Solar water heating system (SWHS) is a relatively mature renewable energy technology, which is found to be viable for replacement of electricity and fossil fuels used for water heating. The actual installed capacity of SWHS less than 0.5% of the estimated potential. Only a small part of the estimated potential is realized. To understand the diffusion process of SWHS, identification factors that affect the diffusion process, the evaluation of these factors and potential estimation is essential. The effect of different parameters on economics of SWHS is studied by simulation with TRNSYS. The variation in the economics of solar water heating systems based on water usage pattern and location is presented.
There are only a few studies on the potential estimation of solar water heating systems in the literature but none of these studies deal with both the micro-level factors affecting end use economics and macro-level market effects on adoption of solar water heating systems. A methodology for potential estimation of solar water heating in a target area is proposed. This methodology links the micro-level factors and macro-level market effects affecting the diffusion or adoption of solar water heating systems. Different sectors with end uses of low temperature hot water are considered for potential estimation. Potential is estimated at each end use point by simulation using TRNSYS taking micro-level factors. The methodology for potential estimation is illustrated for a residential area of Pune having hospitals, nursing homes and hotels. The framework for potential estimation is generic in nature and enables accurate estimation of potential of solar water heating for a city, block. Energy planners and policy makers can use the framework for potential estimation and parametric analysis for proper tracking and promoting diffusion of solar water heating systems.