The solar sector in India could turn out to be highly successful, but only if the right policies are drafted and implemented by the country’s ministry representatives. And it seems the voices have been heard. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has released guidelines for installing solar water heating systems on high-rise and multi-story buildings.
The new guidelines include the process to calculate the requirement of hot water at roughly 20 liters for each person per day for bathing and 30 liters per person for bathing and washing, as well as 100 liters per two-bedroom apartment and 200 liters per three-bedroom apartment.
The report also recommends 100 liters per day of hot water capacity per 2-bedroom apartment, and 200 liters per 3-bedroom apartment, looking at the size variation between both of them.
The ministry has increased the size requirements for community systems. For community systems, these requirements can be increased to roughly 25 per cent, depending upon the number of apartments. The report cites various factors for these policies which include; losses of long-piping and extra-consumption of hot water from the central system. The ministry also recommends shade-free installation area of between three and four square meters per 100 liters.
The document has been prepared with the participation of leading Indian solar thermal manufacturers, the University of Pune and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
