The use of solar water heaters in Jordan and its impact on human development index

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to estimate the use of solar water heaters in Jordanian households and their impact on improving quality of life as well as the Human Development Index (HDI) using data of Jordan. Also to estimate the impact of the rise in electricity prices and power consumption intensity on the installing capacity. Then to predict the solar water heaters characteristics using analytical equations for comparison with the statistical data. Methodology: The study was conducted through a survey covered an area of ​​10 km in diameter from Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan. The area sampling method was implemented. The number of flats studied by the survey was 1033, with a total of 5597 occupants. The survey included questions dealing with the number of households, number of occupants in a given household, area of each flat, and the type and number of solar water heaters installed. Findings: The results obtained showed that the overall number of households who enjoyed solar water heaters was 33%. The Jordanian average solar water heaters area reached 0.22 m2/capita. The increase in the use of solar energy led to an increase in the per capita share of electrical energy, which pushup Jordan's classification from medium class (0.622) to high class (0.729) on the global human development index. Originality: For the first time, a study has been conducted to study the effect of installing solar water heaters on the human development index (HDI). Practical value: Jordan Energy Strategy “2020–2030” aims to equip 30% of the households with a SWH system by 2030. More use of renewable energy in solar water heaters means less dependence on conventional power and more reduction in CO2 emissions, which means more developments in human quality of life and high HDI.