Solar water heating

This presentation analyzes the state of the solar thermal market in the US in 2008. It was first presented at the 2009 Solar Thermal Roadmap Symposium hosted by the Solar Energy Industries Association.

This document focuses on the benefits that installing a solar thermal energy system can yield for breweries. By increasing cost effectiveness, reducing emissions and going green, a solar thermal energy system can increase a brewery’s overall value and improve its bottom line.

This comprehensive report from 2010 reviews and assesses the building sector policies and regulations in India in the context of solar water heating (SWH) and needs to be seen in the context of the ambitious goal India set to reach 10 million m2 of installed SWH systems by 2012.

The United Nations Environment Programme plans a new type of CDM project for solar water heaters in Montenegro, with the purpose of reducing CDM transaction costs. This approach could serve as a role model for other countries of the Balkan peninsula, which are also part of the Balkan Renewable Energy Programme (BALREP).

Training on how to design and install solar water heaters: Participants of the solar water heater workshop, organised by the UNDP-CEDRO Project in Hamra, Lebanon, in October 2009.
Source: UNDP-CEDRO

This study, commissioned by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, provides an overview of the solar water heating (SWH) industry in Namibia in 2005, comparing it with electric solar heating. Other African countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana and their SWH development are also mentioned to help comparing the evolution of Namibia.

As Lebanon is among the few countries in the Middle East that are not endowed with fossil fuels it is crucial for the country to find alternative energy sources.

This document prepared by the Lebanese American University looks at the various renewable energy sources, assessing its application in Lebanon. The document concludes that solar thermal water heating for residential houses is the best renewable energy alternative for Lebanon. It is proved to be the most cost effective system, requiring minimum initial investment.

Showcasing a commercial solar application: 40 solar collectors on the roof of the Southern Sun Stay Easy Emalahleni Hotel in Witbank, South Africa, reduce the peak electricity load by 70 kW.

Photo: Southern Sun

This document (from 2004) explores the potential of carbon finance to boost markets for solar water heating (SWH) technology in developing countries. It also introduces many of the barriers that have traditionally prevented SWH from gaining a foothold in the residential and commercial energy sectors.