Solar Power

New Delhi: Central Electronics Ltd (CEL), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) for selection of firms to set up 200 Megawatt solar power plants across India.

The company is planning to set up Ground Mounted Solar Power Generating Systems (SPGS) of capacity ranging between 2 MW and 10 MW for a total capacity of 200 MW in the country. It has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) for empanelment of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors to carry out the work.

“Central Electronics Limited is interested to promote, expand and implement timely execution of the business in the field of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Systems by engaging experienced EPC Contractors through this EOI,” the company said.

It has asked interested parties to submit EoI latest by 14 September. Later, eligible empaneled contractors may be considered for participating in subsequent tender or tenders for the purpose.

CEL is part of the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research under the Ministry of Science & Technology. It is a key player in the field of solar energy and solar Photovoltaic industry. It has the distinction of developing India’s first solar PV cell in 1977 and first solar PV module in 1978.

The PSU has solar cell and solar module production capacity apart from systems design, engineering manufacture and support capability. CEL is also a regular exporter of solar products to European, African and Asian countries.

Bryant Knuth is a solar technician at Southern Oak Solar Energy Center in Mitchell County, Georgia.

Accumulation of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air – aerosol- besides dust and cloud on photovoltaic and rooftop solar installations drastically reduce solar power generation causing annual financial losses up to Rs 1.55 million, a team of Indian and international scientists have concluded.

The team of scientists from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, an autonomous research institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in India and National Observatory of Athens (NOA), Greece have also estimated the loss due to dust and cloud alone to be around Rs 0.56 and 2.47 million.

The finding, according to these scientists, is likely to ‘help the Indian solar energy producers and the electricity handling entities for efficient transmission and distribution system operations and grid stability optimization.’

Scientists’ finding is the result of a study on the impact of aerosols and clouds on the solar energy potential over a high-altitude remote location in the central Himalayan region with analysis and model simulations.

With India aiming to generate 100 GW (Giga Watt) of solar energy by 2022, experts say the findings by an international team of scientists is likely to help the stakeholders find a way out of financial loss due to reduction in solar power generation.

The research led by Dr Umesh Chandra Dumka (Scientist, ARIES, Nainital, India) along with the contributions by Prof Panagiotis G Kosmopoulos (Scientist, NOA, Greece), Dr Shantikumar S Ningombam (Scientist, IIA Bangalore, India), and Akriti Masoom (Faculty, IIT Roorkee, India) provide a comprehensive investigation of the impact of aerosols and clouds on solar energy production over the region, a ministry of Science and Technology note said.

According to scientists clouds and aerosols limit the solar irradiance causing performance issues in the PV and CSP plant installations. They stress planning for achieving the large-scale development of a solar system. They also underline the need for estimating the solar potential.

The scientists are now planning to connect the solar energy production levels and distribution with the consumption at selected local administrative units across the country and quantify the aerosol and cloud effects into the solar forecasting and energy trading principles for a decentralized energy ecosystem.

Clear blue skies and golden sunlight greeted attendees of Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony of Jackson’s newest renewable energy source, Clearloop solar farm.

A start-up company developed by Clearloop CEO Laura Zapata, former Governor Phil Bredesen and renewable energy entrepreneur Bob Corney, the company set the goal of producing 1 million watts of solar energy on their Highway 70 property.

Thanks to the investments of numerous companies in the project, that goal is set to become a reality as an estimated 2300 solar panels are preparing to be installed.

The energy, which will be flowed into Jackson Energy Authority and dispersed throughout the city, will power 200 homes in Jackson for the next 40 years. 

“We’re really excited,” said Zapata, who was smiling as she gestured to the massive field behind her. “We’re breaking ground on our very first solar project right here in Jackson, Tennessee…Jackson has really great sunny skies, it has flat land and it has a really welcoming community. People here have been really receptive to this idea that we can do these solar projects.”

While the upfront cost of a solar water heater may be higher than traditional water heaters, the solar energy you’ll harness can yield great savings and environmental benefits. Heating water accounts for 18% of a home’s energy use, but a solar water heater could cut your water heating bills by 50 to 80%.

In this article, we’ll explain how a solar-powered hot water heater can help you tap into a free, renewable energy source, potentially saving money and doing good for the planet. With this information, you can make the best decision about whether a solar water heater is a good investment for your home’s hot water needs.

Solar Water Heater Basics

A solar hot water heater’s basic function is to expose water or a heat-exchanging liquid to the sun’s rays, then circulate the warmed liquid back into your home for domestic use. The basic components of all solar water heaters are a storage tank and a collector to trap the sun’s heat.

Collectors are a series of flat plates, tubes or tanks through which water or a heat transfer fluid passes and absorbs the sun’s heat. From there, the fluid is circulated to either a water tank or heat exchange unit.

Solar water heaters are most commonly used as energy-saving devices to preheat water before entering a conventional water heater in the home. But some solar water heaters warm and store water without the use of a conventional tank, offering totally sun-powered hot water.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

Solar hot water heaters are split into two broad categories: passive and active. The primary difference between the two is that active systems require circulating pumps to move water, and passive systems rely on gravity to move water. Active systems also require electricity to operate and may use antifreeze as a heat exchanger fluid.

In the simplest of passive solar collectors, water is heated in tubes, then piped directly to a faucet when needed. Active solar collectors either use antifreeze — which is passed from the solar collector into a heat exchanger that heats potable water for storage and household use — or just heat water directly, which is then pumped to a water tank.

Active and passive systems have subcategories that are specialized for various climates, tasks, capacities and budgets. The one that’s right for you will depend on factors including:

• Available space
• Availability of sunshine
• Your capacity requirements
• Building codes and regulations in your area
• Your installation budget

Let’s take a look at each type of solar hot water system and how it can benefit your home.

Active Solar Water Heaters

Though more expensive than passive systems, active solar water heaters are more efficient. There are two types of active solar water heating systems:

Active Direct

In an active direct system, potable water passes directly through the heat collector and into a storage tank for use. They’re best suited for mild climates where temperatures rarely go below freezing.

Active Indirect

Active indirect systems circulate a non-freezing fluid through the solar collector and into a heat exchanger, where the fluid’s heat is transferred to potable water. The water is then circulated into a storage tank for domestic use. Active indirect systems are a must for cold climates where temperatures regularly dip below freezing. Without an active indirect system, pipes run the risk of freezing and bursting.

Passive Solar Water Heaters

Passive solar water heaters are the less expensive, simpler option but also tend to be less efficient than active systems. They can, however, be more reliable and last longer, so you shouldn’t overlook them as an option, especially if you’re on a budget.

All passive systems use pressure or gravity to circulate water, and come in two variations:

Integral Collector Storage and Batch Heaters

Integral collector storage (ICS) systems are the simplest of all solar water heating units — the heat collector also serves as the water storage tank. They’re quite efficient but only work in climates with little risk of freezing temperatures. ICS systems can be as simple as a large black tank or a series of smaller copper tubes fastened to a roof. ICS units with copper tubing heat faster due to the increased surface area but lose heat faster for the same reason.

ICS systems are usually used to preheat water for conventional heaters. In such a system, when water is needed, it leaves the storage tank/collector and enters a conventional water heater in the home.

An important thing to consider with an ICS system is size and weight: Because the storage tank itself is also the collector, they’re large and heavy. A structure must be strong enough to support bulky ICS systems, which may be impractical or impossible for some homes. Another drawback to an ICS system is its tendency to freeze and even burst in colder weather, making them suitable only for warmer climates or otherwise drained before cold weather hits.

Thermosyphon Water Heaters

Thermosyphon systems rely on thermal circulation. Water circulates when warm water rises and cool water descends. They feature a tank like an ICS unit but have collectors attached sloping downward from the tank to allow thermal circulation.

Thermosyphon collectors gather sunlight, sending heated water back to the tank via a closed-loop or heat pipe. While thermosyphons are more efficient than ICS systems, they can’t be used where regular freeing occurs.

How Much Does a Solar Hot Water Heater Cost?

The more hot water you use, the more likely a solar water heater will pay for itself over time. Solar hot water heaters are most cost-effective for households with many members or a large hot water demand.

A typical solar water heater will cost around $9,000 before federal incentives, with higher capacity active models reaching upwards of $13,000. Small systems may cost as low as $1,500.

Prices vary dramatically based on many factors, including the materials you choose, system size, installation and maintenance costs, and more. While ICS systems are the cheapest option (around $4,000 for 60-gallon units), they won’t work in all climates, so if your home sees regular temperatures below freezing, you’ll have no other choice than to fork over the cash for an active indirect system, or at least use a different system only part of the year.

Weight and size of cheaper passive systems might not be appropriate for everyone. If your structure won’t accommodate the weight of a passive system or you don’t have the room, a more expensive active system is yet again your best option.

If you’re building a new home or refinancing, you can roll the cost of a new solar hot water heater into your mortgage. Including the cost of a new solar water heater in a 30-year mortgage will cost you between $13 and $20 per month. Tack on federal incentives, and you might pay as little as $10 to $15 per month. So if you’re building new or refinancing, and your conventional water heating bills are over $10 to $15 per month, you’ll immediately start saving money. And the more water you use, the faster the system will pay for itself.

Aside from the cost to purchase and install the system itself, you’ll need to account for annual operating costs. In a simple passive system, this could be negligible or nothing. But in most systems utilizing conventional water heaters in tandem with a solar heater, you will bear some heating costs, albeit much lower than operating a conventional heater alone.

Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters

You don’t have to shoulder the entire price of a new solar water heating system. Federal tax credits may significantly reduce the cost of installing one. Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits (also known as ITC, or Investment Tax Credits) can provide a 26 percent tax credit on solar water heaters. But there are some conditions to qualify:

• At least half of the energy generated from the property must come from the sun (photovoltaic systems).
• The new solar hot water heater must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a similar entity endorsed by the government of the state in which the system is installed.
• The solar heating system can’t be used to heat swimming pools or hot tubs — it must heat water used within the home or business.

Many states, municipalities and utilities offer their own incentives and rebates for solar water heater installation. Check out the DSIRE database for more regulatory information.

Where to Get a Solar Water Heater

Solar hot water heater components are readily available in many national chain stores, such as Home Depot. Units are also available for purchase directly from producers, with Duda Diesel and Sunbank Solar offering several great residential solar water heater options. Local installers may also offer quality solar water heaters.

For solar pool heating and small-scale use, check out the heaters below:

• Duda Solar 30 Tube Water Heater Collector: This system is the perfect choice for heating pools, hot tubs and closed-loop systems. Thirty highly efficient unpressurized tubes provide excellent sunlight absorption and are rated at up to 45,000 BTUs a day.
• Sunbank Solar 40 Gallon Solar Water Heater: This solar water heater is designed for households with one to three members. This thermosyphon system offers exceptional absorption efficiency (92-96%) and keeps hot water hot all day in an ultra-insulated built-in tank. Weighing in at just 180 pounds, it can be installed on most roofs.
• Duda Solar 200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System: This full kit comes with a stainless-steel water tank, controller and submersible water pump. It’s a dual-coil system, which allows you to heat the water in the tank both with solar power and a secondary electricity or heat source.

Because so many factors influence which solar water heater you should buy, it’s advisable to work with a professional when choosing and installing a larger solar water heating system.

Solar Hot Water Heaters Vs. Home Solar System

Solar water heaters are less common than they used to be. This is largely due to the drastic decline in the cost of solar panels, causing many people who would otherwise install solar water heaters to forgo them and heat their water with electricity generated from their own solar panels.

Solar water heaters take up precious real estate, and for a homeowner interested in producing their own solar-generated electricity, it may make more sense to maximize the space available and nix solar water heating altogether, buying solar panels instead.

However, if you don’t have the space for solar panels, solar water heaters may still be a great fit, as they take up far less room than solar panels do. Solar water heaters can also be a great option for those living in remote locations or as an environmentally friendly add-on for existing solar electricity generation. Modern electric water heaters are incredibly efficient and, when powered with solar electricity and paired with a solar water heater, will yield significant savings for your pocketbook and cut down your greenhouse gas emissions.

For many homeowners, the decision comes down to price. Solar hot water heaters can cost upwards of $13,000. To see how much a full home solar system would cost for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from a top solar company in your area by filling out the form below.

FAQ: Solar Hot Water Heater

Is a solar water heater worth it?

Whether a solar water heater is worth it all depends on where you live, your needs and preferences, and whether you plan on installing solar panels. Solar water heaters have been losing ground due largely to the surge of home solar: The folks that would install solar water heaters also want solar for electricity generation and often choose to eliminate solar water heaters that compete for valuable rooftop space.

If you have the space, a solar water heater will likely lower your water heating bills. Used in tandem with other renewable energies, a solar water heater is still a great choice for nearly any application.

What is the price of a solar water heater?

A typical solar water heater system will cost around $9,000, with higher-end models reaching upwards of $13,000. Small-scale use heaters will be much cheaper, running between $1,000 and $3,000.

What are the disadvantages of solar hot water heaters?

The biggest disadvantage of a solar water heater is that it won’t work on foggy, rainy or cloudy days, nor at night. While this can be overcome with a conventional auxiliary heater, it is still a disadvantage all solar technologies share. Maintenance can be another turn-off. While generally requiring little maintenance, some solar water heaters need regular draining, cleaning and protection against corrosion.

How does a solar water heater work?

Solar water heaters circulate liquid through a solar collector — most commonly a flat-plate collector or tube collector — heating the liquid and sending it either to a tank for use or an exchanger, where the liquid is used to heat water for home use.

Christian Yonkers is a writer, photographer, filmmaker, and outdoor junkie obsessed with the intersectionality between people and planet. He partners with brands and organizations with social and environmental impact at their core, assisting them in telling stories that change the world.

A new 50,000 panel solar farm is to be allowed to stay in place for longer than expected.

Energy company Green Energy International (GEINT) first earmarked land 800 metres southwest of Patrickston Farm off the A811 near Gargunnock in 2018.

Stirling Council officials conditionally granted the company’s planning application for the 15MW, 64-acre renewable energy project in May last year – with one of the conditions that the land be restored after 35 years.

However, the company have now been granted conditional approval to extend this to 40 years after submitting an application for a variation of the condition.

In their submission they said: “The proposed extension of the operational lifespan from 35 years to 40 year has been carefully considered. An extension would result in greater environmental benefits both to the local area through clean energy, but also on a national scale, as the site would continue to help Scotland meet its net zero carbon goals.

“The ability for an extension for this site has been framed through the greater efficiency of the panels fitted. From the time of the original submission of the application, the design of the solar panels which will be fitted has improved. This will result in greater levels of energy produced from the same amount of panels as stated in the original planning application.”

Livestock will continue to graze on the Patrickston Farm site throughout the existence of the solar farm.

GEINT specialises in developing large-scale solar farms which allow rural businesses and landowners to diversify.

No objections were submitted to their original application, which included ground mounted fixed solar panels, a substation building, invertor stations, access tracks, perimeter deer fences and pole mounted CCTV cameras.

The panels are typically 0.8m off the ground, with a maximum height of approximately 2.6 metres. The panels will face south and will be angled at 23 degrees. Areas underneath are used for livestock grazing.

When originally approving the solar farm council planners acknowledged it would result in a “substantial magnitude of change on this existing landscape resource” but agreed the development would “fit with the pattern and scale of the wider landscape”.

In their decision on the variation, council planners said: “Conditions have been applied which restrict the planning permission to 40 years, and following this the restoration of the site in accordance with an agreed restoration plan.

“In the event of the site becoming redundant, a condition has been applied which addresses liability for restoration. Also, in the event of a continuous period of six months of the photovoltaic scheme failing to produce electricity, the application site shall be reinstated by the site owner in accordance with the agreed restoration scheme.”

On Monday, I wrote about an uplifting new law in France that will get a lot more solar power installed in the country. Under the article, one of our readers indicated that his country just did better. It was no joke.

First of all, Slobodan Brčin, familiar to any readers who routinely frequent the comments, summarized the brand new Serbian law (also seemingly passed on Monday) better than Google Translate could: “We got even better law few days ago (I posted about it already). According to change made you do not need permits or anything else for that matter. Just buy and install panels and then ask to be connected to grid.”

That’s right — Serbia is foregoing the lengthy, costly permits for rooftop solar panels altogether. If you buy some solar panels, you can have them installed and all is right with the world.

Slobodan provided a few links that I’ll get to in a moment, but his summaries were the best I read. Here’s more: “This is a U turn on regulations from close to impossible administration to zero paperwork.

“My guess is that they think that you have to buy equipment and hire someone to install panels and that all equipment had to be certified in order to be imported in country, and that few companies doing installations know what they are doing.”

So, as you can see, the Serbian government completely flipped on solar permitting, going from absurdly hard to unbeaten ease and convenience. Is the logic Slobodan proposes good? Is rooftop solar ready for hassle-free installation like a stove or fridge? I presume people will be split on this, but I like it.

Here’s more from a Google translation (with slight modification) of one of the intro of one of the articles Slobodan shared: “The Ministry of Mining and Energy announced that the decree on criteria, conditions and manner of calculation of receivables and obligations between buyers-producers and suppliers was adopted at yesterday’s session of the government, it is stated in the announcement of the government.

“As explained, in this way, the procedure by which citizens can become buyers-producers (prosumers) is significantly simplified, because the procurement of solar panels takes place in one step, while previously it was necessary to fulfill a number of administrative procedures, and the procedure took longer than six months.”

Kudos to Serbia for going from seemingly cumbersome, poor solar policies to complete streamlining.

The electricity produced from a solar panel installation in the country goes into the grid (unless you’re off the grid), and gets credited to your account. You get a net balance of the electricity used versus generated on your monthly electricity bill. If you generated more electricity than you used, then the extra electricity rolls over into your new month’s balance.

For a real sideshow here, and mostly just because I’m a massive tennis fan who loves Novak Djokovic, note that Djokovic is about as much of a celebrity as sportsmen get in Serbia, is a deep environmentalist (who has driven a Tesla Model X for years), and is quite political by nature (he is the lead person, or one of the two lead people, who set up a tennis players association that truly represents the players and is trying to give them a much bigger seat at the table). I would probably bet money (if I was a bettiSerbiang person) that Djokovic will become prime minister or president of Serbia at some point later in life. I wonder how much influence he might have today on climate-related policies in the country. Though, he is clearly very focused on winning more majors (commonly referred to as “Grand Slam” titles) than any male player in history and also setting up the Professional Tennis Players Association, so I am probably reaching quite far here — just dreaming. Still, I could imagine him dropping a comment or two to the right people and influencing change.

Aside from a fantasy sideshow, though, I’m sure Slobodan can chime in down in the comments about any more information on this new policy or the Serbian solar market in general that is useful to know. Let him know if you have any questions.

 

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