Solar water heaters are a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for meeting your hot water needs. By harnessing the power of the sun, these systems can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best solar water heater models available in the market, and key factors to consider when choosing one. Let’s journey towards a greener and more cost-effective way to heat water.
Best Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are devices that use solar energy to heat water for various applications such as bathing, washing, and other household purposes. They are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable sources of hot water. We have highlighted some of the best solar water heater companies in the market, based on their quality, efficiency, customer support, price, and warranty. In this solar hot water heaters review, we have also mentioned some of their top products and their features, as well as the solar hot water system prices to help you choose the best solar hot water system.
1. Riwatt Solar Systems
Riwatt is a Chinese manufacturer of solar water heaters and related products. Riwatt Company aims to provide high-quality, affordable, and eco-friendly solar water heating solutions for customers around the world. They have one of the best solar water heaters of 200 litres priced quite aggressively.
A. Riwatt 53-Gal Evac Tube Solar Water Heater (200 litres)
Key Features:
- Evacuated tube collector technology for optimal heat absorption
- Aesthetic design that complements home exteriors
- High capacity for larger families or commercial use
- Price: This best solar water heater (200 ltr) is around $1,013.07
B. Riwatt 80 Gal Evac Tube Solar Water Heater
Key Features:
- Evacuated tube collector for best solar heat conversion
- Quick and easy installation process
- Compatible with hard water
- Price: around $830.06
2. Viessmann Solar Systems
Viessmann is a German company that produces heating, cooling, and solar energy systems. It has more than 40 years of experience in developing and manufacturing solar thermal systems and has some of the best solar water heaters for homes.
A. Vitosol 200-FM
Key Features:
- Premium flat-plate collector with high efficiency of up to 80%
- Switching absorber layer that prevents overheating
- Suitable for roof or wall mounting
- Corrosion- and UV-resistant design
- The Price ranges from around $750.00 you can visit their website to submit a quotation for accurate prices.
B. Vitocell 300-B
Key Features:
- Dual-coil tank for storing solar hot water
- Tank made of Stainless steel for durability and hygiene
- Can be combined with other heat sources, such as boilers or heat pumps
- The Price ranges from around $3000.00 you can visit their website to submit a quotation for accurate prices.
3. Apricus Solar Systems
Apricus Solar is a Chinese company that designs and manufactures high-quality solar thermal products. Apricus offers a range of products, including evacuated tube solar collectors, solar water heaters, solar pool heaters, and solar space heaters.
WOMBAT FTS (300 litres)
Key Features:
- Highly efficient with a heat pipe-type flat plate collector
- Anti-freeze design
- Well-insulated solar storage tank
- Thermosiphon or pump forced-compatible
- Price: around $700
Also, check out 10 Common Problems With Solar Hot Water Systems
4. Rheem Solar Water Heater
Rheem Manufacturing Company is an American company that produces and sells heating, cooling, and water heating products. Rheem offers a range of products, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and solar water heaters. They offer some of the best solar water heaters for home.
A. Rheem Solar 52L300SS/2L (300 litres)
Key Features:
- Stainless Steel inner storage tank that is resistant to corrosion.
- No sacrificial anode is required.
- One of the lightest 300-liter systems.
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
- Price: around $5,578
B. Rheem Solar Loline 325L Split System
- Equipped with an electric booster element
- Reliable performance even in colder months
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
- Price: around $5,121
5. A.O. Smith Water Heater
A.O. Smith Corporation is a US-based company specializing in the production and promotion of water heaters, boilers, and water treatment solutions. A.O. Smith offers a range of products, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and the best solar water heaters for hard water.
A. ProLine Indirect Solar Water Heater Booster Model SUNX-120 (452 litres)
Key Features:
- Efficient Heat Exchange with single-wall internal coil
- Multiple collector options for customization
- High-volume hot water supply
- Price: around $3,719.99
B. 80 Gallon SUN-80 ProMax Residential Electric Direct Solar Booster Water Heater
Key Features:
- Offers multiple connection options suitable for both open-loop and closed-loop systems using an external heat exchanger
- Constructed from durable PEX cross-linked polymer minimizes lime and sediment build-up, maximizing hot water output.
- Patented lining known as PermaGlas significantly enhances tank longevity by preventing corrosion and rust.
- Price: around $1,269.99
6. Rinnai Water Heater
Rinnai Corporation is a Japanese company that manufactures and sells heating appliances, kitchen appliances, and water heating products. Rinnai offers a range of products, including gas water heaters, electric water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and solar water heaters. They have a range of some of the best solar water heaters for homes.
Prestige Roof Mount (330 Litres)
Key Features:
- Split system solar water heater that can provide hot water for up to six people
- Innovative and smart technology
- Less maintenance due to no sacrificial anode
- Superior insulation and energy-efficient
- Price: around $5,387
Also See: Top 20 Solar Panel Manufacturers in the World
7. Himin Solar Systems
Himin Solar Energy is a Chinese company specializing in developing and manufacturing solar thermal products. Himin offers a range of products, including evacuated tube solar collectors, flat plate solar collectors, solar water heaters, and solar air conditioners. They have a range of the best solar hot water systems priced at an affordable rate.
A. HM210 (210 litres)
Key Features:
- Evacuated tube solar collector that can provide hot water for residential and commercial applications
- High-efficiency and performance
- Low maintenance and operation cost
- Priced at around $700 but you can visit their official website for a price quotation.
B. HM 180 Solar Water Heater
Key Features:
- Flat plate solar collector that can provide hot water for residential and commercial applications
- Robust design with resistance to challenging weather
- Scalable for larger installations
- Priced at around $600 but you can visit their official website for a price quotation.
8. Solahart Solar Systems
Solahart is an Australian manufacturer of solar water heaters and solar power systems for both homes and commercial applications. They offer a range of products that can operate well in low sunlit areas, and extreme cold conditions and some of the best solar water heaters for hard water.
Solahart 181L Roof Top Solar System (180 litres)
Key Features:
- Reliable and low-maintenance
- Ceramic lined tank for optimum insulation
- Environmental Government incentives
- The Price range starts from around $2500.00 you can visit their website to get a quotation for accurate prices.
9. SunRain Solar Water Heater
Sunrain is a globalized clean energy thermal utilization company and one of the top 500 new energy enterprises in the world. Sunrain provides customers with energy solutions and a one-stop service experience in various civil and commercial scenarios. Sunrain’s products include solar water heaters, heat pumps, solar collectors, photovoltaic panels, LFP batteries, and energy storage systems.
SUNRAIN FPTS 200 (200 litres)
Key Features:
- Enamel lined flat panel
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- The Price range starts from around $1500.00 you can visit their website to submit a quotation for accurate prices.
Must Read: Does a Solar Water Heater Work at Night?
10. Duda Solar Systems
Duda Diesel is a US-based supplier of solar water heaters and related products. Duda Solar Company’s products are designed to be durable, affordable, and efficient, and can save up to 80% of energy compared to conventional water heaters. The solar water heaters are also OG-100 SRCC certified and eligible for the federal government tax credit in the US.
Duda Solar 150-Liter Standard Passive Water Heater
Key Features:
- Very efficient in generating solar energy
- Excellent winter resistance
- Reliable retention of heat
- Durable design and construction
- Price: around $1,058.10
11. Merisolar Water Heaters
Merisolar is a Chinese manufacturer and international supplier of solar water heaters and related products. Merisolar Company’s products are designed to be durable, affordable, and efficient, and can save up to 80% of energy compared to conventional water heaters.
A. Compact Non-pressurized Solar Water Heater (100 litres)
Key Features:
- High boron-silicon evacuated tube
- Aluminium, stainless steel, and copper absorber coating
- Thermosyphon flow
- The Price ranges from around $150.00 you can visit their website to submit a quotation for accurate prices.
B. Integrative Pressurized Solar Water Heater
Key Features:
- High boron-silicon evacuated tube
- Aluminium, stainless steel, and copper absorber coating
- Can operate at a maximum pressure of 6 Bar
- The Price ranges from around $800.00 you can visit their website to submit a quotation for accurate prices.
Also See: How to Check If Solar Hot Water is Working
How to Choose the Best Solar Water Heater for Your Needs?
Choosing the best solar water heater for your needs and preferences can be a challenging task, as there are many factors that you need to consider. In this solar hot water heaters review, let’s discuss some of the most crucial parameters:
1. Source of water: Depending on the quality and hardness of the water in your area, you may need to choose the best solar water heater for hard water or soft water. Some solar water heaters are specially designed for either hard or soft water, while others can work with both types.
2. Functionality: Solar water heaters can be classified into two main categories: active and passive. Within these categories, there are also different types of collectors, such as flat plate, evacuated tube, or heat pipe collectors, which have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, durability, and cost.
Additionally, check out the 4 Advantages Of Solar Water Heater
3. Type of tank: The tank is where the hot water is stored until it is used. The tank can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel, copper, glass-lined steel, or enamel-coated steel. Each material has its pros and cons in terms of durability, corrosion resistance, heat retention, and cost. It is important to choose one that meets all of your requirements and will be the best solar water heater for your home.
4. Water pressure system: The water pressure system determines how the hot water is delivered from the tank to the faucets or showers. There are two main types of water pressure systems: direct and indirect. Direct systems connect the tank directly to the mains water supply and indirect systems use a separate pump or heat exchanger to deliver the hot water to the outlets.
5. Climate and geographical location: The climate and geographical location affect the performance and suitability of the solar water heater. Some solar water heaters are designed for tropical or temperate climates, while others can work in cold or cloudy climates. Some solar water heaters can be installed on flat roofs or ground mounts, while others require tilted roofs or pole mounts. You need to check the weather conditions and installation requirements of your area before choosing a solar water heater.
6. Plumbing work: Depending on the type and size of the solar water heater, you may need to modify or upgrade your plumbing system to accommodate it. You may also need to install valves, pipes, fittings, wires, switches, outlets, breakers, and other components to connect the solar water heater to your water supply and power source. You may also need to install a pressure relief valve, a temperature gauge, a drain valve, an expansion tank, an air vent, and other safety devices to prevent overheating, overpressure, or freezing of the system.
In this guide, we have highlighted some of the best solar water heaters available in the market. This can help you save money and energy, providing hot water throughout the year. However, choosing the right solar water heater can be a difficult task. You need to compare their features and select the one that meets your needs. For more such reviews keep exploring our website.
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