Kathmandu, June 29:

The installation of solar water heaters in households in the Kathmandu Valley is on the rise. About 80 per cent

of the newly-constructed houses are installing solar water heaters.

Over 20,000 solar water heaters are already in use in the valley, said Madhusudhan Adhikari, solar component manager at the Energy Sector Assistance Programme (ESAP) of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre. “On top of that, almost 80 per cent of newly- constructed houses are installing solar water heaters.”

The heaters are in high demand because they are cost effective, environment-friendly and easy to use, Installation of a ‘standard size’ solar water heater costs around Rs 25,000. A heater having the capacity of 200-300 litres is adequate for a family comprising four to five members.

Adhikari said, “Once installed, a solar water heater can be used for 15 to 20 years.”

According to Dr Mohan Bikram Gewali, executive director of the Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), the valley’s climate is very appropriate for the use of water heaters. The Valley has almost 280-290 sunny days annually. Gewali added that the heaters do not emit green house gases that cause global warming.

“Apart from the heaters, the use of other devices that tap solar energy should also be promoted.”