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Often, it is practically difficult to install
individual conventional electric water heaters in every bathroom and
kitchen of a house on account of the high electricity consumption,
limitations in operational flexibility and maintenance hassles. All
these problems are dispensed with ‘FLARE UP’ which can
be conveniently installed on the rooftop with sufficient exposure
to the sunrays and does not trouble you to take a cold bath in the
era of erratic power supply, as it is solely dependent on the ‘Sun’
only. Also, ‘Flare up’ keeps the plumbers away from your
home as it does not contain any moving part and hence is practically
maintenance free. |
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‘Flare Up’ solar water heaters are cost
competitive in many applications when you account for the total energy
costs over the life of the system. Although the initial cost of solar
water heaters is higher than that of conventional water heaters, the
fuel (sunshine) is free. Plus, they are environmentally friendly.
To take advantage of these heaters, you must have an un-shaded, south-facing
location (a roof, for example) on your property. |
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There are many benefits to owning a solar water heater,
and number one is economics. Solar water heater economics compare
quite favorably with those of electric water heaters. Heating water
with the sun also means long-term benefits, such as being cushioned
from future fuel shortages and price increases, and environmental
benefits. |
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Many homebuilders choose electric water heaters because
they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive to purchase. However,
research shows that an average household with an electric water heater
spends about 25% of its home energy costs on heating water. |
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It makes economic sense to think beyond the initial
purchase price and consider lifetime energy costs, or how much you
will spend on energy to use the appliance over its lifetime. It found
that solar water heaters offered the largest potential savings compared
to electric heating, with solar water-heater owners saving as much
as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric
water heating. |
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In India some States offer subsidies on domestic as
well as commercial solar water heating systems installations. Government
of India offers 100% depreciation claim in the first year itself on
installation of commercial solar water heating systems. |
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Paybacks vary widely, but you can expect a simple payback
of 3 to 8 years on a well-designed and properly installed solar water
heater. (Simple payback is the length of time required to recover
your investment through reduced or avoided energy costs.) You can
expect shorter paybacks in areas with higher energy costs. After the
payback period, you accrue the savings over the life of the system,
which ranges from 15 to 40 years, depending on the system and how
well it is maintained. |
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Solar water heaters offer long-term benefits that go
beyond simple economics. In addition to having free hot water after
the system has paid for itself in reduced utility bills, you and your
family will be cushioned from future fuel shortages and price increases.
You will also be doing your part to reduce this country's dependence
on foreign oil. Adding a solar water heater to an existing home raises
the resale value of the home by the entire cost of the system. You
may be able to recoup your entire investment when you sell your home.
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Solar water heaters do not pollute. By investing in
one, you will be avoiding carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur
dioxide, and the other air pollution and wastes created when your
utility generates power or you burn fuel to heat your household water.
When a solar water heater replaces an electric water heater, the electricity
displaced over 20 years represents more than 50 tons of avoided carbon
dioxide emissions alone. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the upper atmosphere,
thus contributing to the "greenhouse effect." |
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A solar water heater is a long-term investment that
will save you money and energy for many years. Like other renewable
energy systems, solar water heaters minimize the environmental effects
of enjoying a comfortable, modern lifestyle. In addition, they provide
insurance against energy price increases, help reduce our dependence
on foreign oil, and are investments in everyone's future. |
