Solar heaters can be used for a variety of purposes
like heating water, cooking, etc. The advantage it has over
electric geysers, for example: Electric geysers consume more
power and increase your bills. Power shut downs make things
more difficult. Solar heaters use sunlight which is abundant
and free and this saves precious power.
Install
a solar heater at slightly more than the cost of an electric
one and see the benefits over a longer period of time.
The quality of heating equipment depends on: Quality of materials
used for the flat plate collector. It is the collector which
absorbs sunlight. See that the tubing is made of copper, not
mild steel. Mild steel will corrode with time. The outer casing
can be of glass fibre re-inforced plastic and the frame should
ideally be of aluminium. The glass cover should have a transmitting
strength of atleast 85%. The storage tank should be five feet
or more above the heating system. Keep the tank insulated to
conserve heat, ideally with glass wool. An ideal heating system
should last for a minimum of 10 to 15 years. Preferably, use
a simple design without many accompanying gadgets. See that
your solar heater is also equipped with alternate electric heating
options (for use on overcast days or in winter).
Ensure that plumbing is properly done during installation. The
guarantee you get from the seller should cover at least 10 years.
Buy from a seller who gives prompt after sales service. .
By Rahul Surkund
Pics Courtesy : Tata Automation Limited
Install
a solar heater at slightly more than the cost of an electric
one and see the benefits over a longer period of time. 
