Himalayan Research Group deploys Solar water heating systems to remote villages

The Himalayan Research Group (HRG) installed solar water heating systems in 663 households across Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh.

This organization, based in Shimla, developed the Mountain Solar Water Heating System, known as the Solar Hamam, to provide hot water to families living in freezing mountain conditions. The system allows residents to move away from a heavy reliance on firewood and animal dung for their daily needs.

The initiative began after the organization observed that women in remote villages often missed training sessions because they had to spend significant time gathering firewood and fodder. In villages at elevations of around 2,000 metres, water temperatures often drop to between 7 and 12 degrees Celsius. The Solar Hamam addresses this by using a solar heating coil that can heat 18 litres of water to 70 to 80 degrees Celsius within 30 to 45 minutes of sunlight.

A daily capacity of 100 to 120 litres is sufficient to meet the hot water requirements of a family of five. HRG trains local carpenters and artisans to manufacture and install these units using locally available materials. This approach ensures that the technology remains affordable and easy to maintain without relying on external technicians. The organization plans to install an additional 350 units in the Shimla, Chamba, and Sirmaur districts.

The project received a state innovation award for providing need-based technological solutions to mountain communities.