Solar Water Geyser Guide: Cost, Installation, and Maintenance

Solar energy is here to get your back in every aspect of energy needs.

Whether you want to lower your energy bills, eliminate load-shedding, or lower your water heating costs, it’s there for you.

And today, we are going to talk about solar water heaters. I hope you’ve heard of them.

In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about solar geysers—how they operate, the costs involved, and how to maintain them.

Understanding How Solar Water Heaters Operate

Before explaining its working, here is a concise overview of its major parts:

Key Components

• Solar collectors: These absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy.
• Storage tank: The heated water is stored in an insulated tank for later use.
• Pipes and pumps: Circulate the water between the collectors and storage tank (this is optional).

How It Works

The solar collectors absorb sunlight’s heat, which heats the water flowing through the pipes. This heated water becomes less dense than the cooler water.

Now what happens?

As the water heats up, it rises naturally due to its lower density through natural convection. The heated water moves upward, creating natural circulation without requiring pumps.

The cooler water (in the tank) being denser, sinks down to the collectors to be heated.

This process establishes a continuous cycle: hot water ascends while cool water descends, maintaining a constant flow of water.

What are Solar Geyser Prices by Tank Size

Solar geyser comes in different tank capacities. The average price range in Pakistan is Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 180,000.

So before buying, you must select a tank that suits your family size and water needs.

Here are the estimated prices for different tank sizes and the number of family members each size can accommodate.

Family Size	Tank Capacity (Liters)	Estimated Price (PKR)
1-2 Persons	150	100,000 – 120,000
3-4 Persons	200	130,000 – 150,000
5-6 Persons	300	180,000 – 200,000

Solar water heaters with extra features can increase the overall cost like:

• Pressurized pump
• Advanced tank insulation
• Hybrid geyser with electricity connection

Do You Need Separate Panels for a Solar Water Geyser?

The short answer is NO. You do not need separate solar panels specifically for a solar water geyser.

They have inbuilt thermal collectors (made of Boron) that absorb the sunlight directly without generating electricity.

But if you have an electric water heater (conventional) that operates on electricity, you can install solar panels to provide power to it.

In this case, the solar panels would be part of your home’s overall solar power system.

Best Practice for Placement of Solar Water Tank

To create natural water flow, place a solar geyser under your home’s water tank. If your geyser is positioned higher than your water tank, you’ll need to install a monoblock motor to pump water into the geyser tank.

That requires additional cost.

Position the solar collectors at least 1-2 feet below the water tank. This height difference creates the necessary pressure for the convection effect.

Maintain a minimum height of 5-10 feet between the tank and the roof. This provides adequate space for the piping and ensures the tank is easily accessible for maintenance.

Lastly, place your geyser where there is maximum sunlight throughout the year.

Adjusting the Temperature of Your Solar Water Geyser

First, understand that most solar water heaters come with a smart solar controller. This helps you to monitor and adjust the water temperature in the tank.

This controller can display the current water temperature and enable you to set your desired temperature. Below is a water heater controller shown in the picture.

Typically, the optimal temperature range for domestic hot water is between 49°C and 60°C (120°F and 140°F).

But if you want to adjust the water temperature to fit your needs, you can do it.

To make adjustments, find the thermostat or control panel with easy-to-use buttons.

Most solar geyser models can go up to 90 degrees Celcius. Further, you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for detailed specifications.

If your system includes an electrical backup heating element, ensure that it is activated only when necessary (during cloudy days or periods of low sunlight).

Practical Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Solar Geyser

To clean your solar water heater, begin by removing the dust seal ring located at the top of each tube. Rotate the tube clockwise to detach it from the base plate.

After that, prepare a cleaning solution using soapy water. Use this mixture to thoroughly clean the exterior of the tubes, removing any remaining dust.

One Pro Tip: Once the cleaning is complete, replace the magnesium rod, which helps prevent corrosion in the tank.

It is recommended that you perform this maintenance every 18 to 24 months to keep your solar water heater functioning efficiently.

To avoid thermal shock, it’s best to clean early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.

Below is the YouTube video explaining all this practically.

What to Expect from Your Solar Geyser Warranty

Tank Warranty

Most manufacturers offer a warranty on the solar geyser tank, which is usually the most expensive component. This warranty ranges from 3 to 10 years.

For example, K.H.S Pakistan provides a 3-year warranty on their solar geyser tank.

Component Warranty

Other components like the solar collector, vacuum tubes, and electrical heater usually have a 1-year warranty.

Hyquip, another solar geyser provider in Pakistan, offers a 1-year warranty on parts such as the solar controller, vacuum tubes, water temperature sensor, and water level sensor.

Wrapping Up

If you’re here after reading the whole guide, I will emphasize the importance of being proactive when fulfilling your water heating needs.

Because after exorbitant electricity and gas prices, it’s challenging to effectively manage expenses while relying on utility companies.

FAQs