Solar Water Heating Systems: A Review of Global Experiences (2010)

Prepared jointly by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP), this report gives an overview of the Solar Water Heating Systems (SWHS) market in India over the last decade, and counterpoints it against broader global developments. After looking at global trends in market development, the document gives summaries of UNDP-GEF and REEEP experiences of SWHS projects. This includes summaries of specific projects over the last five years.

India’s global importance is highlighted, with the country accounting for 1.4% of total heating capacity through solar water heaters. This is attributed in part to the wealth of implemented incentives scheme. For example, MNRE provides soft loans and capital subsidies for the installation of solar water heating, and a model regulation has been drafter for mandatory installation of SWHS in new buildings.

Still however, significant market and technical barriers remain. The report closes by highlighting the most important of these: high capital cost, weakness in supply chains, inadequate quality components, lack of technical capacity, and poor comparative cost performance. The primary suggestion for improvement, global knowledge and technology transfer, links with the reports global focus. Using the technology and business/financial models of countries such as China will be an effective and efficient way to drive down costs.

Author: MNRE, REEEP

Date: 2010

Pages: 20

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