Exide launches solar water heaters

Mumbai: To reduce dependence on fossil-fuel energy resources and promote the use of non-conventional energy-driven products, Exide Industries Ltd, India''s leading automotive and industrial storage battery maker, launched a wide range of state-of-the-art solar water heaters in Hyderabad today.

The water heaters are designed for use in rural as well urban areas and promote the use of eco-friendly renewable energy products in India.

The product is an evacuated tube collector-based solar water heater, which is technologically superior to the existing range of products available in the market. Being an environment friendly device, solar water heater has an edge over the conventional water heating systems and saves environmental degradation by reducing the need for fossil fuels.

A 100-litre solar water heater can replace electric geysers for residential use and save 1500 units of electricity annually, resulting in considerable savings in electricity costs. This heater can also prevent emission of 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Internationally, the market for solar water heaters has grown exponentially over the last few years. It is estimated that over 107-million square meters of collector area has so far been installed world wide for heating water. In our country, the collector area so far installed is only approx 1.00 million square meters.

"The market penetration of solar water heaters in India is negligible compared to Europe and other developed countries," said P K Kataky, director, automotive, Exide Industries Ltd. "Therefore, there is a tremendous potential for such products in our country, particularly in view of the rising energy costs," he added.

Exide Industries has pioneered a host of initiatives in the field of renewable and non-conventional energy. Under its solar project, Exide developed solar systems to take care of the need of rural people in remote parts through stand alone home-lighting systems, lanterns and solar power plants. These systems have been installed effectively in remote villages in association with government nodal agencies and private entrepreneurs.

Till date, Exide has successfully completed rural village electrification programme for 6000 households in India.

Exide has developed solar lanterns of 3 watt and 7 watt capacity for extensive use for camping, at hospitals, shops, schools, colleges, work areas, fields, mines and all domestic usages. Already more than 30,000 Exide make lanterns are in use today.

Besides, Exide has also developed LED technology, a state-of-the-art technology for domestic solar lighting. Exide has designed, manufactured, installed and distributed LED-based solar home lighting, to more than 3000 houses in the tribal areas of West Bengal. Exide''s street lighting systems based on LED technology, is being used in Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other states.