Can solar water heaters be a viable alternative to traditional geysers? Find the perfect pick for your needs

Solar water heaters have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. But are they a worthy alternative to the traditional geysers? Check out here.

When it comes to water heaters, solar water heaters have their own set of followers. Sure, solar water heaters are a slightly expensive alternative to their traditional counterparts, but the plethora of benefit is that come with these heaters make them worth giving a try. Apart from cutting down on your electricity bills a huge time, solar water heaters do help you reduce your carbon footprint as they are an environmentally friendly option.

solar water heaters and traditional geysers

However, are they a viable alternative to the traditional geysers? Are they better than their traditional counterparts? In this guide, we will not only help you understand what a solar water heater is, but also help you understand the process to install it, its benefits and drawbacks, its alternatives, and a lot more.

Let us first understand the basic difference between a solar water heater and a traditional geyser:

Solar water heater

Solar water heaters, as the name implies, harness renewable solar energy to heat water, making them eco-friendly and cost-efficient in the long run. They significantly reduce utility bills and carbon emissions, aligning with sustainable living goals. However, their performance depends on weather conditions, requiring consistent sunlight for optimal operation. They are ideal for regions with abundant sunlight, but may need supplementary heating during cloudy periods. Space requirements for panels can be a constraint, especially in urban settings.

Solar water heater on Amazon:

• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...

Traditional geyser

Traditional geysers use electricity or gas for water heating, offering reliability and consistent performance regardless of weather conditions. They heat water quickly and are compact, fitting well into indoor spaces. With relatively low upfront costs, they are accessible to a wide range of users. However, their operation incurs high ongoing costs due to energy consumption, contributing to increased utility bills. Additionally, traditional geysers rely on non-renewable energy sources, resulting in higher carbon emissions. 

Instant water heaters on Amazon

• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...

Types of solar water heaters:

There are two types of solar water heaters available in the market, a passive system and an active system. Let’s have a closer look at both the types.

Passive solar water heater: A passive solar water heater is a system that uses solar energy to heat water without relying on pumps or other mechanical devices to circulate water. Instead, it relies on natural convection (the movement of hot and cold water due to differences in density) or gravity to circulate water through the system. These systems are simple, efficient, and cost-effective for residential or small-scale use.

Active solar water heater:

An Active Solar Water Heater is a system that uses solar energy to heat water, employing mechanical or electrical devices like pumps and controllers to circulate water or a heat-transfer fluid through the system. Unlike passive solar water heaters, which rely on natural convection or gravity to move fluids, active systems are more efficient and effective, particularly in regions with varying climates.

Storage water heaters for you:

• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...
• Loading Suggestions...

Solar heaters vs Traditional geysers:

Energy efficiency

Solar water heaters are highly energy-efficient as they utilise renewable solar energy, drastically reducing electricity or gas consumption. They convert sunlight directly into heat, with minimal energy loss during the process. Traditional geysers, on the other hand, rely on non-renewable energy sources and can have lower overall efficiency due to heat loss during conversion and distribution. While electric geysers are generally more energy-efficient than gas geysers, they still consume significant electricity, leading to higher utility bills. Solar water heaters are thus better for energy savings and environmental sustainability over time.

Installation

Installing a solar water heater is more complex and requires outdoor space for solar panels, such as rooftops, and professional expertise to set up the system. The installation process may also involve integrating the system with existing plumbing. Traditional geysers are easier and faster to install, typically requiring only a connection to electricity or gas lines and water supply. They are suitable for smaller spaces and don’t require outdoor components. While solar heaters demand an upfront investment in both time and money for installation, traditional geysers provide convenience and flexibility.

Maintenance

Solar water heaters require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning the solar panels, checking for leaks, and maintaining the storage tank. Depending on the local water quality, descaling may also be needed. In contrast, traditional geysers have relatively low maintenance requirements, often involving occasional descaling and checking of heating elements. However, they might have a shorter lifespan due to wear and tear of components. The maintenance costs for solar heaters are typically higher, but they are balanced out by the long-term operational savings compared to traditional geysers.

Cost

Solar water heaters have a high initial cost due to the price of solar panels, storage tanks, and installation, which can be significantly more expensive than a traditional geyser. However, they provide long-term savings as they rely on solar energy, which is free. Traditional geysers are cheaper to purchase and install but incur higher operational costs due to their reliance on electricity or gas. Over time, these running costs can outweigh the lower upfront expenses, making solar water heaters more cost-effective in the long run, especially in regions with abundant sunlight.

Climate

The performance of solar water heaters depends on climate and weather conditions. They work best in sunny regions and may require additional heating systems during cloudy or rainy days to ensure a consistent supply of hot water. Traditional geysers are climate-independent and provide reliable performance regardless of weather conditions, making them suitable for areas with limited sunlight or cold climates. However, their reliance on electricity or gas means higher operational costs and potential environmental impacts. In regions with abundant sunlight, solar heaters offer superior performance and efficiency compared to traditional geysers.

Reliability

Solar water heaters are highly reliable in sunny climates but less so in regions with inconsistent weather, as their performance depends on the availability of sunlight. Many models include auxiliary systems, such as electric backups, to provide hot water during low sunlight conditions. Traditional geysers, on the other hand, are consistent and reliable, delivering hot water on demand regardless of the weather. They are also quicker at heating water, making them more convenient for immediate use. While solar heaters can meet most needs in sunny areas, traditional geysers offer dependable year-round performance in any climate.

To summarise, while solar water heaters would result in lesser carbon footprint, but would incur more installation cost and space. On the contrary, traditional geysers have lower maintenance and installation cost but result in high electricity bills.

Similar articles for you:

Best water heaters for warm, cosy water to beat the winter chill: Top 10 picks

How to increase the lifespan of your water heater?

Best water heater rod for comfortable bathing this winter; top 8 picks for you

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.