Performance Evaluation and Cost Analysis of Domestic Solar Water Heating Systems

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy has led to the increasing adoption of solar water heaters (SWH) in residential and commercial sectors. This study investigates the thermal performance, energy efficiency, and economic viability of flat plate and evacuated tube solar water heating systems under typical climatic conditions. Data was collected over a period of three months, analyzing daily heat gain, storage efficiency, and water temperature variation. Results indicate that evacuated tube collectors outperform flat plate collectors in colder conditions, while flat plate systems are more cost-effective in tropical regions. The study concludes with recommendations for system selection based on geographical location and user requirements. The growing demand for sustainable energy has led to the increasing adoption of solar water heaters (SWH) in residential and commercial sectors. This study investigates the thermal performance, energy efficiency, and economic viability of flat plate and evacuated tube solar water heating systems under typical climatic conditions. Data was collected over a period of three months, analyzing daily heat gain, storage efficiency, and water temperature variation. Results indicate that evacuated tube collectors outperform flat plate collectors in colder conditions, while flat plate systems are more cost-effective in tropical regions. The study concludes with recommendations for system selection based on geographical location and user requirements.

Cite as:

R. Bhalekar. (2025). Performance Evaluation and Cost Analysis of Domestic Solar Water Heating Systems. Research and Reviews: Journal of Thermal Engineering, 7(2), 58–64. 

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15837111