Solar Hamam: The heating system that’ll keep the Himalayas ‘warm’

Living amidst the Himalayas, although stunning, can be a harsh experience due to the extreme cold climate. For a very long time, the higher Himalayan regions has been using around 50% of the fuelwood available to power heating systems as a way of combating the cold. However, this proved to be the reason behind forest degradation and deforestation in this region. In an attempt to replace this practice with an efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternative, a new heating system has recently been developed. Named “Solar Hamam,” this heating has been welcomed by people in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Here is all you need to know about this invention. 

What is the Solar Hamam? 
The Solar Hamam is essentially a heating system developed with the aim of generating heat in a clean, environmentally-friendly way. What adds more to its appeal amongst the Himalayan regions is that it is locally designed by pastoral artificers and carpenters. This idea was conceived way back in 2004. The first prototype for this was developed four years later. Until now, close to 1200 such systems have been established in the Himalayan regions. This unique invention was the recipient of the Himachal Pradesh State Innovation Award 2016-17. 

How does this heating system work? 
The Solar Hamam consists of a unique anti-freezing outlet. Within the first solar illumination of the day in the morning of around 30-35 minutes, it has the capacity to heat anywhere between 15-18 litres of water. It uses a solar panel to facilitate this heating process. This water can be accessed through the anti-freezing outlet. It is available in consecutive batches every 15-20 minutes throughout the course of the day.  

Benefits of the Solar Hamam 

• Provides clean energy throughout a relatively underdeveloped part of the country. 
• Generates employment for the local population, thus boosting the region’s economy. 
• It is a cost-effective alternative for regular heaters. Locals have claimed to save a significant amount of money on electricity bills. 
• It is a step towards the conservation and preservation of the flora in the Himalayan region. It helps mitigate carbon emissions. 
• The Solar Hamam is also locally branded and patented. This is another way how the invention can generate revenue for the region. 
• Residents, especially women, do not have to bear the brunt of collecting firewood from the forests anymore.