Water heaters have become a necessity in our homes to enjoy a supply of hot water whenever we need it. Solar water heaters are slowly gaining popularity over gas and electric water heaters for their high energy efficiency and cost-savings. Since solar water heaters use solar energy, a free and renewable natural resource, they are economically more viable in the long run in a sunny country like India.
If you are thinking of cutting down your power bills by going Solar, this article is a must-read. Get to know some insightful tips which will help you choose the best solar water heater for your needs, along with a list of the 10 latest and best solar water heaters for homes in India which have excellent reviews from customers.
How To Choose The Best Solar Water Heaters In India? (Buyer Guide)
Solar water geyser is a relatively new concept for us, and hence we must pay attention to certain factors before buying one. Here are some buyer tips which will come in handy while purchasing the best solar water heater for your home:
1. Usage of Hot Water:
Before buying a solar water heater for your home, think of the Return on Investment (ROI). The initial set of a solar water heater is quite high compared to an electric or gas water heater. Small families who seldom use hot water may not reap benefits from this installation. Medium and Big size families who use large amounts of hot water for their daily needs will enjoy better savings with a solar water heater. So, keep your usage in mind before investing in a solar water heater.
2. Design of your House:
The design and location of your home are important factors to reap the maximum benefits of a solar water heater.
- The roof of your house should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight and has enough space to place the solar panels. If you don’t have access to a roof, then make sure you have an open space, like a balcony or sit-out, that receives constant sun exposure.
- You must select a spot on your roof or balcony which has the best sun performance. Experts recommend True North or true south for the best energy production.
3. Different Types of Solar Water Heaters:
There are two types of solar water heaters you must know about – Active and Passive. You can make a selection of these two types, based on the climate of your area.
- Active Solar Heaters: Active solar heaters are suitable for areas with colder climates and have an indoor water tank to prevent the water from getting frozen. They are quite efficient but require special equipment and higher setup costs to pump hot water.
- Passive Solar Heaters: Passive solar heaters are quite economical and do not require any special equipment or elaborate setup. Instead, they directly channel the heat of the sunlight to produce hot water into storage tanks or to your showers. These solar water heaters are ideal for areas which receive at least 300 days of bright sunlight in a year.
4. Size of Solar Water Heater:
You can decide on the size of the solar water heater based on your usage needs. If you are planning it use for commercial purposes, like a hospital or a hotel, go for a minimum 500 litres capacity heater which also comes with large solar panels. For residential purposes, a water heater with 100 litres capacity will fulfil the needs of a large family.
5. Budget and Subsidies:
Solar water geysers require a high initial setup cost, which can range between Rs.15,000 to Rs.50,000 or above, depending on the brand and the features. However, our government offers subsidies and rebates to encourage your environmental-friendly decision. Make sure that the brand and model you choose offers better ROI by enquiring about its maintenance cost, life expectancy and overall annual savings.
10 Latest and Best Solar Water Geysers For Homes In India 2024:
Here is a round-up of the 10 top and best solar water heaters for homes in India with product specifications and other details.
1. Supreme Solar 200 LPD Solar Water Heater, Standard (Multicolour, SS-003):
Check out this 200-litre solar water heater from Supreme, a Bangalore-based solar heater brand. The 200 LPD water heater comes with a high-quality stainless steel tank of SS-304 grade, which promises superior performance and long life. An assistant tank also comes along with the solar tank to control overhead tank pressure and ensure a continuous supply of water. This budget-friendly solar water heater is best suitable for a family of 4-5 people and can serve up to 3 bathrooms.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Supreme
- Capacity: 200 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 5 Years for Solar Tank
Pros:
- Budget-friendly.
- Ideal for a medium-sized family.
- High-quality stainless steel material.
- The assistant tank controls pressure from the overhead tank.
- Ensures a good supply of hot water (when setup is done as per the company’s recommendations).
Cons:
- Available in Bangalore and Mysore cities only.
- Not suitable for areas with hard water.
2. Avigna Energy Systems Sunvik Gold Stainless Steel Solar Water Heater 100Lts:
Here is the best 100-litre capacity solar water heater from Sunvik Solar, another Indian solar heater brand. The heater is a great investment to enjoy piping hot water even in winter and cloudy days. It comes with an anti-corrosive, glass-line ceramic material which makes it suitable for areas with bore water and hard water. The heater includes an extra auxiliary tank instead of an air vent to withstand the high pressure of cold water and minimize the mixing of hot and cold water.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Sunvik
- Capacity: 100 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 5 Years for Solar Tank
Pros:
- Durable material.
- Ideal for residential and business purposes.
- An extra auxiliary tank that prevents the mixing of hot and cold water.
- Suitable for bore and hard water.
- PUF insulated tank to store hot water for up to 48 hours.
- No scale formation or corrosion.
Cons:
- No major cons.
3. Racold Solar Domestic Alpha Pro Water Heater (200L, Black):
Racold is one of India’s leading and trusted Solar heater manufacturing brands, which offers a wide range of products to suit commercial and residential needs. The Alpha Pro domestic solar water heater uses a high energy absorption vacuum tube of over 180mm in length for optimal energy absorption and better efficiency. It is suitable for hard water and even comes with a unique float valve tech for safe usage in high wind velocity areas. The product conforms to international standards and offers good value for your money.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Racold
- Capacity: 200 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Aluminium
- Warranty: 5 Years for Solar Tank
Pros:
- Durable and rust-proof outer body.
- Patented smart float tubes for better safety.
- Specially treated inner container that resists corrosion.
- Suitable for hard water applications.
- Low-maintenance.
- Blends well with modern bathroom aesthetics.
Cons:
- Pricey
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4. Mandhata Inventions 100 LPD ETC Solar Water Heater:
Mandhata Inventions is one of India’s leading brands in renewable energy which proudly announces its “Make in India” tag. It is also the only Indian brand which offers 15 years warranty on Solar water heaters. The 100 LPD ETC Solar water from Mandhata is a cost-effective water heating solution for homes, hotels and commercial properties. It comes with 10 high-quality pipes and high-efficiency multi-crystalline solar cells that assist in the quick warming of water.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Mandhata
- Capacity: 100 litres
- Inner Tank Material: GP, GI, SS.
- Warranty: 15 years
Pros:
- 15 years warranty.
- Free installation by the company.
- 1.6mm tank thickness.
- Hot water storage for long hours.
- Pan India service and 350 offline service centres across India.
Cons:
- Available only in online stores.
5. Apex Energy System- 150 LPD Solar Water Heater:
Apex is a Gujarat-based brand that specializes in quality solar water heaters, storage tanks and related products. Here is a 150 LPD Solar water heater which comes with 15 pipes for optimal heating efficiency. It uses Borosilicate 3.3 Glass material to prevent corrosion and hence is suitable for areas which receive bore water and hard water. Apex solar water heater delivers superior performance even in rainy and cloudy atmospheres. The product offers better money savings in the long run, making it ideal for residential and commercial purposes.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Apex
- Capacity: 150 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Galvanized Iron with Powder coating.
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Good heating efficiency.
- Produces an average of 50 C to 65 C hot water at any time.
- Larger diameter tube for a longer lifespan.
- Triple-coated glass tube for increased heating efficiency.
- Offers substantial money savings.
Cons:
- Installation costs are extra.
6. Solarizer Value Solar Water Heater – 100 Litres, Grey and Blue:
Solarize Value is one of the best solar water heaters in India, which comes from the Emmvee brand. The heater comes in varied capacities like 100 litres, 200 litres and 500 litres to suit home and commercial purposes. It is an economical and eco-friendly alternative to gas and electric heaters and promises superior durability and performance. The product uses highly selective absorption sheet and laser welding technology for quick heat transfer and hot water generation in all seasons.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Solarizer
- Capacity: 100 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Durable material.
- High-quality tank and solar collector.
- PUF insulation in the tank.
- Easy installation.
- German technology absorption sheet.
- Laser welding technology for quick heat transfer.
Cons:
- Pricey
7. Solarizer Ultra AV Solar Water Heater, 300 Liters (Grey):
Solar Ultra AV is an advanced solar water heater from Emmvee brand, made especially for areas with extremely hard water supply. The heater will cater to all your hot water needs without having to worry about hard water stains, leaks, corrosions and blockages. Apart from just heating the water, Solarizer Ultra AV also makes water soft and usable. It has a unique heat exchanger for efficient heating performance.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Solarizer
- Capacity: 300 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Low carbon steel with Glass Enamel coating.
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Best solar water heater for hard water.
- Softens hard water.
- Prevents rust formation.
- Easy installation.
- Unique heat exchanger for optimal performance.
Cons:
- Pricey
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8. Solar Water Heating System Capacity 200 LPD By Sudarshan Saur:
Check out this 200 litres Solar water heater from Sudarshan Saur, which uses ETC technology to deliver piping hot water in all seasons. ETC stands for Evacuated Tube Collector, which comprises cylindrical glass tubes that have high heat absorption even on cloudy days. Each tube has two layers- a thick glass outer tube and a thinner glass inner tube with a special coating to prevent thermal heat loss. The Crystal Blue glass lining model tank makes the water heater suitable for areas with hard water problems.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Sudarshan Saur
- Capacity: 200 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Glass, Metal.
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Economical in the long run.
- Advanced technology that offers high heating efficiency.
- Works well throughout the year.
- Suitable for areas with hard water.
- Water remains hot for longer hours due to the glass lining.
Cons:
- No major cons.
9. ETC Glass Line/Ceramic Coated Solar Water Heater by GREEN ENERGY SYSTEMS (100L):
Green Energy Systems is an Indore-based non-conventional energy-saving solutions brand which offers a wide range of low-budget products that use ‘green’ energy. Seen here is a 100-litre ETC Solar water heater which gives an uncompromised performance during winter and cloudy days. The inner tank comes with a food-grade, anti-corrosion material that can prevent hard water stains and corrosion. It has a special nozzle to prevent hot and cold water mixing, an auxiliary tank, an aluminium powder-coated stand and aluminium nuts and bolts for long life.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Green Energy Systems
- Capacity: 100 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Glass, Metal.
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Special Stainless steel tank.
- An auxiliary tank that reduces the need for additional air vent pipes.
- Aluminium powder-coated stand, nuts and bolts for long life.
- Special nozzle to prevent hot and cold water mixing.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Available online only.
10. Racold Omega Max 8 500 Lpd Domestic Water Heater (Black):
Racold Omega Max 8 is the latest solar water heater in India which combines impeccable style with superior durability. Max 8 has a high-pressure withstanding capacity, which makes the solar water heater a suitable choice for areas with high pressure. The multifunction safety valve ensures high safety with the high-pressure release, anti-vacuum and drainage functions. The water heater also features a unique Italian screwless design and waterproof body for better structural strength and long life.
Product Specifications:
- Brand: Racold
- Capacity: 500 litres
- Inner Tank Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros:
- Stylish and modern design.
- Italian screwless body.
- Multifunction safety valve.
- High-density injected PUF insulation.
- Duronox SS 304 L tank for better durability.
- Zinc aluminium sheet and Magnesium Sacrificial anode for anti-corrosion.
- Can withstand high pressures up to 8 bars.
Cons:
- Expensive
Those are some of the latest and best solar water heaters for homes in India, which will save you from paying hefty electricity bills in future. If you are planning to switch to sustainable and renewable energy sources, we highly recommend trying out these solar water heater brands for your home or commercial properties.
DISCLAIMER: The reviews are based on the user ratings and comments on Amazon.in, based on individual user experiences. Stylesatlife takes no responsibility for determining the actual quality of the product or its performance. The page may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites, through which we may earn a small commission with every purchase you make.
1. How much time does a solar water heater take to heat up water?
Solar water heaters require anywhere between 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to heat up water of full tank capacity. The time can vary with the model, season, day temperatures and even the placement of the panels.
2. What are the major benefits of solar water heaters?
The major benefit of using solar water is the utilization of free energy and reduced carbon footprint. Other benefits include high heating efficiency, space-saving designs and a reduction of electricity bills by almost 70-80% (compared to electric water heaters).
3. Are there any disadvantages of solar water heaters?
Solar water heaters have their set of cons which include, dedicated space for placing panels, expensive initial cost, weather-dependent and the ability to heat only water. Experts, therefore, recommend buying solar water heaters only if the user can match the investment and the setup.
