Solar-powered heating systems are becoming increasingly popular as governments encourage the transition from fossil fuels to renewable alternatives and consumers look for ways to reduce their electricity bills. Just like residential solar panels that provide electricity to consumers, solar heaters are being installed through government initiatives and also privately in homes around the world.
Solar water heating systems include a storage tank and a solar collector. There are Two types of systems available: active, which have circulation pumps and controls, and passive, which do not have circulation pumps and controls. There are two types of active solar water heating systems: Direct circulation systems, which have pumps that circulate household water through the collectors into the house, and indirect circulation systems, which have pumps that circulate Frost-free heat transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger that heats the water flowing into the house. The latter works more effectively than the former in cold climates.
Passive solar water heating systems are generally less expensive than active systems, although not as efficient. However, they can be more reliable and last longer. There are also two basic types of passive systems. The Integral passive collector storage system features a storage tank covered with transparent material that allows the sun to heat the water before it is released to the plumbing system. Thermosyphon systems work by heating water in a collector on the roof before transporting it to the plumbing system when a hot water faucet is opened. Most of these systems have a capacity of 40 gallons.
Because they rely on solar energy, these systems typically require a backup system for cloudy days and periods of high demand. Backups can be in the form of conventional hot water tanks or as part of the solar collector, for example roof storage with thermosiphon systems. Solar water heaters require maintenance every three to five years and some parts may need to be replaced every two to ten years. Once installed, they can significantly reduce consumers' electricity bills, especially in regions with greater solar radiation.
In Europe, Cyprus has the largest share of solar-powered water heaters. The eastern Mediterranean island nation is turning to solar heating to take advantage of favorable weather conditions, support a green transition and help reduce consumers' energy bills. Around 93.5 percent of households now use solar water heaters, which has helped Cyprus exceed its renewable energy targets for heating and cooling buildings.
Cyprus Environment Commissioner Charalampos Theopemptou stated“There are many areas where Cyprus has not met greenhouse gas emissions targets… But when it comes to the use of renewable energy sources for sustainable heating and cooling of buildings, we have easily achieved the target, precisely because of the so extensive use of solar energy.” Water heaters since so many years.”
Cyprus has been using solar water heaters since the 1960s, putting it far ahead of most other countries. The technology became popular because it only requires solar panels, a tank and copper pipes, and the right weather conditions. On average, Cyprus enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it the perfect environment for technology. The introduction of solar heating has led to the development of a domestic manufacturing industry and the creation of numerous jobs. Although installation costs have increased over the years, there are EU-funded grants available for households who want to install solar heaters.
Solar-powered water heaters have also become increasingly popular in the Middle East and North Africa region in recent years. In Jordan, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh launched the second phase of the government's solar heating subsidy program in September, covering 30 percent of costs. The scheme supports the installation of 5,000 solar systems for up to $4.2 million. In the previous phase, 3,500 solar water heaters were installed.
In Egypt, Three out of four households relied on butane bottles just a decade ago, when there was little access to a grid-connected natural gas supply. In 2023, Egyptians consumed around 800,000 butane bottles per day, many of which were subsidized by the government. This has encouraged many households to invest in solar water heaters in recent years. In 2024, the solar water heater market in Egypt is estimated to be over $100 millionwhile deploying its UNIDO-supported Solar Heating in Industrial Process (SHIP) program. There are now 11 solar heater manufacturing companies in Egypt and the government wants to strengthen relations with Tunisia and Jordan to further expand the market.
The market value of solar water heaters is expected to grow from $4.26 billion in 2023 to approximately $6.18 billion by 2028with an average annual growth rate of 7.4 percent. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region for solar water heaters during this period. Industry growth is supported by technological innovation as companies introduce predictive analytics and artificial intelligence into their heaters to improve performance. The market is largely driven by government policies to transition from fossil fuels to environmentally friendly alternatives, national and regional grants to disadvantaged communities, and increased consumer demand to reduce their energy bills.
By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com
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