Is investing in a Solar Water heating system worth?

Lot of people today are looking forward towards free energy, green energy etc.  In this post I am going to illustrate with an example if solar based heating systems are worth invsting or not?

First thing, If you are a green energy fan, then totally yes, solar water heater are definitely useful as they consume no electrical power. And when they get good sunshine (avg 4 hours per day) they can give you really hot water. Hot enough to burn you skin. (approx 70 Deg in summer, based on experience in Pune, India)

About power saving — Definitely yes as it will not consume any electricity.

Now coming total saving in cost.

• The saving is totally dependant on your usage of electric water heating requirements v/s the total cost in investing into a solar heating system.
• First lets assume you use a 2KW electric heater, this will cost you around Rs.7000/-
• Generic usage for a family of 4 will be around 2 units per day (assuming 15 minutes per person on time of the electric heater/geyser)
• Usage of the electric heating in a year approx 4 Months in a year (Assuming you will be using this during winters/cold season.)
• We will add additional 15 days of usage for once in a while use extra.
• Total units of electricity consumed will be:
• 135 days * 2 Units per day usage = 370 Units will be used during this period.
• Your monthly bill will be increased by 60 units during this period.
• Average cost of per unit electricity Rs.7/- (inclusive of tax etc, note as slab increases the per unit charges paid will also increase)
• You spend 7*60 = Rs.420/- for one month.
• In a year you will spend Rs.420 * 4.5 Months of usage = Rs.1890/-
• Coming to cost of a solar water heating system.
• Cost of solar heater 200 Litres: Rs.20000/- (approx)
• Setup/Installation Rs. 1500/-
• Extra plumbing Rs.2000/-
• Extra tank + structure etc. Approx Rs.10000/- (Only required if overhead tank cannot be directly connected for supplying water to solar heater).
• Approx total cost: Rs. 33000/-
• Recovery period: 33500 / 1890 = 17 year approx (will be lesser in case extra structure is not required)

Now you can decide own you own.

Here are my input weather it worth having the system:

•     You get a lot of hot water through the year almost.
•     You do not feel the pinch of using the electricity while using the hot water.
•     If you get a connection/outlet in you kitchen, use this water for making tea, cooking vegetable etc to save on Gas.
•     Use hot water for washing clothes. (Be careful in connecting to washing machines, water may be too hot to damage inner plastic, consult company before doing so)
•     This is a one time investment and generally nothing goes bad in the system for years.
•     Electrical geysers may get damaged and my need replacement in 5 to 10 years.

My opinion:

Going for a solar water heating system is a great investment in terms of saving electricity, reducing pollution and having continuous hot water.