Solar heaters save energy, cut expenditure
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2013 : Solar heaters provided by Manireda under Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission have succeeded in saving fair amount of conventional energy and expenditures which otherwise must be expended in heating water during cold winter months.

Manireda provided solar water heaters to many people of the State including Imphal starting from September last year.

These water heaters have proved to be highly beneficial to many households in the State.

Benefits and utilities provided by the solar water heaters were discovered when a joint team of Manireda officials and media persons conducted a random survey today.

Given the dismal power situation in the State, these solar water heaters have proved to be a reliable and highly economical alternative for heating water.

Their utilities and economic benefits have been appreciated more in urban pockets where pre-paid billing system has been already introduced as they have saved a fair amount of money which otherwise must be spent on paying bills for conventional electricity.

A solar heater installed at a private residence

Manipur University College Development Council Director Dr RK Ranjan said that warm water is available round the clock after installation of the solar water heater.

Pointing out the economic benefits as well environment friendly features of solar water heaters, Ranjan opined that such appliances should be made available to every household.

Joint Chief Electoral Officer N Praveen said that he has been using the solar water heater since the past three months.

He too rejoiced that hot water is available every day because of solar heaters.

"Earlier I was using either electric heater or geyser in heating water thereby incurring lots of expenses in paying electricity bills.

But nowadays, I don't have to spend any extra money for hot water", Praveen said.

Manireda Director L Manglem said that the Ministry of Renewable Energy sanctioned 3340 solar water heaters of 100 litres capacity for the State in the first phase.

So far, 1000 solar water heaters have been distributed to selected beneficiaries and 800 systems have been installed.

When all these 3340 solar water heaters are operational, they can reduce annual carbon dioxide emission by 1.5 tonnes and save 3.5 MW electricity, Manglem asserted.