water heater with a 10- to 15-year warranty for added assurance.
Cost: Although more expensive upfront, consider the long-term savings on electricity bills when investing in a solar water heater.
Purpose or Use: Ideal for large offices or buildings, solar water heaters save electricity costs and offer a quick return on investment.
Climate: Consider the climate of your location and choose a multi-featured solar water heater if winters are a concern.
Geographical Location: The heating capacity of your solar water heater depends on sunlight exposure, working better closer to the equator.
Tank Quality: Ensure a rust-free tank with quality construction to retain heat for an extended period.
Certification: Confirm regional or national certification to meet standards.
Temperature Regulation: Opt for a water heater with a thermostat for temperature control.
Type of Collectors: Differentiate between FPCs and ETCs based on heating characteristics, durability, and suitability for specific climates.
Navigating these considerations will lead to a well-informed decision, ensuring that your solar water heater meets your specific needs efficiently and reliably.
FAQ: The Best Solar Water Heaters
Which is Better: Electric Geyser or Gas Geyser?
Which is a safe electric geyser or a gas geyser?
Synopsis
In this article, we have listed the top 5 solar water heaters, also known as solar water geysers. These serve as excellent alternatives to electric heaters and contribute to reducing electricity bills. They are well-suited for both commercial buildings and homes, with capacities as low as 100 liters, sufficient for 2 to 3 bathrooms.
