Solar water heaters use energy from the sun to facilitate water heating. They are also known as the domestic water systems.
This article emphasizes solar water heaters. The kind of energy used here is completely free. The sun’s rays form the solar energy used to heat water to a degree Celsius of about 60 to 80. The priority of every solar water heater buyer should be to purchase one that is of high quality. This article will help in directing those in need of buying a water heating system.
Hot water is a commodity used by households of different sizes. The need to reduce gas emissions from greenhouses and non-renewable energy dependency has increased the demand for solar water heaters. A thorough check on solar water heaters prices in Kenya is critical.
Below is a description of some of the critical factors to consider when purchasing solar water heaters;
Site suitability
Installation of solar water heating systems is mainly done on the roofs of houses. For spectacular results, the roofs should be able to receive sunlight directly. It should be sturdy and have great shingles.
A roof must be appropriate for the solar heaters to function well. If the roof is not a suitable site for installing the system, the buyer should consider getting one suitable for ground mounting. In this case, the site should be near the homestead and unshaded.
Water type
Water is typically classified as either hard or soft, depending on the kind of minerals present in it. Knowing the type of water you intend to heat using a solar heater is essential. This might help in cutting costs. While considering the solar heaters prices in Kenya, there are also ones used to heat both water types.
An indirect system is used to heat hard water, while a direct one is used to heat soft water. The indirect system enables the heating of water indirectly using a fluid. The direct system heats water by the use of solar collectors. It is not advisable to use a direct system to heat hard water since it may result in the corrosion of tubes and blockages.
Hot water amount usage per day
The water needed for heating will determine the kind of solar water heater required. Averagely a person is estimated to use about 30L of the liquid. The solar heating systems are of different capacities. There are ones with a 300L capacity while others with a 200L capacity.
For institutions and commercial use, like in hospitals and schools, customized heating systems could be developed and installed. This is because more hot water is consumed, up to about 5000L.
Climate
The climatic condition of a place will dictate the kind of solar heating system to purchase. Some sites have cloud cover in plenty during the daytime. These places will require installing water heating systems with a hybrid solution. The system comes with an electric heating element built inside the tank.
The element aims to heat water when there is little or no sunshine electrically. The solar water heating system without the electric element will be enough for places that guarantee plenty of sun.
Solar collector types
The flat plate and evacuated tube collectors are the most common solar collector types. The flat plate ones are made from copper and aluminum hence suitable for areas with a tropical kind of climate. Evacuated tube collectors are made from glass and mostly retain heat.
Solar heating systems with flat plate collectors tend to be more costly because they are bulky compared to the ones with evacuated tube collectors. The solar heater prices in Kenya should be affordable because, though expensive, the ones with flat plate collectors tend to be robust and durable.
Tank type
The storage tank type that is used in the heating system should have the ability to retain heat as well as withstand it. The tank should be safe to avoid producing foul-smelling water after heating. Hard water storage tanks should be coated with enamel to prevent corrosion.
Conclusion
In summary, the increase in demand for water heating systems should not make the buyer rush for cheaper and low-quality ones. It is essential to do a thorough background check. The research will place the buyer in a better place to purchase a system of high quality that will be installed properly and maintained regularly.
