The solar water heater will save you up to 75% on your domestic hot water bill. Whether passive or active, this environmentally friendly equipment uses the sun's rays to provide you with water at the right temperature. Find the right model for your needs in our guide to the best solar water heaters.
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Our selection
"This solar tank allows to produce domestic hot water in large quantities. Its power corresponds to the expectations of users with large installations. It is…"
"Save electricity to heat your pool. With this set of 2 efficient solar panels, you will make a sound investment. You will discover how easy…"
"This offer is a complete water heating system using solar energy. Being eligible for the tax credit, it allows users to make even more savings…"
"This model is undoubtedly among the best solar water heaters on the market. Its durability is one of its greatest advantages. Apart from that, it…"
This solar tank allows to produce domestic hot water in large quantities. Its power corresponds to the expectations of users with large installations. It is also suitable for individuals.
1 810 £ on Manomano
Save electricity to heat your pool. With this set of 2 efficient solar panels, you will make a sound investment. You will discover how easy this equipment is to use.
92,80 £ on AmazonYou have two solar mats to heat your pool water. Made from particularly UV-resistant plastics, they have an extraordinary heating speed that pleases users. This material, specifically polyethylene, is also suitable for outdoor conditions, including weather and humidity. The covers can be kept near the pool throughout the maintenance of the pool. They are not affected by the chemicals used for maintenance. Above all, it is the easiest equipment to install. With an instruction manual, you can easily do without the help of a professional.
This offer is a complete water heating system using solar energy. Being eligible for the tax credit, it allows users to make even more savings at purchase.
2 793 £ on Leroy MerlinThis individual solar water heater is a bi-energy model, running on solar and electricity. It is equipped with a 3kW electric resistance for this purpose. This device produces 400 L of domestic hot water and is suitable for a large household of up to 6 or 7 people. It is a good way to avoid running out of hot water during periods without sun. For this kit, you will have a balloon, 3 solar collectors, 2 exchangers, a hydraulic kit in addition to the essential accessories for its maintenance. In any case, it is better to entrust this task to specialists whenever possible.
This model is undoubtedly among the best solar water heaters on the market. Its durability is one of its greatest advantages. Apart from that, it is an easy-to-install device that performs well all year round.
1 583 £ on AmazonNo energy loss is to be feared with this water heater. It integrates a vacuum tube collection system allowing 92% of the energy obtained to be transformed into thermal energy. In addition, the insulation is at the top so you can enjoy a stable hot water production all year round. Add to that its anti-frost technology. During rainy seasons and heavy weather, the discharge tubes are protected by their borosilicate glass. This water heater is connected directly to the city water supply. It does not require a pump and operates automatically. The valves integrated in the device optimize its life span.
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The best solar water heater in 2021
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Ballon solaire 875 L pour ECS
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Arebos - Solar panels for pool heating
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EDG - Ganz ff 400L individual solar water heater
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Ecopropulsion S.L. - Solar water heater 300 L
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This solar tank allows to produce domestic hot water in large quantities. Its power corresponds to the expectations of users with large installations. It is also suitable for individuals.
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Save electricity to heat your pool. With this set of 2 efficient solar panels, you will make a sound investment. You will discover how easy this equipment is to use.
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This offer is a complete water heating system using solar energy. Being eligible for the tax credit, it allows users to make even more savings at purchase.
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This model is undoubtedly among the best solar water heaters on the market. Its durability is one of its greatest advantages. Apart from that, it is an easy-to-install device that performs well all year round.
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Capacity
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875 L
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400 L
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300 L
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Function
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Hot water
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Hot water
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Domestic hot water
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Ease of installation
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Accessories
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Type
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Solar cylinder
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Monobloc
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It is also important to evaluate your hot water needs before you start. You can find water heaters with different capacities ranging from 200 L to more than 500 L. Obviously, it is their price that will differentiate them and in order not to make an unnecessary purchase you must evaluate your needs. One idea is to look at the capacity of your old model. For your information, know that for a family of about 3 to 4 members, you will need a capacity between 250 to 300 L.
It is the water tank that stores the hot water and holds it in that being for a period of time. A good model will keep the water nice and hot for 60 to 72 hours. To do this, your storage space will need to have thick insulation, such as polyurethane foam, and a stainless steel or enamel lining material. Both of these materials have the ability to not oxidize and to withstand high temperature levels.
When looking at the different models, you will notice that there are two trends: thermal and hybrid.
It is
necessary to differentiate photovoltaic solar panels from thermal collectors used by solar water heaters. Here, the panels are provided with internal tubes containing a liquid called heat transfer fluid. It is this fluid that will be responsible for transmitting the heat from the sun to the water in the tank. We present to you the 2 most common models on the market: the glazed flat plate collectors and the evacuated tubular collectors.
To have a solar water heater at home, you can either buy the kit, the monobloc type or the custom-made one. The kit will be perfect for those who want a ready-to-install model and costs less. But you don't have control over the components of the kit. With the custom-made model, you choose the components of your installation or on the advice of a professional. This way, you will have control over the quality of manufacture of each part, but it will be more expensive. However, purchasing a solar water heater is a long-term investment. To begin with, you will acquire the water tank and then the thermal panels. You should know that a thermal panel with glazed surfaces is worth between 200 to 400 euros per m² and the tubular type around 600 euros. Note that you need 2 to 3 panels for a 300 L tank. To summarize, you should plan a budget of at least 6000 euros for a complete custom installation including the water tank, the panels, the regulator and the labor. And not less than 2000 euros for a kit.
The solar water heater must be installed in height: on the roof or a high terrace. Therefore, its design should add a plus to your house and not disfigure it. If you buy too big, the water heater will cover a lot of space and this will not help the aesthetics of your roof. It is therefore advisable to have in mind the dimensions of your roof and the possible location of your equipment before your purchase.
Before installing a solar water heater, you must request authorization from the town hall. Skipping this step exposes you to penalties. Indeed, your installation must comply with the town planning rules in force in your town. In addition, some localities help their citizens with a contribution if they are green. So, you have nothing to lose by respecting the law.
By installing a solar water heater you are eligible for the CITE or the Tax Credit for Energy Transition. However, in order to apply, you will have to use a professional RGE or recognized as an environmental guarantor. This will ensure a reduction of the VAT for your installation. Then, you can also apply for an energy bonus. To do this, simply visit laprimeenergie.fr and fill in the information requested.
An electric pump solar water heater is called active. In this system, the heat transfer fluid circulates with the help of a pump running on electricity and a thermal regulator. The latter, coupled with a probe placed inside the tank, allows to control the temperature of the whole. If the heat transfer fluid has a higher level of heat than that of the tank, the mechanism is activated. It is an expensive system, because of the pump among other things. And it lacks reliability.
The advantage of this device is that the water tank is not on your roof with the panels. In addition, you do not have to position it higher than the solar panels. So you can place it in the bathroom or in another location. This adds flexibility to your installation. This type of water heater is suitable for all types of homes.
The passive model, also called autonomous, operates without a pump. It uses only solar energy and a backup system if necessary. You can choose between a monobloc solar water heater or a thermosiphon model. Both work on the same principle: when the heat transfer fluid heats up thanks to solar energy, it flows up the tubes and into the tank to heat the water.
The main drawback is that the tank must always be above the panels. The latter must also respect a precise inclination. However, they are less expensive and easy to install, especially the monobloc model. As for the thermosiphon, it offers more performance despite a delicate installation.
Passive solar water heaters are the best choice if you want an efficient and reasonably priced system. If for some reason you don't want the tank on the roof, go for an active solar water heater.
Economical
The use of solar energy allows considerable savings on EDF bills. The solar water heater has the ability to reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. You can save even more by turning off the boiler during the summer.
Practical
An innovative device, the solar water heater has several technical and technological features to meet the quality requirements of each household. It is a reliable equipment, with a great ease of use. Moreover, it is a very quiet device that will not disturb you, either during the day or at night while you are sleeping.
Ecological
The solar water heater is an environmentally friendly device. It uses a clean, free and inexhaustible natural resource. It does not require combustion. It works without emitting CO2 that pollutes the atmosphere. Using solar energy, the solar water heater does not produce polluting or dangerous substances. It is also a way to avoid the use of fossil fuels and any other fuels, or at the limit to use them for more specific purposes.
Cost effective
In addition to energy independence, the solar water heater is an excellent investment. The cost can be amortized in some time. You can do the calculation over a year. The calculation does not vary with the fluctuations of conventional energies, as with the conventional water heater. In addition, you will not have to cover any incidental expenses since solar panels require minimal maintenance and this type of device has a much longer life span than conventional heaters.
Enhancing
A green home is highly sought after. When a property has certain advantages such as an economical solar water heater, its financial value increases. Its installation benefits from tax advantages as well as regional or local and governmental subsidies. This heating system allows to cover the water needs of the house without any risk of cut-off.
In our opinion, the best brands of solar water heaters in 2022 are :
Eklor is a brand specialized in solar energy for 15 years. The brand has always been a solution proposal for its customers thanks to its quality and performance. This brand is totally French and its reputation radiates throughout Europe.
EneRa is a start-up in the field of renewable energy created since 2010. Thanks to its extensive international network and supply chain expertise, it offers quality products in the best possible conditions, its solar water heaters are in high demand on the market.
Founded in 2005, Solis Energy is a provider of continuous outdoor power solutions for temporary and long-term use. It offers a wide range of customization options and add-on components to meet its customers' clean energy needs. The brand offers quality and performance products.
This brand specializes in the design and development of industrial and solar products. It is 100% reliable and the quality of its products has never disappointed either businesses or individuals. It is one of the most appreciated brands in this field.
It is a brand of radiators, heat pumps and many other similar devices. It's a high-performance and perfectly reliable brand, its solar water heaters can last you for decades.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Don't be afraid to drain your solar water heater!
To function optimally, this type of equipment must respect the emptying and filling cycles. In this way, you will avoid overheating and this contributes to extend its life.
Don't throw away your old water heater!
Solar models are very efficient, but it can happen that the water tank is empty or that the water is not hot enough especially in winter. A conventional water heater will then be of great help. Moreover, by alternating uses you will not run out of hot water and you will always save money.
Turn off your equipment.
If
you have a model with an electric pump, know that you can turn off your water heater and save even more
.
Call a professional for maintenance.
This is
a piece of equipment that doesn't require special attention on a daily basis. The dust or any other debris is cleaned automatically when it rains. Next, know that a solar water heater has an average lifespan of 21 years. However, call a professional to inspect the condition of your system periodically; every 3 to 5 years.
Drain after winter.
In
case your water tank is located on the roof, it will be wise to perform a draining after harsh winters. A maintenance performed by a professional is not expensive.
The best water heater depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.
On
average, a solar water heater has a lifespan between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on the brand of the product.
Yes,
hybrid models are able to produce electricity while heating water.
This
is due to an excess of limescale deposits on the resistor immersed in the water. This does not mean that it is obsolete. If you don't want to have this phenomenon, opt for a "steatite" resistance.
The
era of the green economy is upon us. It is therefore wise to start consuming less. The solar water heater will allow you to save on your annual energy bill. Indeed, it works thanks to the solar energy captured by the photovoltaic panels. A green device that meets the criteria of the energy bonus and the CITE. To learn more, consult our complete guide on the subject.
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