Are you concerned about huge electricity bills resulting from using geysers?
The solar-powered heaters for water are the solution as they heat water through the sun. They are placed on a floor that receives lots of sunlight. India being a tropical state, has a bright sun.
Many of the most well-known solar water heaters contain a capacity for storage which is ideal for larger households by 2022. They’re cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
11 Best Solar Water Heating Systems in India
1. Supreme Solar 200
This is a fantastic solution for any Indian household. The materials used are stainless steel, which helps keep it warm. It has a powder coating that ensures durability under all weather conditions. Its capacity is 200 liters, which is more than enough.
If the weather isn’t ideal for a good day, the backup power of 2KW could be sufficient. The maximum temperature that could be reached is 85 degrees. Solar cells can be quite strong, and, as a result, the healing process is rapid. The product also comes with a five-year warranty. It requires an installation space of 2 x 2.5 m.
2. GreenLife GI Solar Water Heater
Domestic and commercial models are usually chosen if we are looking to purchase solar-powered water heaters. GreenLife has made it simpler by introducing an all-solar water heater suitable for both needs. The durable tubes, and the well-insulated tank, provide heated water that is well-insulated. Additionally, the heater can last for a long period because of high-end materials. The built-in electric heater can be useful during non-sunny days.
There are many complaints about electric heaters being destroyed rapidly. There is no need to be concerned about buying this GreenLife solar heater. The tank is coated with epoxy inside and outside for longer life. The strong frame and construction of the equipment can withstand any weather condition.
GreenLife has been making water heaters for a lengthy period. The company is aware of the customers who want the best electric water heater. Therefore, they have provided a 5-year warranty to ensure customers of the quality of their product. They are also quick when responding to complaints about any of their products.
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3. Racold Alpha Pro Solar
An Indian water heater must have an adequate capacity, and with 100 liters of capacity, this model is not a disappointment. It’s perfect for families with 4 members. It is equipped with Smart Float Technology which assists in removing large air vents. Another benefit is that it can handle hard water with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
This model is also available in various sizes, such as 100 LPD, 200 LPD, or even 300 LPD. The vacuum tube used measures 1800 millimeters in length and is very energy efficient.
4. Saur Shakti Stainless Steel Solar Heater
If you’re buying solar water heaters, It is clear that the water has to remain hot. Saur Shakti provides high-density PUF insulation inside the tank of the heater. It allows the water to stay hot throughout the evening, which means you will be able to have hot water all day long. The container is made from galvanized iron that prevents corrosion and scaling.
Galvanized steel is great and offers the durability of the solar heater. Weather conditions will not damage the 3T glass tubes. Sudarshan is also paying careful attention to the base, as it gives the proper stability. Due to the absorption capability that the tube has, the water is rapidly heated and then can reach the tank. The entire body of the heater can withstand pressure, making it an ideal option for any household.
Sudarshan, the company that manufactures Saur Shakti heaters, is owned by Sudarshan. Saur Shakti heater has been making them for thirty-plus years. The company is also endorsed as a business by the Government of India. Therefore, you are purchasing that comes from the top firms. They also have highly-trained experts who can install the heater and handle any problems. This is why it’s among the top solar water heaters available in India.
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5. Hakke Industries Energy Solar Water
The Solar Water Heater consists of three Borosilicate tubes, which are extremely efficient in heating water. The material used to make the outer coating of the tube is Copper, Aluminum, or other material that absorbs heat. It comes in a size of 150 LPD.
This means it can be used for residential as well as commercial needs. The highest temperature of heating that can be attained is 80 degrees, and the healing time is about 5 hours. Overall, it is one of the most efficient solar heaters currently on the market.
6. The Mandhata invention 200LPD Water Heater
The solar water heater manufactured by Mandhata Inventions does a fabulous job of heating water as swiftly as possible. It has multi-crystalline solar cells which capture the sun’s energy and use it for heating. You will surely receive hot water all day, and it is essential, particularly in winter.
Durability is essential in any solar heater, so Mandhata Inventions provides it in this solar water heater. It will be well-maintained during the worst conditions. You can be confident about the quality of this solar heater. It is important to make this solar heater last an extended period.
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7. V-Guard Win Solar Water Heater
It is essential to purchasing items that have a good design. V-Guard has made sure to make the solar water heater durable and compact in its job. Glass pipes that have been evacuated can absorb more heat and do their work faster.
As one of India’s top solar water heaters, the proper PUF insulation is included in the tank constructed of premium stainless steel. It even has an organic layer so that the water in the heater is safe for you. We recommend that you buy this ISI Electric backup heater so that the heater will also help you on rainy days.
Indian houses require an electric water heater that’s sturdy and small. In addition, we want to have a product that requires minimal maintenance. V-Guard has attempted to meet these standards by creating a perfect solar water heater for homes. It is cost-effective since it is powered by solar energy. Because of the advanced technology employed to make this water heater, it will help shortly.
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8. Ceramic Line of ETC
It is a 100% Indian-made product. It is a sturdy product that is intended for long-term use. Its capacity is 100 Liter, sufficient for families of four-five people. However, it’s also unsuitable for commercial uses. The water heater is covered by an enormous warranty of 15 years to ensure that you can have a clear idea about the quality of the construction.
It’s a multi-color product, and the tubes are the length of 1800 mm as well, as the diameter is 58 millimeters which allows the efficient heat of the water. It’s a decent product, but it is not our first option.
9. Solarizer Anywhere Solar
It comprises three-layered solar Collectors constructed of vacuum Tubes capable of absorbing up to 94 percent of the sunlight that enters. It’s extremely efficient during rainy conditions. This solar comes with an additional electrical power backup. Heating is rapid while the tank is constructed of high-density PUF, which aids in keeping it warm.
Additionally, an auxiliary tank reduces stress over the overhead tank. The manufacturer offers free service within the initial year and gives a five-year warranty.
10. Solarizer Gray and Blue
It is a high-end water heater that is available in various sizes, including 200, 100, and 500 Liters or 500 Liters. It is suitable for all kinds of uses. The substance used for the construction is Stainless Steel, and as a result, you do not have to be concerned about the build quality.
The plate-absorber with the German coating offers ample space for absorption while emitting virtually no radiation. In the end, the heating performance is outstanding. Additionally, the glass-enameled tank stops the growth of Bacteria or Rust, which ensures cleanliness.
11. Spectrum 150 LPD
Spectrum’s greatest benefit of this water heater is that it needs minimum or no maintenance. It utilizes a triple-coated glass tube, which helps to provide high-efficiency heating. It’s very simple to set up an absorb percentage of 93 percent.
The frame is weatherproof, which is very beneficial in India. Additionally, it can be used with hard water too. The tank’s design lasts for a long time and can be seen by the absence of rivets. The storage tank is not able to get corroded easily. We also did not detect any scale in the tubes, either. This is certainly something we recommend to everyone.
Aspects to Consider When Buying the Solar Water Heater
- Water Source: Before opting for any solar heater, you should know a bit about your water source, whether it is soft or hard. Because depending on the water source, you can decide if you need a direct solar heater or an indirect one. Direct solar heaters are solely meant for soft water, while indirect heaters are meant for hard water.
- Tank: your tank must be anti-corrosive and should be able to captivate heat for a long duration.
- Types of Collectors: Before getting into any kind of solar water heater, you should know whether it is having an FPC type of collector or ETC. Because both the collectors have different heat retention capacities and based on it, they are in different climate types. As ETC has a high heat retention capacity, it is used in temperate as well as tropical climates. Whereas FPC, having low heat retention capacity, is suitable for tropical climates only.
- Size: Your family size plays a crucial role in deciding what size of the solar heater you would require. And the size of the solar heater is measured in LPD(Litre Per Day). So, if you have a small family of 2-3 people, a small solar heater of 100 LPD will be sufficient. While for a big family, a big solar heater of 500 or more LPD will work well.
- Temperature Regulation: Many solar heaters have an adjustable temperature setting. So, you should opt for solar heaters with such functionality as it would help you in temperature control.
- Warranty: Mostly, solar heaters have a warranty period of 5 years. But, if maintained properly, they can have a longer life.
Are Solar Water Heaters Worth In India?
India is a tropical land which experiences all different seasons in equal amounts. So, what can be a better place than India for solar heaters? Because, on this diversified land, even if it is cold, you will get to see the sun. And, when it is the winter season, we all need a bucket full of hot water for bathing. Am I right?
I know many people would be worried about the budget because solar heaters are not free of cost. You have to invest a part of your money into it. But wait, I have good news for all of you.
As solar heaters are, in one way, an eco-friendly method for conserving nature, the Government has released many subsidy programs for supporting solar heaters. So, now you can relax and think about having a solar water heater for your home.
How does a Solar Water Heating System Work?
The question of the era: How exactly does the solar water heater work? Well, we all know that solar heaters generate hot water through the sunrays. Now, there is not one specific way that a solar heater is used.
Some solar heaters use direct heating systems, while some might be using indirect methods. It usually depends on various factors like the water source type, climate you are living in and much more.
That’s why, here, I will be telling you the various types of systems that a solar heater is usually having.
Active Solar Water Heaters
As the name suggests, these solar heaters actively circulate water through their several associated pumps. Now, how is it able to do it? Let me tell you.
With their large family of numerous pumps, an electric collector, an emergency heating system, a storage tank, and some controls, the active solar heaters are able to execute the water heating process much more effectively.
These active solar heaters have two variants: Direct solar heaters and indirect ones. So, let me give you all an insight into these two active solar heater variants.
Direct Solar Water Heaters
Direct solar heaters are well-known for generating hot water on the spot, and they work very well in super hot areas like India. But how is it able to do the on-the-spot heating?
Well, these solar heaters are directly connected to the heating loop. So, the water directly gets heated, and the hot water is then passed to the tanks for delivery. And, the best part is here, you won’t face any issues related to anti-freezing or overheating.
The direct solar heaters also have two variants:
Flat Plate Collectors
These solar heaters generate hot water through their flat construction. Let me tell you how they are doing it. These solar heaters have flat plates that are connected to horizontal pipes called headers and vertical pipes known as risers.
Now, what do the risers and the headers do? Well, risers are helpful in heating up the water, while headers deliver the heated water to the tank. So, you can see how actively the flat plate collectors work.
But, the flat plate collectors are not durable enough. But, a tempered glass covering can make them durable. Such collectors are known as glazed flat collectors. We would always suggest you have glazed flat collectors due to their strong durability.
Collector Based System
We all know that all sorts of solar heaters have a strong collector system for holding the heat, which eventually the solar heater uses to warm up the water. There are actually two types of collector systems:
Evacuated Tube Collectors (ETC)
We know that flat plates are not so durable, and they are not good heat absorbers. So, you can expect to have a considerable heat loss through the flat tubes. But flat tubes are needed for proper water transfer. So, what to do?
Well, to solve this issue, the concept of evacuated tube collectors(ETC) came into existence. Here, to prevent heat loss, two things are done. Firstly, all the tubes are well coated with the thermal absorbers and second, a vacuum is created between the plates. So, eventually, there wouldn’t be any heat loss, leading to perfectly hot water transfer.
Which Solar Water Heating System is More Effective – ETC or FPC?
ETC or FPC – what to choose? Well, this is a long debate. But let’s cut it short. In my opinion, opting for ETC will be a better option. Why? Well, it has two benefits. Firstly, they work very well in high-temperature regions, and second, they are highly cost-efficient.
And, do you know one best thing about ETC? It’s super heat absorbing capacity, unlike the FPC. Having a thermal absorbent coating, it is able to have minimum heat loss. So, you will have perfectly warm water through ETC. Moreover, ETC is highly durable, with a life span of 20 to 25 years.
Heat Pump Systems
What if you could switch your solar heater to the heater? You might not believe it, but this is possible. And the heat pump system is completely based on it.
Thinking about how the heat pump is able to do it? Well, it comprises various control features through which it can switch between the solar heater and the heat pump. And this switching usually depends on the current weather scenario.
Passive Solar Water Heaters
You can consider the passive solar water heaters to be the indirect methods of getting hot water. Confused? Let me clear it out. You might be aware of one common method of making hot water, and that is painting your water tank in black.
As black is a good conductor of electricity, the water tank will become extremely hot due to solar heat, thus indirectly warming up the stored water.
So, here, you are not required to have tubes and pipes for water transfer. However, there are great chances of overheating.
Indirect Solar Heaters for Water
In the indirect systems, water is heated using solar energy but in an indirect way. But how is it possible? Well, they use a heat transfer fluid, propylene glycol, for this.
Propylene glycol has an anti-freezing quality. So, it becomes perfect for winter usage. Now, during winter, the indirect solar heater will heat this fluid and mix it with water. And you will start getting hot water. And the best thing is the indirect solar heater is highly durable. So, you can expect to have a long-lasting bond with it.
Thermosiphon Systems
The thermosiphon system has a unique construction and a working methodology. Unlike the other solar heaters, the thermosiphon comprises a storage tank instead of a collector system. And, instead of pumps, water is transferred through the inclined pipes.
Just like its unique construction, the thermosiphon also operates in a unique way. The heated water moves in an upward direction because of the inclined pipes, and it finally reaches the storage tank. And the same process continues in a circular way.
Collector-Cum-Storage
The collector-cum-storage is commonly known as an integrated collector storage system. In this system, water is collected in a storage tank. And there are collector plates which store solar energy in small batches. Finally, when a sufficient amount of energy is collected, water is heated.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Solar Water Heating Systems
Besides heating water in an eco-friendly way, solar water heaters have numerous benefits. I know you might be excited to learn about them. Well, let me share their benefits with you.
Secure for the Environment
Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat the water. So, it is not going to consume the electric energy. And, so it is totally safe for our environment.
Moreover, by using solar water heaters, we are indirectly making a small contribution to saving our environment. And that’s the reason why many states in India, like Haryana, have made it compulsory for every single home to have solar water heaters.
Efficient Heating
Many people think that solar heaters do not provide efficient heating like electric heaters and geysers. But, believe me, this is completely a false notion.
Today’s solar heaters have insulated interiors, which help the water to stay warm for a longer duration. Moreover, many solar heaters, being good heat absorbers, prevent heat loss. Solar heaters can warm your water at a maximum temperature of 70 deg C. Isn’t it amazing?
Electricity Is Not Necessary for Operation
Imagine it’s a winter morning, and you need hot water for bathing in your electric heater. But guess what? The electric power is gone.
Now, what will you do? But, if you could have a solar water heater, then you wouldn’t have to wait for electricity. So, by using solar heaters, you will remove your dependency on electric heaters and geysers.
Cost-Effective
Tell me one thing: how much electric power does your electric heater or geyser consume? Of course, it would be more. And your electricity bills will certainly tell you. So, using electric heaters can cost you a lot of money.
On the contrary, as solar heaters do not use your electric power, there is no question of getting a high electricity bill due to their usage. It’s just a one-time investment that would not cost you a single penny in the future.
Long Lifespan With Minor Repair Products
Your electric heaters might not function well after some age. Your geysers would also stop working well after some definite time.
But solar water heaters will always have a long-lasting binding with you once you purchase them because solar heaters are highly durable and strong. They will just need a sort of maintenance that also at an interval of 5-10 years.
Drawbacks Of Water Heaters
When solar heaters have some marvellous benefits, they also have some drawbacks. So, let me tell you what these drawbacks are:
Requires a Large Space
Solar water heater is not a small tank that would need a small corner in your house. No. As it requires sunlight for its operation, it needs to be installed on your home terrace. And, as it is larger in size, your terrace should be big enough to hold it.
Systems Won’t Work on Cloudy or Rainy Days.
One of the major troubling times while using solar heaters would be the rainy days. Because, most of the time, it would be cloudy. So, the solar water heater won’t be able to get solar energy for warming up the water.
Commonly Asked Questions About Solar Water Heaters
How is the solar hot water tank removed?
There will be times when your water becomes stagnant and needs to be drained off. At that time, it was necessary to clean the solar hot water tank. But, it’s a task of experienced people. So, we would suggest you seek professional help before diving into any task.
Do solar water heaters operate during winter?
Of course, you can definitely use solar water heaters during winter. All you need is to install it at a place which would constantly receive sunlight the whole day. Moreover, today’s solar heaters do come with anti-freezing properties, which would allow them to work even in the winter.
How is the scale removed from the hot solar heater?
Removing scales on your own is a tough task. For that, you need to contact your solar heater company for the necessary guidance and help.
However, we can suggest one thing, and that is to clean the tubes of your solar heater regularly. This will prevent the settling of any dirt and dust on it.
Are solar water heaters healthy for drinking?
No, water by solar heater is not safe for drinking. Even doctors do not recommend it as its pipes might contain many impurities that would be harmful to our health. However, you can use the solar water for bathing and other household chores.
Do solar water heaters operate at night?
As solar water heaters need sunlight for their operation, they wouldn’t operate at night. However, there are solar heaters available that would be able to store the hot water for a long duration. So, you can opt for such solar heaters.
Conclusion
Solar water heaters are a great way of conserving our environment. And, their way of operation will surely bring a purchasing desire in everyone’s mind.
I hope that this blog has helped you out in getting the perfect insights about the best solar water heaters in India.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up your desired solar water heater from our list and go for it.