Designing and testing low-cost solar water heater using date palm fibers and starch

Abstract Solar water heaters are a type of renewable energy technology that converts solar energy into heat to warm water. Solar water heaters are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance requirements. In this study, we focused on developing low-cost solar collectors using date palm waste as thermal insulation. Date palm waste is a readily available and abundant resource in many regions and using it in solar collectors can help reduce waste and promote sustainability. We created two solar collectors using crushed date palm waste, with one collector using the waste alone and the other mixed with starch. We conducted tests in accordance with the European standard EN 12975-2-2006 and modeled the thermal behavior of the collectors. Our results showed that our solar collectors performed well and exhibited behavior comparable to that of a commercial solar collector, with a production cost up to three times less. The use of date palm waste as thermal insulation in solar collectors is an innovative approach that aligns with the principles of sustainability and environmental friendliness. Furthermore, our study provides valuable insights into the development of low-cost solar water heaters, which could potentially increase the adoption of renewable energy technologies in various settings.