Solar Water Heaters

SOLAR WATER HEATER SHOPPING IN KENYA

As a shopper selecting a solar water heating system could be a huge task and could take time to learn about them so make a good decision that you will be happy for years later.
Some of the questions to evaluate as a shopper could be;
1. What are the different types of solar water heaters?
2. What are different solar water heater capacities?
3. What are solar water heaters warranties?
4. Who should you consider when installing a solar water heater.
5. Why are the prices of different solar water heater brands so huge?
6. How long do a solar water heater last.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOLAR WATER HEATING SYSTEMS IN KENYA

Solar Water heaters can be classified into these major areas;
a. By technology – Flat plate technology or Evacuated tube systems.
b. Interaction with Water – Direct or indirect systems
c. Natural or Artificial Heat circulation – In this case commonly known as passive or active systems.
d. Pressure holding level – In this case, you have pressurized or nonpressurized systems.

SOLAR WATER HEATERS CAPACITIES AND SIZING  IN KENYA

Solar Water Heaters available for residential home use are available in different capacities. The most common are 100 liters, 150 Liters, 200 Liters, 250 Liters, 300 Liters, 350 Liters & 500 Liters. Higher capacities are available by cascading two or more units to get a higher capacity. Through the EPRA Solar Water Heater regulations of 2012, It is estimated every residential user should be allocated 30 Liters of hot water. A solar water heater Engineer uses this and other considerations when sizing such a system. Some of these parameters may be; shading, roof orientation, weather conditions of the residence etc.