IS 13192:1991 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for design and installation of solar water heating systems. This code of practice provides guidelines for the design, material selection, and installation of solar water heating systems for residential and commercial use. It covers aspects like sizing the system based on hot water demand, collector orientation, and installation best practices to ensure efficiency and safety.
Lays down guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of solar water heating systems in various applications.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collector Sizing Ratio (Storage/Collector) | Approx. 50-70 litres of storage per sq. meter of collector area is recommended for domestic use. | 40-60 litres of storage per sq. meter of flat-plate collector is a common rule for temperate climates. | General design practice based on EN/ISO sizing guides |
| Collector Tilt Angle | Recommended tilt angle equal to the latitude of the location, with an allowance of ± 15 degrees. | Tilt angle equal to latitude is standard; latitude + 15° for winter optimization, latitude - 15° for summer optimization. | Common principle in most solar design guides |
| Pipe Insulation | Prescriptive: Minimum thickness of 25 mm for thermosyphon and 50 mm for forced circulation systems. | Performance-based: Specifies a minimum thermal resistance (R-value), e.g., not less than 0.35 K·m²/W for outdoor pipes. | AS/NZS 2712:2007 |
| Overheating Protection | Suggests manual interventions like covering the collector or draining the system during periods of no use. | Mandates that the system must withstand stagnation automatically without failure, requiring devices like expansion vessels and T&P relief valves. | EN 12976-1:2017 |
| Freeze Protection | Recommends manual draining of the collector in freezing conditions for open-loop systems. | Specifies design for freeze resistance, often requiring indirect (closed-loop) systems with antifreeze or automatic drain-back systems. | EN 12976-1:2017 |
| System Performance Test | No detailed whole-system performance test method is defined; focuses on component specifications. | Mandates a whole-system test (e.g., Dynamic System Test) to determine annual energy output and solar fraction. | ISO 9459-5 / EN 12976-2 |