Solar Hot Water System: The Nepalese Report

Abstract

Solar Water Heater (SWH) is one of the most successful solar thermal technology applications in Nepal. About 30,000 sets of SWHs have already been installed throughout the country. In a study conducted in 1998, it was estimated that more than 10,000 m² of SWHs had been installed with a capacity of around 200,000 liters/day. However, until now, locally manufactures solar water heaters are still under very poor condition. Thermo siphon is the only technology manufactured and sold at commercial stage. The performance standard of solar water heaters is very low. Although the technology is popular in the country, there is an urgent need to take measures on improving the current technology. The existing technology has not been assessed so far in terms of efficiency, low-cost design and extended lifetime measures. The use of SWHs in rural and in high altitude areas still lack attention. Government policy, standardization of the manufacturing technology, and lack of awareness among the public and the beneficiaries, are other vital issues which should be addressed.