Installing a Reliable Solar Power Water Heating System in the Turks and Caicos Islands

RIWATT is excited to plan the installation of three sets of 1,500 L solar power water heating systems for a client in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This blog post outlines the design considerations, working principle, system features, and maintenance tips to ensure long-term performance in tropical coastal environments.

Local Climate Conditions
The project site presents unique environmental challenges:
Summer season: June to October, with temperatures between 29 °C and 32 °C.
Other seasons: 27 °C to 29 °C.
Climate: Tropical savanna with an average annual temperature of 27 °C.
Rainfall: Relatively low at around 750 mm per year.
Sunlight: Over 350 sunny days annually.
Wind: Up to 280 km/h (Beaufort scale level 17, hurricane strength).
Proximity to the sea: About 100 m from the coastline, requiring strong anti-rust and anti-corrosion protection.
These conditions make it essential to design a robust and efficient solar power water heating system that can withstand extreme weather while providing stable hot water supply.

Solar Power Water Heating System System Information

Design Overview

When starting the project, we first evaluate the system type: pre-heated, non-pressurized, or high-pressure.
For this project, a non-pressurized solar water heating system was chosen due to its:
Cost-effectiveness compared to high-pressure systems.
Direct water heat exchange, which increases heating efficiency.
Simpler installation and maintenance, while ensuring reliable performance.
Although high-pressure systems provide stable and pressurized water, the higher cost makes non-pressurized systems a more practical choice for this application.

System Design Parameters

Target: Heat 1,000 L of water from 18–25 °C to an average of 55–60 °C.
Collector requirement: 8 flat plate solar collectors of 2 m² each.
Client daily demand: 1,500 L/day → recommend 9 solar collectors to ensure sufficient capacity along with auxiliary components for optimal performance.

Working Principle of Flat Plate Non-Pressurized Solar Water Heating System

Heat Absorption

The flat plate solar collector uses a high-efficiency selective absorber layer, copper or aluminum pipes, and insulation. Sunlight converts to heat, warming the water in the collector.

Natural Circulation (Thermosiphon Principle)

Heated water rises naturally into the insulated storage tank while cooler water flows down into the collector. This thermosiphon circulation works automatically without pumps.

Heat Storage and Usage

Heated water is stored in an insulated tank for bathing, cleaning, and other applications. During cloudy days or nighttime, an optional electric heater ensures a stable hot water supply.

System Features

Non-pressurized design: Low-pressure, open-to-atmosphere tank for safety and reliability.
Simple structure: Easy maintenance and long-term durability.
Ideal for tropical climates: Designed for areas with abundant sunshine and high temperatures.

Maintenance Guidelines

Regular Cleaning of Collectors

Clean absorber surfaces every 3–6 months; coastal environments may require more frequent cleaning to remove salt deposits.

Inspect Tank and Piping

Check for leaks, corrosion, or limescale. Professional descaling may be needed.

Check Insulation

Ensure insulation is intact to minimize heat loss.

Ventilation and Air Release

Proper venting prevents airlocks that could affect natural circulation.

Auxiliary Heater Inspection

If included, check the electric heater regularly for power and functionality.

Support Frame and Anti-Corrosion

Inspect brackets, screws, and coatings to ensure resistance to coastal corrosion.

Seasonal Maintenance

During long inactivity, drain or maintain minimal water level to prevent freezing or water quality deterioration.

By carefully designing and maintaining a solar power water heating system, RIWATT ensures efficient, long-lasting, and reliable hot water supply even in the extreme tropical conditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands.