Demystifying Solar Water Heaters: A Guide for Kenyan Households

Are you tired of skyrocketing electricity bills? Want to embrace a greener lifestyle? Solar water heaters might just be the answer. Elizabeth Christine Nyambura CEM? and I discussed this last week. Here is the REPLAY, and a summary in article.

Solar water heaters are one of the most common installations in modern households, with most households opting to go green. They are beneficial in terms of not only saving on electricity bills but also contributing less to the destruction of the environment. This article provides information on various categories of solar water heaters sold in the Kenyan market, guides for selecting the type that suits an individual and, finally, some maintenance pointers needed to maintain their quality.

Let's explore your options for bringing the sun's warmth into your home:

Options for Solar Water Heating Systems

• Direct Heating - These systems are suitable for regions with fresh or soft water (insignificant hard minerals e.g rainwater, city council water etc.), utilizing natural energy to warm water. They're simple, affordable, and a great way to cut down on electricity usage.
• Indirect Heating - Suitable for regions with hard water like borehole water with high Iron or Carbonates that might cause scaling. These systems utilize a specialized liquid to harness solar energy for water heating. They're a bit more complex, but they handle hard water and varying weather conditions well.

You can also select based on the collector type.

Evacuated Tube collectors. There are two types in the market.

• Vacuum tubes - The vacuum tubes are best known for their efficiency. The devices can capture sunlight even on cloudy days; therefore, one of the advantages is that the vacuum tubes are suitable for all kinds of weather.
• Vacuum rods – these have glass tubes which have a thermally conductive copper rod or pipe inside allowing for much high thermal efficiency and working temperature compared to the flat plate solar collectors. Compared to flat plate collectors and the vacuum tubes, the vacuum rods are more expensive. They’re suitable for cold locations for example Limuru, Kenya.

Flat plate collector.

• Flat plate collectors are less expensive when measured against evacuated tubes. The flat plate collectors are large insulated and weatherproof boxes that include a dark absorber plate.

Selecting the Best Solar Heating Solution for Your Household

• Consider your climate – Do you live in a sunny area? A direct system might be ideal. If temperatures dip, a vacuum rod collector indirect system could be a better fit.
• Efficiency Considerations - Solar collectors offer various options, each with unique characteristics. Some prioritize efficiency, while others cater to affordability and performance in sunny conditions.
• Cost-Effective Options - Despite long-term savings, it's crucial to select a system that aligns with your financial plan. Balance the initial investment with potential savings over time.
• Installation - Ensure your chosen system can be installed properly on your property. Roof space, orientation, and structural support are crucial considerations.
• Water Quality - Do you have soft water or hard water? If your water is hard (high in mineral content), it can affect your heater's performance. Choose a system that addresses this or be prepared for regular maintenance to prevent buildup.

Reap the rewards.

Many Kenyan households have reduced their electricity bills by an average of 40% by switching to solar water heaters. Your savings will depend on factors like sunshine hours, system efficiency, your hot water usage, and local electricity rates.

Keeping Your System in Top Shape for Your Home

A little maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring your solar water heater runs smoothly for years to come. Remember to:

• Insulate any exposed pipes - Ensure proper wrapping of pipes to minimize heat dissipation, particularly in outdoor settings.
• Monitor Liquid Levels (Indirect Systems) - Periodically inspect and top up the specialized liquid to maintain system efficiency.
• Cleanliness counts: Regularly clean the collectors to remove dust and debris. If you have hard water, consider using an anti-scalant solution to prevent buildup.

For all the steps above, I recommend using a qualified technician.

Take the next step.

Transitioning to solar water heating contributes to sustainability and reduced energy expenses. It also reduces the strain on the grid in the critical times of the day when people use hot water (mornings and evenings). Take the time to research your options, consider your needs, and choose a system that works for you. With proper care, your solar water heater can be a reliable and eco-friendly way to enjoy hot water for years to come.

Please share, do you have solar water heaters? Would you like one? What's the bottleneck if you don't? Let me know!