An Empirical Study on Solar Water Heaters

Abstract

Solar power is one of the alternatives to the electricity, that is sustained, totally inexhaustible and non- polluting source of energy. Heat from the sun is harnessed by using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, solar photovoltaic’s, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis. The present study has focused on some review about different types of solar cookers available in the market and an expost facto study on “Reasons and Factors for Purchase of Solar Water Heaters” to understand the reasons and factors considered by consumer while purchasing a solar water heater. A total of hundred households (east zone-20, west zone-20, central zone-20, north zone-20 and south zone-20) were selected in Hyderabad city. An interview schedule was used for data collection. Saving more money on conventional fuels (power/gas) (1^st rank), hot water availability throughout the day (2^nd rank) and reducing the difficulty to carry hot water bucket from kitchen to bathroom (3^rd rank) reasons were considered as reasons for purchasing solar water heater. Chi-square analysis showed that there was no significant association between age and level of consumer satisfaction. However, there was a significant association between education, income, type of family and type of building and level of consumer satisfaction.