Effects of Using Solar Water Heating System on Fuelwood Consumption in Forest Villages

Ain of study: In this study, the effects of the use of solar water heating system of forest villagers in Gumushane were investigated. Material and methods: For this purpose, random selected by 70 forest village households were examined and the results were analyzed by One Sample T-Test. Within the scope of the research, face-to-face surveys were conducted with the families with the villagers who were determined with information provided by Department of Forest-Village Relations. The villagers were chosen among those who had used this solar energy heating system for at least 5 years. The data in the questionnaires were transferred to digital media and it was tried to determine how the forest villagers were affected by solar water heating systems. Main results: As a result, after the use of solar water heating systems; the consumption of firewood for heating has not changed. The consumption of wood used for cooking and the consumption of wood used for hot water has also decreased. Highlights: Thanks to this solar water heating system, carbon accumulation in forests has increased and a positive contribution has been made to climate change.