Solar heaters can be used for a variety of purposes like heating
water, cooking, etc. The advantage it has over electric geysers,
for example: Electric geysers consume more power and increase your
bills. Power shut downs make things more difficult. Solar heaters
use sunlight which is abundant and free and this saves precious
power.
Install
a solar heater at slightly more than the cost of an electric one
and see the benefits over a longer period of time.
The quality of heating equipment depends on: Quality of
materials used for the flat plate collector. It is the collector
which absorbs sunlight. See that the tubing is made of copper, not
mild steel. Mild steel will corrode with time. The outer casing
can be of glass fibre re-inforced plastic and the frame should ideally
be of aluminium. The glass cover should have a transmitting strength
of atleast 85%. The storage tank should be five feet or more above
the heating system. Keep the tank insulated to conserve heat, ideally
with glass wool. An ideal heating system should last for a minimum
of 10 to 15 years. Preferably, use a simple design without many
accompanying gadgets. See that your solar heater is also equipped
with alternate electric heating options (for use on overcast days
or in winter).
Ensure that plumbing is properly done during installation. The
guarantee you get from the seller should cover at least 10 years.
Buy from a seller who gives prompt after sales service.
Install
a solar heater at slightly more than the cost of an electric one
and see the benefits over a longer period of time.
