Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा परिसंघ नेपाल
Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा परिसंघ नेपाल
Solar Thermal Association Nepal (STAN) is a non-profit platform representing the private sector in the advancement of solar thermal technology and sustainable energy solutions across Nepal. It works to promote the development, standardisation, and adoption of solar thermal applications among residential, commercial, and institutional users nationwide.
Field of Work
STAN focuses on the promotion, quality assurance, and sector development of solar thermal energy systems in Nepal. It represents solar thermal businesses, advocates for enabling policies, coordinates industry standards, and works to expand deployment of thermal solar solutions in the domestic and commercial heating market.
Solar water heating is one of the most cost-effective applications of solar energy. A solar water heater uses the sun's radiation to heat water directly — without the need for electricity — making it particularly suited for Nepal's sunny climate and high-altitude regions with high solar irradiance.
The two dominant system types are flat-plate collectors and evacuated-tube collectors. A flat-plate collector is a well-insulated, glass-covered box containing a dark-painted absorber plate and flow channels through which water circulates. It is cost-effective and durable for temperatures up to 60–80°C, suitable for most household and commercial hot water needs. An evacuated-tube collector consists of parallel rows of glass tubes, each containing an absorber strip inside a vacuum — the vacuum insulation dramatically reduces heat loss, allowing the system to achieve higher temperatures (80–120°C) and perform effectively even in cold, overcast conditions. Evacuated-tube systems are increasingly popular in Nepal's hill stations and urban hotels.
A typical household solar water heater (100–200 litres) can meet 60–80% of a family's hot water needs year-round, reducing or eliminating the use of electric geysers or firewood for water heating.
In Nepal's high-altitude communities — particularly in the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions — winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, and space heating is a significant energy burden. Passive and active solar thermal systems offer a low-cost, zero-fuel solution for improving thermal comfort in homes and public buildings.
Passive solar design uses building orientation, large south-facing glazing, thermal mass (stone or earthen walls that absorb heat during the day and release it at night), and insulation to retain warmth without mechanical systems. Active solar space heating uses flat-plate or air collectors to heat air or water, which is then circulated through the building via underfloor pipes or radiators. STAN promotes these technologies particularly for schools, health posts, and community buildings in cold mountain districts, where fuel costs for conventional heating are prohibitive.
Solar dryers use captured solar heat to dry agricultural produce — vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish, and grains — more quickly, hygienically, and efficiently than open-air sun drying. A basic solar dryer consists of a transparent glazed collector chamber that heats incoming air, which then flows through trays of produce in an insulated drying compartment. The elevated temperature and controlled airflow reduce drying time from several days to hours, prevent contamination by dust and insects, and significantly improve the quality and shelf life of the dried product.
For Nepal's rural farmers, solar dryers add economic value to surplus harvests, reduce post-harvest losses, and enable the production of higher-value dried goods for market — all without fuel or electricity.
