Buying Guide To Choose The Best Solar Water Heater In India
While looking for a suitable water heater, several perplexing questions may haunt you. The answer to which is the best solar water heater is never an easy one. Every household or space will have different requirements. So, here are those ten points which you should check before getting the solar water heater.
Determine The Purpose
- Why are you thinking of buying a water heater?
- Would you use it for domestic or commercial tasks?
- Would you use the water for heating your house?
There are many more questions which you need to ask for determining the correct purpose. This step comes first as it helps you to determine the required amount of water and the type of solar water heater. At times people regret buying a smaller model without thinking about the near future.
Amount Of Required Hot Water
One of the first things to note about any water heater is the amount of water that it would produce.
Would a 100 liters tank be sufficient for you?
Or Would you need a heater with a storage of 500 liters?
You can decide the amount by counting the number of members in your family. A bigger household will require a much larger tank compared to a family consisting of 2 or 3 people. We highly recommend you look into the storage capacity to avoid buying a solar water heater which may become redundant.
The Location Of Your House
The geographical location of your home is quite important while choosing the type of solar water heater. People who live in the sunnier part of India can easily get away with a passive water heating system. People living in the hills will need an active system.
So, you should do a bit more research about the location of your house. Another thing is the freezing risk which may damage solar water heaters. We will recommend you to get a system with antifreeze as well as controls to avoid crucial problems. Make sure to locate an exact area where you would like to install the solar heater.
Type Of Solar Water Heater
As we have discussed above, different types of solar water heaters are available in the market. Determining the type is crucial, and you should take a lot of time searching for things. After finding out the specifications of your location, you will need to choose between active and passive systems. Passive solar water heaters are simpler than active systems. You will also need to choose between the type of collector that works best for your location. Evacuated tube collectors work great for Indian households, especially for areas that get an ample amount of sunlight.
Type Of Tank Present In The Heater
Would you need hot water throughout the day?
If yes, then it is better to go for a heater with an insulated tank. Insulated tanks have an extra layer on the inside which can keep water hot for 24-48 hours. Some companies even add a layer on the top of the solar water heater to increase durability. You should also check the material used to make the tank. Stainless steel is great as it doesn’t destroy over the years.
Durability And Construction
No one likes to buy a shady product that crumbles in no time. So, you should always research more about the materials used in a solar water heater. We will advise you to go for systems with a powder coating or epoxy coating as they help prevent weather erosion. It should have a sturdy metal frame or stand which will stay in place for a long time.
Setting A Budget
People often overlook setting a budget, and they end up getting tensed on hearing the installation charge. We will always recommend you to stay on a budget. Solar water heaters will cost you a little more initially, but you will save money over time. So, think about the budget that you can afford and choose a model accordingly. While you are setting the budget, do not forget to include the installation charge.
The best thing about using solar water heaters is that you can avail rebate on your electricity bill from the state government and get a subsidy from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), India.
Choosing A Brand
Yes, it is quite important to go for a brand even while purchasing a solar water heater. You want to buy a legitimate solar heater that does its work perfectly and lasts for a long time. We have mentioned solar water heaters from brands such as GreenLife, Supreme, and V1. Branded products come with quality assurance, and they can also help you out if the system gets into any trouble. The Indian market is full of generic solar heaters with tall claims. We advise you to buy legitimate, branded products.
Warranty Is A Must
The warranty period is a must when it comes to investing in something like a solar water heater. Generally, companies provide a warranty for five years. Do look into the warranty coverages provided by a particular company to get the best service. You can always contact a company to know more about their policies. A mistake that people do is to hire unprofessional people for repair jobs on heaters. Always refrain from doing so, especially when your product is within warranty.
Read Reviews
We have the boon of the internet, which allows us to read views from other people. It is necessary to read about solar water heaters before making a random buy. There are different review websites where people note their views. Some can also give you pretty good tips for buying a good solar water heater. If you happen to live in an area where many people use solar heaters, then do ask neighbors and friends. We have also provided reviews of some of the best solar water heaters in India.
