Abstract

The government of Mauritius is encouraging its citizens to use solar water heaters in their house
in order to lessen its dependency on fuel imports and gear Mauritius towards sustainable
development. Solar energy is clean and environment friendly.

It is a form of energy that is nearly pollution free and absolutely free of cost as there is no
depletion of any resource. However, it does have a high initial outlay which makes a vast
majority of Mauritians reluctant to its use. Solar water heaters come in a variety of
configurations. There are active and passive solar water heaters. Each differs in design, cost and
performance. Choosing and installing solar water heaters requires thorough research but the most
difficult part is to convince people on the effectiveness and economics of this form of harnessing
energy.

The future of the earth, its economy and climate depends on the switch to clean and green
sources of energy.

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BACKGROUND

Mauritius depends heavily on imported oil for generating electricity. A one dollar increase in the
price of a ton of oil causes the Central Electricity Board (CEB) to incur a supplementary
expenditure of Rs 6 million and around 220,000 tons is required annually. This is a situation of
great concern not only for the CEB but also for the whole population. This may result in a hike in
the electricity tariff if no action is taken to alleviate the demand for energy. As a country that
relies on around 80 percent of its energy on imports, it is an extremely vulnerable situation and
therefore reduced reliance on fossil fuel needs to be encouraged.

The strategy is to replace imported fossil fuel by local renewable sources and to better manage
demand. Renewable energy sources include wind power, wave power, Ocean Thermal Exchange
Capacity, solar power, hydropower, fuel cells and biofuels – also known as biomass fuels – such
as alcohol from sugar, methane from organic waste or charcoal. The key characteristic of
renewable energies is that the energy sources are continually available. With the exception of
solar energy, most of these forms of energy require a transformation which causes it to lose
efficiency. Solar energy appears to be the most effective and efficient in this endeavour.
Therefore the objective is to have at least one solar water heater for each household in Mauritius.

INTRODUCTION

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The technology developed to capture solar energy is called the photovoltaic (PV) cell. When
sunlight or the photons in sunlight hit the PV cell a reaction takes place that causes an electron to
flow through the cell. Direct current can be used as is, stored in batteries for later use or
converted to alternating current for use in homes.

A solar water heater has a minimum life span of 25 and typically has the following parts:

(i). Solar Collector - a component to collect solar radiation (sunlight) and change it into heat

(ii). A heat transfer equipment (to transfer heat from the collector to hot water in a storage
tank.)

(iii). The Hot water storage tank

(iv). Safety accessories and regulators to control the system.

(v). A back-up heater (gas or oil boiler, immersion heater, heat pump), usually installed in
combination with a conventional heating system.

Solar water heaters are moneys savers and provide environmentally friendly heat for household
water, space heating, and swimming pools. The systems collect the sun’s energy to heat air or a
fluid. The air or fluid then transfers solar heat directly or indirectly to the house, water, or pool.
Their popularity is increasing for several reasons. Solar heating systems are reliable, adaptable,
and pollution-free because they use renewable energy from the sun. Many systems include sleek,
attractive, low-relief collectors.

SELECTION OF SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM

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Feasibility Study

The aim of this project is to promote the use of solar water heaters in Mauritius which is in line
with the government’s aim to make Mauritius a green island. Mauritians, in general use gas or
electrical water heaters for domestic use. In doing so, we are contribution to the depletion of
fossil fuels which is a non renewable resource of energy.

Mauritius is situated in the southern hemisphere below the equator and can be classified as a
tropical island. It is a warm country with very hot summer and mild winter. A lot amount of
sunshine is incident on the island throughout the year. This may make the introduction of solar
water heater a success.

Solar water heaters come in different types. Also, availability of space and the location of the
site, the strength of the roof, benefits from the implementation of the solar heating system and
the duration of the installation works and maintenance need to be considered. Hence a choice
must be made to choose the system best suited to be used in Mauritius. All these factors have
been assed in the following sections in order to choose the best option.

Selection

A solar heating system is a substantial but rewarding investment. It reduces monthly electricity
bill while helping to protect the environment. However, it involves a high initial cost for their
purchase and implementation. The choice of an appropriate solar heating system involves the
following factors:
1. The brand

2. Type: active or passive

3. Size and Capacity

4. The cost

There are different types of solar water heaters available. They may be of different makes,
configurations, capacities and have different technical specifications. Popular brand inspires
trust, safety warranty and efficiency. Other brands may provide cheaper prices with good quality

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and standards. As such, a great deal of research need to be undertaken before planning to
purchase the best suited solar water heater system.

Solar water heaters can be of two types namely active and passive. Active solar water heating
system uses a circulating pump whereas a passive one does not. This implies that an active solar
water heater system uses electricity to operate the pump which involves more operating costs
than the passive one. Passive solar water heaters are most suitable to be used in warm climates.
On the other hand active solar water heaters are used in colder climates and are more expensive.
In the context of Mauritius, passive solar water heaters are most suitable since Mauritius has a
relatively warm climate. Moreover passive solar water heaters cost considerably lesser than the
active ones.

Solar water heaters come in different tank sizes and capacities measured in litres. This factor also
plays an important role when choosing a solar water heater. Depending on how many people live
in a house, the amount of water they consume will vary. A person needs an average of twenty
gallons of water per day for drinking, bathing, cooking, washing clothes and other things. The
higher the number of people living in a house, the larger will be the capacity of the solar water
heater in terms of litres. Hence the cost of the systems will vary accordingly.

People should be encouraged to use solar water heaters to benefit the maximum from solar
energy. The choice of a solar water heater depends on all of the above factors i.e. type (active or
passive), cost and capacity (in litres). Therefore, the best combination of these factors that will
satisfy the consumer’s need should be selected for the purchase of a solar water heater.

PROMOTING THE SOLAR HEATING SYSTEM

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Sensitisation Campaigns

Campaigns to sensitise the population about increase climatic changes and the need to switch
towards clean and green sources of energy will be launched around the country in schools, social
centres, through posters, leaflets, advertisement on television, radios and newspapers. The
different benefits and uses of the solar heating systems will be communicated.

Marketing and advertisement companies can be contracted so as to successfully develop and

promote the campaign.

The solar water systems shall be available in different outlets around the country and in popular
warehouses.

In addition to the above, the government will need to collaborate with consumer protection
associations to ensure customer satisfaction, product quality and competitive market prices. It is
also responsible for educating consumers of their rights and responsibilities, creating consumer
awareness for better self protection, and investigating into complaints of consumers.

Financial facilities

(i). Government grants and loan facilities at preferential rates and terms should be provided
to low income families.
(ii). Conventional bank loans are another way to finance the solar system for domestic use.
Banks should promote longer terms of repayment and lower interest rates.
(iii). Hire purchase facilities can be another means of promoting the acquisition of solar water
heaters. People will be interested to invest in a long term project at affordable monthly
costs.

IMPLEMENTATION AND BENEFITS

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Installation and Maintenance

Below is the list of maintenance interventions on solar heating systems:

(i). The costs of maintaining the solar thermal system depend on the type of technology
chosen and climatic conditions. Properly maintaining the system will keep it running
smoothly.
(ii). Passive systems do not require much maintenance.
(iii). Plumbing and other conventional components require the same maintenance as
conventional systems. Glazing may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater
does not provide a natural rinse.
(iv). Regular maintenance on simple systems can be as infrequent as every 3 to 5 years,
preferably by a solar contractor. Systems with electrical components usually require a
replacement part after 10 years.

In view to reduce the workload of government technicians and outsource the installation and
maintenance of solar heating systems in government and public buildings, bids for tenders will
be issued. Each bid will need to specify system type and size, energy output, installation and
maintenance requirements, warranties and cost.

Monitoring and results

(i). In order to monitor the output of the promotion campaign and user satisfaction of solar
heating systems, a survey form will be dispatched together with the electricity bills.
(ii). Regular monitoring of electricity bills of individuals, companies and government
institution making use of solar system will be carried out to ascertain reduce use of
electricity.
(iii). Comparison of electricity consumption for particular periods in previous years will be
conducted so as to follow the impact of solar heating systems.
Constraints & Challenges

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The limitations concerning the availability of sunlight and weather conditions of the location are
important factors for the success of a solar energy system project.

The amount of space available for photovoltaic cells, the more PV placed, the more solar energy
can be tapped. Efficiency is the target for both suppliers and users.

Effective orientation of buildings for optimized capture of sun rays - the amount of solar
radiation a solar water heating system receives depends on the geographic location and its
collector tilt. Both of these two factors affect the solar water heating system’s performance. Solar
hot water collectors should be oriented in such a way that the amount of daily and seasonal solar
energy that they receive is maximum. Different types of roofing will require different positioning
of PV for optimum output.

Seeking advice from consultants & Suppliers (outsourcing): professional will be needed for the
design of specific solar water heating systems for high consumption, especially for large
buildings. Design, installation and maintenance fees need to be paid.

Benefits

The solar energy has several benefits which makes it worthwhile to tap.

(i). Solar energy reduces cost of heating and electricity bills. These savings can be directed
for better use and to boost revenue.
(ii). It is independent of fuel price and tax increase, energy imports, political issues and
shortages of raw materials.
(iii). Sunlight is a free source of energy. It is an efficient means of energy which makes it
worthwhile to bear its unpredictable availability.
(iv). It helps in the protection of environment and is pollution-free compared to other sources
of energy which produce clouds of toxic release or endanger the habit of animals and
worsen the depletion of ozone and deforestation. Maintaining an environment for future
generations is a task we all take to heart and a solar heating system is a positive
contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and also helps conserve other less sustainable
fuel resources.
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(v). The promotion of solar water heaters minimizes the loss of foreign reserves while
encouraging entrepreneurship, which in turn creates employment opportunities.
(vi). It contributes to the vision of the government for sustainable development and Green
Mauritius. This will be beneficial to the whole population and depends on the will of the
consumers.

CONCLUSION

The power of the sun should be used to our advantage for a cost effective and environmentally
friendly alternative energy source. The Earth will always be bombarded with the immense power
of the sun, whether we decide to use it or not. It is a clean source of power without harmful
environmental side effects and above all, it is free whereas fossil fuels cause emissions of
greenhouse gases (GHG) to increase while also depleting foreign exchange reserves.

With the necessary technology and political will, solar energy can replace fossil fuel
technologies. This is not only more economically and environmentally beneficial, but it also
shows the willingness of Mauritius to participate in the international efforts to decrease GHG
emissions.

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