It was somewhere around 2 years back that we were renovating our residence in Kolhapur. Since everything was getting updated, I thought why not to give it a shot for a solar water heater? So got in touch with a dealer in Ichalkaranji (a nearby business hub) and phew he came down for the demo. Rest is history...
Previously, we used to have the electric water heater. (It was a model from Bajaj I guess) but that was a small one and was not up to the mark for a family of five. As a matter of fact the engineer made the provisions for the electric water heaters and we were sure to go for a bigger model. But, the electric water heaters have their problems and the biggest one is that while heating the water for us, they eventually burn our pockets too. Again, they don’t run when there is not electricity. In our parts in Kolhapur, we still have a load shedding of around 8-9 hours on Mondays and "n" no of hours on any others days at the will of MSEB.
The plot was just getting over to solar water heaters. I personally had never heard of Racold solar water heater. Thus was not sure as to its performance and reliability. On recommendation of one of my local friend, we installed the heater and I must say that we as family never had any regrets.(Till now...touch wood)
The model that I am speaking of is a 100ltrs Racold Solare. It means that the water capacity of the hot water in the tank is 100 ltrs. The heater has 9 tubes/rods that are attached to this separate tank. The water gets hot almost instantly (once a good shine of our Sun God is available). The other good factor of these heaters is that the hot water maintains its warmness throughout the day. We personally had the thermostat set at around 80 degrees. he fact is that the installer will ensure the degrees that you want the heater to maintain. If this level is not controlled, the water may even start boiling. The heater has a certain arrangement that the beyond the set temperature the cold water inflow would increase to the extent to maintain the set tempeature. Once this is set the water stays at that temperature (once it reaches its optimum) easily beyond 12 hours. We tested it in chilling winters and even at midnight the water was too hot to touch. This is also the reason that you need to install mixers i.e the taps with hot and cold water outlets.
The dealer told us some interesting facts of about using solar water heaters. He reckoned that the constant use of solar hot water for bathing has a very good effect on our bodies. Since the water is not electronically heated, but merely by direct Sunlight. Initially, I thought it was a marketing gimmick, but my parents who still stay most of the time in Kolhapur (using the heater) have acknowledged the same.
Apart from some good effects to the bodies there is something good for the pockets too. The total money that we invested in the installment of the heater has been recovered as against the low electric bills....amazing isn’t it?
Now, there has to be something negative about this heater too. After the entire positive that you just read, I would like to share some negatives too, so that you have a clear judgment of these heaters:
These require considerably larger space and cannot be placed on a ground floor.
Difficult to install into flats.
They require a separate dedicated water tank. The water is pumped from this separate tank into the heater. This increases the cost of installation and its just like installing a split A/C.
Not very very effective in rainy season, since God Sun is on a vacation.
Cant leave the tubes/rods open for a long time, say if you are traveling, then before you leave you have to cover the tubes/rods with some clothes/covers just to make sure that the water doesn’t heats beyond its limits. (It might damage the heater - remember the thermostat is already set)
Solar water heaters are costly. The total cost for us was around 20 K.
Service? If everything is fine then you are fine and the reverse would also be true. Usually, nothing goes wrong with them, but if something does, then there might be some problem. I am personally not sure as to what kind of problem may occur in future since havent faced any.
Apart from the above, it’s a real engineering marvel to use a solar water heater. Well, as far as service is concerned, I can’t assure you of the after sales service of Racold and its also subjective from area to area, but I can bet on the quality. The one with tubes/roads is way better than square like panels that we see from time to time. Even after two years, under Sun and rain and all sorts of weathering, the model appears to be doing its job with smile. And that speaks for the quality it is being built with...
I am happy customer and sometimes also feel that I am doing my bit in regards to global warming just by using solar heater for my domestic purposes.
Thank you for reading the review and await your responses.
Enjoy<