Solar water heaters are becoming a must have for most Kenyan home owners, this can be attributed to the ever increasing cost of energy bills. A typical home in Kenya has an average of 5 occupants who are in constant need of hot water for their showers, kitchen chores and laundry. The cost of heating water is significant in the long run, and hence a more economical solution is needed.
Why should you get a solar water heater?
Solar water heaters save up to 60% of your energy bills which would be a relief for most home owners in Kenya. With advancement in solar water heating technologies solar water heater systems are more durable and more affordable than ever, but this doesn’t mean any solar water heater is reliable and durable.
In this article we break down what boxes a reliable and durable solar water heater should tick in order for you to make a more informed decision before making an investment in one. Our evaluation criteria cover the major factors that you should consider before buying, this include: –
- Solar water heater build quality
- Longevity
- Technology
- Cost
- Brand
Solar water heater build quality
The build quality of solar water heaters is a key consideration as it directly affects nearly all the other aspects. A good quality solar water heater is built using durable materials as it is continuously exposed to the elements all year round. A less durable solar water heater will most likely be built with cheap materials and hence compromising its functioning, durability and efficiency. The solar water heater market in Kenya is full of low quality and cheap solar water heaters that will disappoint you. Always ensure you are buying solar water heaters from reputable brand or dealers to avoid losing your investment.
Longevity
The lifespan of a solar water heater is directly correlated with the build quality. A good solar water heater should give you at least 20 years of service with regular maintenance and service. The lifespan of a solar water heater can also be affected by quality of the installation. Always look out for genuine solar water heaters and reputable solar water heater installers to ensure longevity of your investment.
Technology
Generally, the solar water heating technology used to heat water or make the system more user friendly is very crucial. The heating technologies in different types of solar water heaters make some more efficient and durable than others. There are two common types of solar water heaters in Kenya, the flat plate solar water heaters and the vacuum tube solar water heaters. These two systems differ in working technologies as well as efficiency, cost and application.