Of late, prices of almost everything have been on the upward scale.

Food and energy prices lead the way. Unfortunately few salaries have increased. The only way to bail ones self out is to cut daily and monthly expenditures such as electricity. Power expenses come second to rent in every average household.

It’s possible to acquire a solar water heating system for your home at a relatively cheap price. It’s more efficient, durable, environmental friendly and does not incur maintenance costs.

The best news is it can save you up to 50 per cent on the monthly electricity. According to Solar for Life, an organisation that campaigns for extensive use of solar power in Africa, solar power is the most suitable solution to the energy problems Africa is facing.

Solar energy is obtained from the sun and Africa is blessed with tropical climate where the sun shines throughout the year unlike Europe or US. There are many solar products ranging from domestic to industrial, but in this case we are focusing on a domestic water heater.

A solar water heater compared to a conventional water heater is always on and heats hot water on a 24 hour basis. A modern solar water heater, known as the drain-back, is mounted on the rooftop and is quite easy to install.

Installation is in most cases done by the product provider. Its inbuilt and simple water heating system pumps cold water out into a collector tank on the rooftop to be heated, then the heated water flows back to a collection tank down in the house, where hot water that can be used for bathing or washing at anytime.

This type of collector can provide enough hot water for an entire family. Heat is stored in the water tank which maintains a minimum content of 25 litres at a time and at a constant temperature. The volume of the tank can be larger if the family requires extra water.

Most solar heaters are made out of corrosion resistant materials, meaning that they don’t rust and can withstand harsh conditions. They are long-lasting and can be easily cleaned.

The tank is usually fitted with a parabolic mirror which reflects the sun rays away, converting them into energy instead. The outer part of the tank is coated with heat absorbing paint which is rain resistant.

Another type is the Compact Solar water heater. This is passive in nature and is also known as the monobolic system. Its compact in nature and it consists of a tanker, a solar collector and a single pipe.

It’s the most common and they are efficient even in the days when there is little sunshine. They are relatively cheap.

Solar water heaters emit almost no greenhouse gasses making them very environmentally friendly, the reason they are being fronted by those implementing the Kyoto Protocol.

Solar water heaters are easy to operate; even children can operate the system.

Other alternative solar products include solar panels which can generate electricity for house lighting and operating other home appliances like radios, TV’s, phone charging and even cooking. All these can be obtained locally in Kigali and Kampala at reasonable rates. Hire purchase and credit/loan service are available on agreement with the dealer.

It’s time to go and get solar products. You will be amazed by how much you will save on electricity and you can be happy to know that you are doing your bit for the environment.

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