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.
Solar Inverter is an indispensable device used in any solar power system utilizing sunlight or solar energy. A solar inverter is useful in changing the DC (Direct Current) into AC (Alternating Current) using solar power. In other words, the solar inverter is used to change the variable Direct Current (DC) output of the solar products into Alternating Current (AC). And this AC power is pushed into your home to operate your appliances, be it a bulb, fan, or home system.
A solar inverter is just an inverter operated using energy from the sun, which helps several devices working by DC power to run them on AC power. In this way, the consumers can use AC power to operate their required piece of equipment. One can ask why to use Solar Inverter instead of using a normal electric one. The answer is simple - solar inverter makes use of solar energy or sunlight, which is clean and pollution-free.
Usage of DC current and AC current as per Application Areas
• Direct Current electricity from the solar inverter is used to operate LED light, a cell phone charger, Bluetooth speaker and many more small devices that require less power consumption.
• Alternating Current power from solar inverter is utilized for running your big appliances such as TV, refrigerator, and microwave, which require heavy power to run properly.
Advantages of Using Solar Inverter
• Helps in diminishing the impact of unnatural weather change as it works through sunlight
• Help in retaining ecological balance, and decreases the greenhouse effect
• Helps you to save money or electricity cost in the long run
• Known as a reliable and consistent source of energy that can change direct current (DC ) into alternating current (AC)
• Acts as multifunctional electronic device that uses to convert direct current into alternating current to help large energy consumers
• Beneficial for cost-efficiency, easy installation as compared to generators
• Easy to maintain as it works fine even with regular maintenance
Types of Solar Inverter
There are diverse arrays of Solar Inverters available in the market. Some of them are listed below.
1. Grid Tie Inverter or On-Grid Solar Inverter
Grid Tie Inverter or On-Grid Inverter is a type of solar inverter connected to the grid by using solar energy. It produces a pure sine wave that is compatible with the AC waveform produced by the grid. Grid Tie inverter is designed and developed in such a way to automatically turn itself off during the time of power losses to ensure safety or security. For this reason, this particular inverter is unable to provide emergency power during such times (when power not exists).
Grid Tie Inverter is also known as PV inverter that allows consumers to drive any unused or surplus solar energy, which your system has generated back into the grid. And consumers can or cannot receive a feed-in tariff for this electricity (depends on users’ electricity provider, and area of residence).
On-Grid Solar Inverter generally requires its arrangement to be installed with anti-islanding protection. Islanding is a kind of procedure where Grid Tie inverter are deceived and utility grid still functioning even if it has been turned off. It happens due to load circuits produces in the electrical system. When it comes to the cost of such a product, on-grid solar inverter price is varied from one brand to another, based on its capacity.
It is recommended to use Grid Tie solar inverter for home purposes, which can be powered by a utility grid to use a grid tie inverter in their solar system. Moreover this is highly beneficial for the consumers when it comes to electricity saving.
2. Hybrid Solar Inverter
Hybrid Solar Inverter performs the same function as a normal inverter does. It is another kind of inverter, which converts DC electricity into AC electricity that your home can use. It also can use in charging and discharging your solar battery bank.
A hybrid inverter with solar battery charging is a cost-effective solution and convenient to install as compared to other types of inverters (a standard string and battery inverter). The majority of hybrid inverters are installed without batteries, which provide you the flexibility to retrofit a solar battery in the future when required. Hybrid Inverter is known as a multi-mode inverter because it can use to plug batteries into your solar power system, and interfaces the battery by using a technique called DC coupling. People can purchase it as per their requirement as Hybrid Solar Inverter price is reasonable in India, irrespective of its size and volume.
3. Off-Grid Solar Inverter
Off-Grid Inverter is one of the categories of solar inverter, responsible for the conversion of DC (generates by the system’s panels) into AC electricity to use varied home appliances, and commercial equipment. Off-Grid Solar Inverter can transfer excess solar electricity into the grid for consumer’s future use. And, for this reason, Off-Grid inverter is used especially in remote areas, where the house owner can separate it from the grid as per his requirement.
The utmost benefit of using Off-Grid inverter solar system gives your home greater energy independence that means your home is no longer at risk to power disruption caused by the grid or electric tower. Off-Grid Solar Inverter comes with a built-in AC charger alternative, which is also beneficial for users by allowing them to connect it with a backup generator and charge any battery.
Solar Components are important for every home solar electric system to help in producing electricity and converting it into the alternating current; thereby using in home appliances, storing excess electricity, and maintain safety.
Solar components are classified into seven categories such as Solar Pumps, Solar Charge Controllers, Solar Combiners, Solar Mounting Structure, Solar Tools, Solar Cables, and Solar Surge Protection Devices. These all are functioned using solar energy (sunlight), which turns into electricity. The entire solar components are manufactured and stringently inspected as per International Quality and Safety Standard.
Solar Pump
The solar pump is a solar water pumping system operated using solar energy to pump clean water. The solar pump is ideal, especially for rural localities (beyond the reach of power lines), where people are unable to avail of electric consumption by using the local electricity grid.
Solar pump or solar-powered water pump is in demand due to its robust construction, easy installation, eco-friendliness, and minimum maintenance. Solar pumping is the best alternative for fuel-burning generators and windmills, in which the electricity is provided by one or several Photovoltaic (PV) panels to offer water even if using without electricity. The water supplied by the solar pump is used to irrigate crops, provide clean drinking water, and also offer water for livestock. Apart from these, some other application areas for which solar water pumping system is used including fountains, pools, ponds, and home pumps.
A solar water pumping system consists of a solar panel that provides power to an electric motor, which in turn is capable of powering a bore or surface pump. Hence, the water is pumped from the ground into a storage tank that provides a gravity feed, and for this reason, energy storage does not require for the solar pumping system. The life span of a solar pump or solar water pumping system is a maximum of 20 years, but a solar panel of the pumping system needs cleaning from time to time to run properly. People can purchase it as per their requirements because the solar pump price is varied from its manufacturing capacity, sizes, patterns, and different brands.
Benefits of using solar pump
• Runs without electricity
• Operates using available free sunlight, hence free from fuel cost
• Known for its long operational life
• Acknowledged for its reliability, durability, smooth operation and easy maintenance
• Popular due to its eco-friendly nature
Solar Charge Controller
The solar charge controller is a device, which maintains the proper charging voltage in batteries of any solar appliances. All solar electric systems with batteries should have solar charge controllers. The solar charge controller regulates the voltage, prevents overcharging and allows batteries to charge when required, because batteries can be overcharged if it feeds continuous voltage.
The main function of solar charge controller is to prevent overcharging of the batteries and regulates the amount of current the PV modules feed into a battery bank. However, charge controller can block battery bank current from leaking back into the photovoltaic array during night or cloudy times for saving to drain the battery bank.
Most home solar systems are built with a battery backup controlled using solar charge controller, which ensures that a consistent amount of electrical power is sent to the and the backup batteries of any solar system do not discharge during night or absence of sunlight. Solar charge controller price is very minimal so that anyone can buy it as per their necessities.
Solar charge controller or solar battery charger comes with two types of sizes and technologies such as MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) that are capable of functioning an off-grid power bank system properly. Charge controller is used within an off-grid or hybrid solar system with appropriate battery back-up.
Benefits of solar charge controller
• Works to control voltage and watts from Solar Panels
• Reduces the voltage of solar panels when a solar battery’s voltage is high
• Helps to maintain stable energy by preventing overcharging and protecting against overvoltage
• Stops reverse current during night or when sunlight is not available
Solar Combiner
The solar combiner or solar combiner box is a device operated using solar energy (sunlight) that combines the output of multiple strings of PV modules for connection to the inverter. Solar combiner is developed in such a way to bring the output of several solar strings together. Usually, each string conductor lands on a fuse terminal and the productivity of the fused inputs are then joined onto a single conductor that connects the combiner box to the inverter.
Solar combiner box also combines incoming power into one main feed, which distributes to a solar inverter that is capable of saving labor and material costs through wire reductions. Solar combiner is engineered even to provide overvoltage as well as overcurrent protection facilities to enhance inverter protection and reliability.
The solar combiner generally exist in between the solar modules and inverter, which is the correct position. Solar combiner can limit power loss when it is positioned in the solar system. Solar panel combiner box and solar string combiner box are two different types of solar combiner. Moreover, solar combiner is usually used in the larger commercial and utility scale PV power plants (greater than 500kW).
Benefits of using solar combiner
• Helps in improving safety of solar panels and the entire photovoltaic plant
• Helps in protecting the system against dust, heavy seas or powerful jets of water, chemicals and high UV rays
• Available with Global accessibility, which ensures on-site delivery at any part of the world
• Obtainable in six different enclosure sizes flexible facilities to cover the range up to 32 strings
Solar Mounting Structure
Solar mounting structure is also known as solar panel mounting structure are used to fix solar panels on roofs, building facades, or the ground, which enables in retrofitting of solar panels on roofs or as part of the structure of the building (called BIPV).
Photovoltaic mounting systems (also called solar module racking) are used to fix solar panels on surfaces like roofs, building facades, or the ground. These mounting systems generally enable retrofitting of solar panels on roofs or as part of the structure of the building (called BIPV).
The solar module mounting structure is the supportive configuration of solar panels that holds an array of solar panels to the ground. When you see any solar panel, which is fixed either on rooftops or on the ground, you see them attached on solar panel mounting structures. The foremost function of any solar mounting structure is to support solar panels on the ground, or on the rooftops only by using sunlight or natural energy. Mounting structure of solar panel or solar panel mounting structure is generally made of steel, which stimulates for protection against corrosion. On the other hand, solar mounting structure is also made using aluminium if it’s lightweight.
Advantages of solar mounting structure
• Requires little or no maintenance
• Easy to handle at the site
• Useful for its 100% anti-corrosive property till its life time
• Solar mounting structure price comes about 10% of total system cost for large solar power plants and about 15% for smaller power plants
• Hassle free fitting technique even for layman
• Helps faster installation due to its adjustable rail guide
Solar Tool
Solar tool is crucial for installation of every solar system. Voltage Drop Calculator, Screw Driver, Hammer Rails, Sun Position Applications, and R&D Software are the solar tools designed specifically for solar installations. Solar tools are important for those working in a do it yourself environment, thus helping them for physical applications such as installing racking.
Some tools used in solar installation are designed for simple applications such as disconnecting solar connections, while others used for more complex uses like wire crimping die sets. Solar tools are divided into several categories such as solar panel cleaning tools, solar panel installation tools, solar panel tools, solar installation tools, solar energy tools, solar testing tools, solar maintenance tools, solar site survey tools, and solar system tools.
Advantages of solar tool
• Easy installation
• Robust design to configure with solar systems
• Reduces electricity bills
• Low maintenance cost and renewable energy source
• Advanced technology development
Solar Cable
A solar cable is a kind of interconnection cable used in photovoltaic power generation – interconnects solar panels and other electrical components of a photovoltaic system. Solar cables are designed with the features like UV resistant and weather resistant that enable solar cable to use within a large temperature range and generally laid outside.
Solar cable is designed for connecting photovoltaic power supply systems and dedicated to the photovoltaic system direct current (D.C.) side with a nominal D.C. voltage of a 1.5 kv. Slar DC cable can be used in both indoor and outdoor for flexible and fixed installations with high mechanical strength even in extreme weather conditions. Solar cable is designed and manufactured in such a way to withstand the challenging environmental circumstances that may arise in any fixed, mobile, roof or architecturally integrated photovoltaic installation purposes. Solar cable is designed to use for the best functionality of solar panel controller and components of solar system.
Advantages of solar cable
• Safety and longevity
• Affordable pricing
• Easy installation facility
• Wider application areas using only natural energy
Solar Surge Protection Device
Solar surge protection device is used to offer protection to several solar farms that generally use photovoltaic (PV) systems to produce clean energy for consumer or industrial use, which may create serious potential damage due to their specific physical makeup.
A solar surge protection device helps prevent damage to electronic equipment or machinery by diverting the extra electricity from the hot power line into a grounding wire. Solar surge protector is useful for solar panels as such pieces especially prone to lightning strikes due to their large surface area, such as on rooftops or ground-mounted in open spaces.
Advantages of using solar surge protection device
• Low maintenance
• Excellent conductivity
• Durability or long lasting
• Superior performance
We live in an age where the whole thing is progressing in such a way to create a revolution in every aspect. Renewable energy in the past few years has occupied a tremendous position in the industry due to its advanced technology modifications, and a range of Solar Appliances is one such example.
Solar Appliances save at least 20% energy on our total energy use, which is beneficial both from a financial and environmental perspective. It is further helpful to either cut down your energy consumption or invest in varied applications that use alternative energies. Home appliances which can run on solar energy or natural sunlight, which are known for its cost-effective solutions, and user-friendliness.
Solar Appliances are divided into two different classifications. One is a solar photovoltaic based appliance that produces energy to power or charges DC type of electrical devices, and another one is a solar thermal system that uses the sunlight to produce solar heating which can be used for making hot water or for cooking.
The solar appliance is based on renewable forms of energy, hence benefitted in such a way to save consumers’ money through lower energy bills, and reduces dependence on the electricity grid. The government is providing subsidies and incentives to the customers, especially to rural people to make them more affordable, which again helps to use a larger number of solar appliances.
Solar appliances of SolarClue serve all your home needs at one shop destination. SolarClue, India's leading solar products firm is committed to providing the highest standard, yet innovative solutions that can take care of your solar needs. SolarClue’s solar appliance is classified into seven categories, which include Solar Lanterns, Solar Mobile Chargers, Solar Power Banks, Solar Road Signs, Solar Water Heaters, Solar Home Systems, and Solar Fans.
Solar Lanterns
Solar Lanterns are manufactured to maximize light and minimize power consumption. A solar lantern is designed in such a way to save around 50 liters of kerosene in a year by replacing the traditional kerosene lantern. It can be used at least for 3 to 4 hours per day. Solar Lanterns are widely acknowledged in the market due to its attributes such as powerful yet bright light capacity, long battery life, weather resistance, and wide-area dispersal of light. Furthermore, solar lanterns are available at a reasonable price and high quality.
The solar lantern is a portable yet durable lighting device, used incorporated with an integrated PV module, flexible sizes of battery to provide a full-fledged lighting facility. The Solar LED Lantern is one of the best solar appliances consists of three components, such as a CFLs of 9W or 11W rating, PV module, and a maintenance-free battery. It is commonly used for indoor as well as outdoor lighting purposes, and especially applicable for rural applications. The solar lantern can also be used to provide internal lighting facilities for one or more rooms in a building.
Solar Mobile Chargers
Solar Mobile Chargers are movable devices operated through the use of sunlight to offer the advantage of powering mobile phones. There is a wide range of solar mobile charger on the market with the capability to charge your mobile handset or smartphone, wherever you are. Solar mobile chargers are a cheaper and greener way of powering up your mobile phones.
Moreover, solar phone charger is highly beneficial in saving your money in the long run, lowering your carbon footprint and give you the satisfaction of knowing that your mobile handset gets powered by nature.
Solar Power Banks
Solar Power Banks are battery storage unit of power that comes from solar energy or sunlight to produce electricity, which helps in charging batteries of varied electrical devices. When you are out from home, engaged in camping, trekking or hiking and away from electricity, solar power banks benefit you in charging your gadgets whenever needed. A solar power bank is generally portable, and hence, one can carry it whenever he or she wants.
When it comes to the charging of mobile phones, Bluetooth speaker, or any other required device, solar power banks offer the best solution as they can be used anytime where sunlight is there. Solar power banks are made for using as a power backup for your laptop, smartphone, or tablet when these run out of energy. Solar charger power bank can supply energy or electricity up to 4000-ampere hours and 48 volts.
Mostly, there are three different types of solar power banks available in the market. One is small or portable model, designed to charge a wide range of cell phones or mobile phones, iPod and any other small portable gadgets. The second one folds out model, designed for automobile devices. This particular model of a solar power bank is plugged into the cigar lighter socket to charge the vehicle battery. And, third is the public charger or public solar power bank, mounted in public places for people to use for free.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar Water Heaters are used in capturing sunlight to heat water and to provide hot water without consuming expensive electricity. Solar water heater is a device that generates hot water naturally and even saving your electricity cost. It is also an environment-friendly yet best solar water heater and an economical way to generate hot water for shower and bath. As far as the cost of this particular product is concerned, the solar water heater price or solar water heater cost varies from its model and capacity.
A solar water heater is one of the foremost category of solar energy appliances capable of saving substantial energy as solar power is free in contrast to natural gas or fuel oil. Long operating life, low in maintenance cost, high quality extra thick stainless steel inner tank, and high energy yield & low heat loss are the lucrative features of solar water heaters.
Solar Home System
Solar Home Systems are stand-alone photovoltaic arrangements, which provide enough electric energy to fulfill all the power requirements of a home. Solar system for home is capable of providing AC (alternating current) power for every home use to operate lighting systems, gadgets, appliances such as computers, refrigerators, mixers, fans, air conditioners, TVs and music systems. Solar system for home is a cost-effective mode of supplying amenity power for lighting to meet a household's energy demand by fulfilling basic electric needs.
Solar Fans
Solar Fans are used by solar energy to remove hot air from your home and provides you with a cooling effect. Solar fans are also used in replacing electrically powered blades to keep homes comfortable during hot summers. Solar powered fan for homes is either mounted on the device or wired to a separate installation, and it does not require secondary power sources as long as when enough sunlight exists. Some of the benefits of solar fan are helpful for moisture reduction and the risk of mold in your attic space, work in off-grid areas, extend the life of your roof, help preserve the environment, and helps reduce power costs. Solar fan price is affordable that anyone can purchase as per his or her budget.
Solar Road Signs
Solar Road Signs are indicating devices and driven by solar panels, which provide a unique range of road traffic calming solutions. The solar road sign is placed at road crossings, pedestrian overpasses, and other locations to control the flows of traffic. In other words, the solar road sign is a unique range of traffic-control solution that helps drivers to manage a speed limit of his vehicle in the road.
Solar road signs are useful solar appliance to alert traffic to areas that require them to reducing road speeds and highway information. The solar road sign is a robust, long-lasting, and proven technology solution in providing traffic signaling without having to rely on the electric grid. Some of the major advantages of solar road signs are an easy installation, visible for up to 500 meters, energy-efficient, work up to 10 days continuously without sunlight, no maintenance, and adaptable to virtually any sign.
When you think solar to go green, think SolarClue! A cleantech brand and one-stop-online shop for all types of solar equipment are committed to serving clients across India. You get the widest choice in solar panels, solar water heaters, solar lighting systems, and many more similar products with the best online deals. So if you’re located in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, or any other place in India, you can place your order for solar products online and avail free shipping.