What is Solar Water Heater?
A solar water heater is a hot water system that utilizes solar energy (energy from sunlight) to heat water in cost-effective solutions. It fits on a terrace or any open space on the top of the building where it gets sunlight is then used to heat water and store it in an insulated tank. The solar water heater does not connect to the electricity grid; however, used to get the sunlight throughout the day to heat the water, and store it in the storage tank for your home, or any other desired applications.
The solar water heater incorporates high density compressed PUF insulation and an efficient heating element, which is capable of helping it to store hot water up to 48 hours. Therefore, it is best suitable for homes, apartments, hostels, and several other buildings. The solar water heater for home is made up of anti-corrosive material and advanced technology. Some of the features such as energy efficiency, durability, safe to use, and easy installation are the main reasons for which, the solar water heater has acknowledged in the market.
The solar water heater is developed by all standards of quality and safety, thus ensuring safety for use at home. SolarClue is an online platform to buy solar water heater directly from top brands such as Supreme, V Guard, Havells, EMMVEE Solarizer, Racold, and Kamal Solar.
Parts of the Solar Water Heater
A solar water heater consists of a flat plate solar collector, a storage tank (kept at a height behind the collector), and connecting pipes. The collector is comprised of copper tubes welded to copper sheets (both coated with a highly absorbing black coating) with a toughened glass sheet on top, insulating material at the back, and the entire assembly placed in a flat box. There are certain types of solar water heater, where evacuated glass tubes used instead of copper and a separate cover sheet along with an insulating box not required in this case.
Solar Water Heater Working Principle
The solar water heater is installed on the roof of the building, or open ground with the collector, and connected towards facing the sun for continuous water supply. The water flows through the tubes or solar panels are capable of absorbing solar heat to provide hot water. Then the heated water is stored in a tank for further use and the tank covers with a glass lid to prevent the loss of sunlight or heat due to convection and radiation. And, the hot water gets stored in the storage tank remains hot overnight as the tank is insulated. This is all about the working principle of the solar water heater.
The solar water heater price in India is different from several manufacturers and dealers. You can check out the list of prices from the top solar water heater manufacturers at SolarClue and analyze the features of the best solar water heater then select the best one.
Types of Solar Water Heater
There are mostly two types of solar water heaters available on SolarClue.
Flat Plate Collectors System (FPC): It is a typical solar water heating system and known for its longer life. The flat plate collector system is also called a selective coating that consists of an absorber plate and covered on its sun-facing surface with an absorbent coating. The absorber plate is placed in a top open box to protect it from weather and incorporated with a grid of metallic tubes and sheets that allow water to flow. Sheet absorbs the solar radiation falls on it and transfers it to water. The space between both the (front & back) sides of the absorber and the box is filled with insulation to reduce heat losses. Flat plate collectors are stated based on their area, commonly 1x2 m size.
The FPC water heater also can work in colder regions with freezing temperatures, but it needs an anti-freeze solution that makes the system expensive. A heat exchanger with an FPC system is required in those areas with salty water to avoid scale deposition that can impact the heating capability of the system.
Evacuated Tube Collectors System (ETC): This is another type of water heater made up of glass, hence fragile by its nature. It is ideal for colder regions where the temperature is subzero. The places where the water quality is salty, ETC requires regular cleaning due to the deposition of salt on the inner surface of glass tubes.
Each of the evacuated tubes contains a glass outer tube and a metal absorber tube that is attached to a fin. The fin's coating generally absorbs solar energy but prevents radiative heat loss. This particular type of water heating system is used more frequently for U.S. commercial applications as compared to other uses.
Both the types of water heaters are manufactured with, or without a pump, available on SolarClue. The water heater with a pump is used to move water from collectors to the storage tank. The other water heater without a pump is used utilizing the thermosiphon principle to move water from collectors to the storage tank automatically.
Pricing of Solar Water Heater
Pricing of a solar water heater varies from one brand to another as there are several brands available with SolarClue. When it comes to the price of the solar heater, the quality of the product, its durability, and reliability are three important things that do matter for customers. After analyzing such factors, people are only able to find the solar water heater price list from different brands. There are different types of solar water heaters on SolarClue, and according to that cost decides. Individuals who are interested to buy solar water heater can even compare the price as per different manufacturing brands and select the best one which suits their budget.
The solar power system is a complete setup ideal for home and commercial places, which helps in producing electricity by utilizing solar energy (sunlight). A solar power system is made up of solar panel (which absorbs sunlight), inverter (which converts DC electricity into AC), mounting structure (which holds the panels in place), batteries (helps to store the extra power generated), grid box and balance of systems (wires, nuts).
In other words, a solar power system is composed of numerous photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverter (a Dc to AC power converter), and a rack system that holds the PV panels in place (solar PV panels on the roofs of homes and businesses generate clean electricity by converting the energy in sunlight). Solar power system comes in 1 kW, 3kW, 5kW, 10kW, and several other capacities. It is a good choice for those who want to reduce their electric bills and their carbon footprint.
As the prices of electricity are rising, people across the world looking for renewable energy sources for their power, or electricity needs. Solar energy has now become a popular renewable energy source because of its cost-effective price and improving efficacies. And for this reason, the solar system for home has stepped forward in the market with its great features.
On-Grid Solar System
The on-grid solar system or Grid-tied solar system is a kind of solar system that generates current only when the utility power grid is available. In other words, the on-grid system is a solar system that generally works with the grid. Saving the electricity bill is the prime purpose of installing an on-grid solar system.
The on-grid solar power system consists of Solar Photovoltaic modules / Panels, DC-AC grid-tied solar Inverter and Installation Kit (includes mounting structures, ACDB, DCDB, A.C, D.C wire, Connectors, lighting arrestor, earthling cables).
The foremost benefit of installing an on-grid solar system for home is a cost-effective solution, which helps to pay for such systems by offsetting utility bills in 3-8 yrs. In addition to this, there are some other advantages of the on-grid solar system, including:
• Zero electricity bills (consumer has to pay only for the surplus electricity he consumes because the solar power system is connected to the grid only).
• Easy maintenance (on-grid solar power system has the least number of parts along with simple installation or fitting).
• Passive income generation (with connection to the grid, the consumer can charge for the surplus electricity he has generated, which is not only beneficial in reducing your electricity bills but also helps to avail the cost benefits for the excess electricity generated).
• Provides you with at least 5 years' payback time and free electricity for the next 20 years.
Moreover, the on-grid solar system is simple enough that anyone can install it by himself. The on-grid solar system price is affordable that anyone can purchase it by investing at pocket-friendly prices.
Off-Grid Solar System
The off-grid solar system is a popular type of solar power system with backup, which works both day and night. During the day time, solar panel charges the battery to run the home appliances with the use of DC, and at night or cloudy weather days when the sunlight is not available, inverter runs your home appliances (Air Conditioners, Cooler, Television and submersible pump, etc.) using the battery power or AC current.
The off-grid solar system allows you to store your solar power in batteries for future use, especially when the power grid goes down or if you are not on the grid. Hybrid systems are capable of providing power to balance the grid power whenever the sun shines, which enable to send excess power to the grid for later use.
The utmost benefit of using an off-grid solar system is to provide power for your critical loads when the power grid becomes down. An off-grid system is more prevalent that comes with a power backup and works independently of the grid.
Benefits of using off-grid solar system:
• Works as a self-sustainable system that can work independently and not depending on the grid
• Helps in avoiding power outages, which may occur without any warning
• Helps in generating enough power that can be stored and used at night or when the power grid is down
• Reduces electricity costs (fossil fuels are still the world's primary energy source)
• Easier installation facilities
• Best alternative for remote areas where there is no power access from the grid
• Keeps the environment clean and green
Hybrid Solar System
The hybrid solar system is another type of solar power system that generates power or electricity supply in the same way as the common grid-tie solar system does. The only difference of a hybrid solar system is that such a system uses batteries to store energy for later usage. A hybrid solar system can operate as backup power, and it is possible because of the ability to use the maximum amount of stored energy (uses this energy during a blackout which is similar to a UPS system).
The term ‘hybrid solar system’ refers to a combination of battery storage and solar systems in which the off-grid system is connected to the electricity grid. Hybrid solar system is classified into three types such as All-in-one Hybrid Inverter (which contains a battery inverter/charger and solar inverter together with clever controls), All-in-one Inverter with no Back-up (works like a grid feed solar inverter which enables storage of solar energy in the battery system for the self-use), and All-in-one Inverter with Back-up (used as both an on-grid or off-grid inverter, which has a great backup capability).
Advantages of hybrid solar system:
• Allows consumers to store excess solar power or low cost (off-peak) electricity
• Allows using of solar energy during the evening times (known as self-use or load-shifting)
• Facilitates with backup power capability that helps to provide power during a blackout or grid outage like a UPS function
• Enables advanced management of electricity power and energy independence
• Reduces the power consumption from the grid
Solar Accessories
Solar accessories are important for all your small and large-scale power generation requirements. The main accessories used in solar power system installation are Batteries, Solar Charge Controllers, Off-Grid Solar Panels, and Solar Battery Enclosures.
Solar batteries: Solar batteries for home energy systems are made using lithium-ion batteries (lighter and more compact than lead-acid batteries) rather than lead-acid, and saltwater. Lead-acid batteries are used in off-grid energy systems that have a relatively short life, and lower DoD than other battery types. Saltwater batteries (newcomer in the home energy storage industry) don’t contain heavy metals as compared to other home energy storage options. Solar batteries are considered the best in terms of battery capacity & power ratings, depth of discharge (DoD), round-trip efficiency, warranty, and finest manufacturing facilities.
Solar charge controllers: Solar charge controllers are a voltage regulator to keep batteries from overcharging and also regulates the current coming from the solar panels going to the battery. A solar charge controller is categorized into two different technologies, PWM and MPPT. An MPPT charge controller is more expensive than a PWM charge controller but worth buying it even if expending more money.
Off-grid solar panels: This particular solar panel consists of a battery, charge controller, grid box, inverter, mounting structure, and balance of systems. Off-grid solar panels can store enough sunlight during the day, and use the excess power generated in the night.
Solar battery enclosures: Solar battery enclosures are used to keep your batteries safe from weather, and safe from theft. It is attributed with feature locking mechanisms that protect unauthorized people against possible electrical dangers if they happen to be tampering with your equipment. Battery enclosures for solar systems are pole-mounted or ground-mounted and suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
What does mean by Off-Grid Solar Power System?
Off-Grid Solar System is a type of solar power system run by generating electricity from solar panels and using it to charge a solar battery through a charging controller. That electricity is then adapted using an inverter, which helps to power the home appliances or business’ equipment. The off-grid solar system is not connected in any way to your grid’s power system, hence, providing 100% self-sustaining energy for your usage.
Off-grid solar power systems (entirely self-sustaining) allow you to store and save your solar power or natural energy in batteries for future use, especially when the power grid goes down. The foremost advantage of using the off-grid solar system for home is to run household applications with solar energy during night or anytime when there is less sun exposure and only by saving the electricity in a solar battery.
The solar power system is also known as a stand-alone power system and acknowledged in the market due to several reasons like cheapest price than extending power lines in certain remote areas, 100% independence from electricity retailers, and 100% insured against rising energy prices.
On the other hand, the off-grid solar system for home uses as an appropriate alternative in the remote areas where the grid is unavailable for power supply. SolarClue is an online platform where people can buy a solar power system (Off-grid) on different brands like Supreme, V-Guard, Varistor Solar, and Luminous. The solar system price is varied from one brand to another available with SolarClue.
Components of an Off-Grid Solar Power System
Total of five components used in off-grid solar power system, which are as follows:
Solar Panel – It is one of the important elements of the off-grid solar power system. The solar panel operates based on by depending on the amount of available sunlight in the region, the usable space of roof, and energy consumption needs.
Solar Battery – It is another component of the off-grid solar system and useful to allow the home to continue to run after the sun goes down. Solar battery or solar storage device is responsible for charging the home appliances throughout the day as solar panels generate excess electricity. This is capable of storing solar power for later use of running the household appliances.
Solar Inverter - Solar power system prerequisites a solar inverter to convert the direct current (DC) collected by the solar panel into the alternating current (AC) that enables to run the household appliances and electronics. A stand-alone inverter is an ideal option for off-grid system use. Solar inverters are referred to as a solar converter or a PV inverter.
Solar Charge Controller - The solar charge controller is necessary to save battery backup for operating the different household electronic products. The controller is used in regulating the voltage that solar battery receives, to prevent overcharging, and any damage.
Off-Grid Generator System - It is considered an alternative source of energy as a backup of the system. This is the main requirement during the pick winters when solar production is at its lowest. Off-grid generator systems are also useful to power a home’s electricity needs.
Advantages of Off-Grid Solar System
• Easy installation and helps in keeping the environment clean and green
• Works independently and does not rely on the grid as power outages can occur without any warning
• Facilitates in generating enough power that can be stored and used at night or when the power grid is down
• Useful for remote areas where there is no power access from the grid
• Grid failures and shutdowns do not affect your power supply
• Helps in reducing electricity costs
Application Areas of Off-grid Solar Power Systems
Rural and remote areas - Off-grid solar system offers electricity supply in rural and remote areas with the facilities of long-term and sustainable power generation.
In areas with frequent electricity cuts – Off-grid system provides power back up facilities to those areas, which are facing frequent power cuts due to power transmission malfunctions.
A solar battery is simply a
battery charged and stored with solar power or energy and discharges power or
solar electricity when needed. Solar batteries are rechargeable and used in
off-grid PV systems to store excess electricity for future use. Some categories
of solar battery banks use wet cells, whereas others use sealed or gel cell
batteries and both the categories of batteries have their different
requirements in terms of temperature, mounting, and ventilation.
Solar batteries are C10 rating
deep cycle batteries designed to connect with the best solar charge
controllers, inverters for providing power backup at night. Solar batteries are
designed in such a way to charge with the help of solar panels by collecting
sunlight in the day time. The solar battery and charger operate with its only
component like lead, which requires water top-up maintenance in 3-6 months.
SolarClue is the best platform
where people can buy their preferred solar batteries on varied brand names, be
it a Luminous or Okaya. The solar battery is a very good option for home.
Advantages of Solar Battery
·
Helps in reducing your electricity bills
permanently
·
Contributes to a sustainable future personally
·
Optimizes your self-consumption of your PV
system’s energy
·
Declares your independence from large energy
suppliers
·
Provides portable energy solution as it can use
anywhere
Types of Solar Batteries
There are different types of solar batteries available in the market. There is not much difference in batteries of varied types, except warranty and lifespan. Classification of the type of solar batteries are as follows:
·
Flat Plate Battery
·
Tubular Battery
·
VRLA Battery
·
GEL Battery
SolarClue on two different brands provides Tabular Batteries, which are built-in tall height. This kind of batteries manufactured using three main chemical compositions, such as lead-acid, lithium-ion, and saltwater.
Battery Backup Time, Warranty and its Price
The backup time of solar battery
depends upon its AH (Ampere Hour) and the higher the battery AH, the higher
will be the battery backup time. Generally, a 150 AH battery gives a backup of
around 3 hours on 400-watt power consumption. 150 AH is bestselling rating
battery especially in India, for example, it can last up to 3-4 hours if you
use LED lights, few ceiling fans, LED Television, mobile phones, and laptop
charging. For higher duration backup, one can go for those batteries which are
having higher AH.
The warranty for every solar
battery offers based on two aspects, i.e., Replacement Warranty and Pro-Rata
Warranty. In case, your battery fails, during the replacement warranty period,
the particular Brand is responsible to replace it with a new battery. And,
during the pro-rata warranty period, a new battery is offered at a discounted
price, known as buyback offer.
The solar battery price is most importantly, dependent on
its AH and Warranty. The other important factors which impact the cost of
batteries are Brand, replacement warranty offered on batteries, the capacity of
the battery measured in Ampere Hour (AH). The solar battery price in India is
uneven since 60% of batteries manufactured by local manufacturers, and the rest
40% captured by different brands.
When you’re thinking to buy Solar Water Heater in Gurgaon, India at the
Best Price, consider Solarclue.com - an outstanding online store where you can
select from a wide range of solar-powered products. Buy Solar Water Heater, Buy
Solar Water Heater Online, and Buy Solar Water Heater in India from
Solarclue.com as they offer you numerous exciting deals, attractive discounts,
and cheaper shipping costs as well as free delivery.
