PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SOLAR WATER HEATER ADOPTABLE AT IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA UNIVERSITY, LAPAI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract The increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient technologies has led to greater interest in the adoption of solar water heating systems as an alternative to conventional water heating methods. This study evaluates the performance of a solar water heater adoptable at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, with the aim of determining its efficiency, reliability, and suitability under the climatic conditions of Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. The system's performance was assessed through the measurement of key operational parameters such as solar radiation intensity, ambient temperature, water inlet and outlet temperatures, and thermal efficiency over a specified period. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and comparative methods to determine the relationship between solar energy availability and water heating performance. Results indicated that the solar water heater effectively increased water temperature during periods of high solar radiation, demonstrating satisfactory thermal efficiency and significant potential for reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. The findings further revealed that the system is environmentally friendly, cost-effective in the long term, and suitable for institutional applications where hot water demand is moderate to high. The study concludes that the adoption of solar water heaters at the university can contribute to energy conservation, reduced operational costs, and the promotion of renewable energy utilization. It recommends increased investment in solar thermal technologies, regular system maintenance, and further research on optimizing system design for improved performance under varying weather conditions. Keywords: Solar Water Heater, Renewable Energy, Thermal Efficiency, Solar Radiation, Energy Conservation, Sustainable Technology, Lapai, Niger State.