Tilt Angle, abuse by Importers

Just a few words on the Tilt angle of Solar panels whether it is PV panels or solar water collectors its the same angle.


The above is a picture of a good Solar Water Heater with recent technology, but with incorrect tilt angle for Mauritius which is found 20 degrees latitude South. The evacuated tubes are tilted at a 45 degrees angle and should have been at an angle of 20 degrees instead. Implying that the solar water heater is not receiving the optimum amount of sunlight and lower water temperatures in the winter season. These solar water heaters are from China, its not that I am complaining on the quality of these products, but the following facts are;

1. The specificity of the Mauritian market has not been taken into consideration by the Chinese manufacturers which should have tilted there collectors at 20 degrees.
2. The importers of these products do not understand what they are selling, they are just interested in making profit. It seems that the cost price and import costs for a solar water heater of 310 litres amounts to around Rs 13,000 and same has been sold for an average of Rs 35,000 on the Mauritian market!!! There are no duty or any sorts of import taxes on these products.

Wish that the above abuses are not reproduced with Photovoltaic panels and Grid-tie inverters as it will kill the renewable industry in Mauritius and discourage the government initiatives. The next exercise of grants by the Mauritian Government for Solar Water heaters should force the importers to meet certain requirements like:

1. Minimum capacity of 200 litres
2. Correct tilt angle of 20 degrees for Mauritius

Good Tilt angle but using old technology still in Mauritius



Good Tilt angle with even older technology still in Mauritius