At a time when our whole planet is hungry for smart energy alternative, Israel has demonstrated how it can be done fruitfully. It is estimated that 90% of Israeli homes have solar water heaters fitted on their roofs. Though it gives a wacky kinda look to the ‘world’s only Jewish state’ with thousands of these heaters shining on the top of almost every structure, it definitely gives them a reason to be stand up with green pride. By law, all houses constructed in Israel must have solar water systems. And so Israel is leading the world in exploiting solar energy for household use. Way back when the government put severe restriction on the times when water could be heated, Israelis responded by purchasing huge quantities of solar water heaters. And by now almost whole of Israel is sporting it.
Here’s how it is supposed to work - The system consists of two parts, a collector and a water tank. The collector is a glass panel fitted with black water pipes that absorb the sun’s radiation. Since hot water is lighter than cold water, the heated water in the pipes moves up towards the tank, which sits at a higher level, and the cold water sink from the tank to the bottom of the collector, creating a natural circulation cycle. For cloudy days such heaters are befitted with an electric heating element.
Guess all the other countries need to take tips from such green achievements and understand that significant changes CAN BE DONE!
Via Metaefficient
As of today, solar water heater is the only cheap and practical application if you really want to do something to save electricity and do something green.
Stuff like solar power and wind energy is way too expensive and ROI easily takes over 10 years and there is recurring cost of consumables (like battery).
Even in India, the govt is planning to make it mandatory for all new housing projects to have solar boilers.
After knowing the technology and the price, even I was wondering why it has not caught up, especially in houses where more than 5 people live. It just needs a small one time investment and after that, there is absolutely no recurring cost (no batteries required) and the solar heater easily lasts for over 20 years with almost zero maintenance.
And I believe that if India had been using the Solar Energy that way, then (considering the level of heat) we can heat water for half of the world’s population :P
Jokes apart, rising fuel prices are shouting out loud for people to start using alternative sources and it’s about time that Indian govt start taking things seriously.
And if what Manish said is true then I’ll have to say that it’s one of those rare times when I can say that Govt. is acting responsibly and smartly
