Water is an invaluable and ubiquitous natural resource present on the planet earth. Being a liquid, it can be moulded into various forms for our use case. Hot water is used mostly for inducing warmth in the winter season or in colder climates. But its uses aren’t limited to bathing only. Hot water can be used to clean extensively soiled clothes, burnt utensils, and cleaning surfaces.
Obtaining hot water by using the best solar water heater in India is a neat trick that saves up the energy costs and gives you self-sustaining continuous hot water supply. It also helps in reducing the burden on fossil fuels that are thinning in quantity every day.
Buying the best solar water heater for your residence is a surmounting task that becomes more challenging if you don’t know much about them in general. They might seem an exorbitant investment at first but down the line, you recover your investment in a few years.
I have sieved through the best solar water heater in India that are available for commercial purchase and have a long history of satisfied clients and a robust set of features. Before rushing to buy the first one on our list, take time to explore the post to learn more in-depth about the components of a solar water heater and what factors should be mandatory in your selection.
Best Solar Water Heater
Solar Water Heater Capacity Chart
| Capacity in Litres per day | Utility Points (max.) | Number of Persons using hot water |
| 100 LPD | 2 | 2 to 3 |
| 125 LPD | 2 | 3 to 4 |
| 150 LPD | 3 | 4 to 5 |
| 200 LPD | 4 | 5 to 6 |
| 250 LPD | 5 | 6 to 7 |
| 300 LPD | 5 | 8 to 9 |
Supreme Solar 250 LPD Solar Water Heater
The Supreme Solar 250 LPD Solar Water Heater is one of the most popular solar water heaters in India. It offers stellar heating with a gigantic storage capacity that is enough for 6-8 people(the 250 LPD version). It uses ETC technology to heat water and possesses high heat retention capacity so that you can enjoy hot water for a longer period of time.
The Supreme Solar 250 LPD Solar Water Heater comes with a stainless steel storage tank with PUFF insulation that keeps the temperature drop to a minimum. Its outer shell is available in both the galvanized metal and stainless steel options and I would recommend you getting the latter as it is less prone to corrosion.
Supreme Solar 250 LPD Solar Water Heater requires a gravity feeding storage tank which means that your storage tank needs to be mounted higher than the place of installation. It comes with a glass lining so that the water remains bacteria-free and fit for human usage. Supreme Solar 250 LPD Solar Water Heater is one of the best solar water heater that you can buy that guarantees a long lifespan and five-year guarantee on the solar tank.
V HOT Non-Pressurized Series Solar Water Heater
V HOT Non-Pressurized Series Solar Water Heater is a great alternative to the SupremeSolar mentioned in our list of the best solar water heater. The only noticeable difference lies in the storage tank construction between the two due to which it ranks slightly low in our list.
V HOT Non-Pressurized Series Solar Water Heater uses ETC technology to heat the water and helps in achieving the desired temperature even when the weather is partially cloudy. Its tank has a decent heat retention capacity and doesn’t allow the water to cool for 60 hours or so. The tank is made up of food-grade SS304L with Aluminium Stucco cladding that won’t corrode easily. Keep in mind that the interior and exterior of the tank are made out of the same metal and the PUF insulation keeps the heat loss at a minimum.
V HOT Non-Pressurized Series Solar Water Heater is effective in tropical and temperate conditions and doesn’t demand too much of an asking price for the superior quality components bundled with the ring. It is available in ranges of 100 LPD to 300 LPD capacity and can be a great fit for your residential needs.
Racold 200 LPD Alpha Plus Solar Water Heater
Racold 200 LPD Alpha Plus Solar Water Heater is another desirable offering in our lineup of the best solar water heater. It is designed by Racold which gives enough assurance about its structural integrity and reliability. The mounting station and the entire body are galvanized to withstand the test of time and keep corrosion at bay.
Racold 200 LPD Alpha Plus Solar Water Heater uses a food-grade stainless steel container like the one present in the V Hot solar water heater mentioned above. It has special protection for the interior containers that prevents impurities and water leaks after prolonged usage. It uses high-energy absorption vacuum tubes technology that makes it an efficient solar water heater.
Racold 200 LPD Alpha Plus Solar Water Heater uses a sacrificial magnesium anode in the interior that forms a layer of magnesium inside the tank to prevent it from corrosion and thus offering a greater lifespan of the storage tank. It comes with a five-year warranty that is bundled with the solar water heater without any additional cost to the user and is one of the best recommendations on our list.
Saur Shakti Stainless Steel Water Heater LPD 300
Saur Shakti Stainless Steel Water Heater LPD 300 is an equally competent option in our lineup of the best solar water heater in India. Solar water comes from a brand indigenous to the country with a history in making heating equipment. This variant comes with a 300 LPD capacity which is good enough for almost 10 people. Clearly, it is meant for a large family and is best suited for temperate environments that have moderate sunlight.
Saur Shakti Stainless Steel Water Heater LPD 300 uses evacuator tube technology with a tubing size of 1.8 meters for better heat capturing and simultaneous heating. It performs well even on partially cloudy days when the sunlight is dwindling in nature. The water heater uses stainless steel for the construction of the inner tank with robust insulation that seals and prevents microbial buildup inside the tank.
The outer body of this solar water heater is made up of galvanized iron that is best at combating corrosion damage while offering a rigid installation frame for the solar water heater. It also comes with a five-year warranty that can be upped if your seller offers an extension program with the purchase.
MANDHATA INVENTIONS 200LPD Solar Water Heater
MANDHATA INVENTIONS 200LPD Solar Water Heater is a 200 LPD solar water heater that offers best in class solar water heating capability at a slightly higher asking price. It uses an evacuated tube technology with the presence of an electrical coil to offer both solar water heating and electric water heating when necessary.
MANDHATA INVENTIONS 200LPD Solar Water Heater uses 1.6 mm tubes to allows fluid passage of water along with adequate heating power. It uses the gravity tank model for water supply so make sure to modification your tank placement before purchasing this solar water heater.
MANDHATA INVENTIONS 200LPD Solar Water Heater uses galvanized pipes and bars to mount the system which is not flimsy. You can expect no rattling once the solar water heater is properly installed on the roof. The mounting surface requirement is moderate unless you go for the larger storage version in which the tank size increases and so does the number of tubes. MANDHATA INVENTIONS 200LPD Solar Water Heater is undoubtedly one of the top choices for the best solar water heaters available in India.
Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Solar Water Heater
Budget
Confining yourself to your budget is not the best strategy when buying a best solar water heater. Considering the large investment and longer use cycles, don’t be stern with a budget. Try to understand that you will recover your investment in due time and being thrifty will only get you an inferior solar water heater with tiny storage and a slow heating process.
Type
The best Solar water heaters are mainly available in two types FPC and ETC. Both have different use cases and you have to prioritize your need before choosing either of them. FPC stands for flat plate collector solar water heater that uses a copper tubing encased in toughened glass that draws in sunlight and begins the healing process. FTC solar water heaters are costly, have a longer lifespan, and are more suited for tropical regions.
ETC or Evacuated tube collector solar water heaters are best for temperate regions and have a different structure than FPC. They use glass tubes with metal pipes embedded inside and are more suited for temperate regions where temperatures drop drastically. They are cheaper but have less lifespan and are more prone to wear and tear due to their delicate design.
The solar water heater can also be clubbed power source wise, in which one relies only on solar energy while the other one, popularly known as a hybrid solar water heater can be powered by solar energy or electrical energy when feasible. This is the best approach as you can leverage the Sun energy when available and can use electrical power during hazy, rainy, or intense cold weather.
Capacity
The capacity of the best solar water heater implies how much hot water can be stored in the tank for use. It is measured in LPD which stands for liters per day. The average metrics indicate that a 100 LPD solar water heater is adequate for a family of three. As the number of members increase, the capacity or LPD also increases.
The best suggestion would be to go for a solar water heater with 150-200 LPD that facilitates done extra juice in the tank in case guests arrive or you need more hot water than your daily consumers. Industrial solar water heater solutions might require upwards of 500 LPD to 5000 LPD depending upon the industry like dying, sterilization, or other manufacturing sectors.
Type of water
Type of water is an often-overlooked factor and can cause serious complications to your solar water heater. There are two types of water, namely hard water and soft water. Soft water is devoid of minerals and doesn’t clog the pipes and is fit for direct heating solar water heater systems.
Hard water is brimming with minerals and is considered good for health but bad for plumbing and appliances. If you have a hard water supply, then it is best to go for an indirect solar water heating system.
Tank
The storage tank is one of the important features of the best solar water heater and it stores all the hot water until it is drained by the users. The tank material plays a vital role as it should be capable of keeping the water hot for as long as possible. Its interior should be corrosion resistant to avoid internal damage and supply unadulterated hot water to the household.
Modern storage tanks are made with food-grade materials, especially the internal lining as the water can be used for other purposes than bathing.
Water Pressure
Solar water heaters have a pressure regulator that makes them sustain a specific range of pressure into the inlet valve. If the pressure exceeds the mark, there are very few chances that your solar water heater will survive. Make sure to enquire about the admissible pressure range of the solar water heater.
Thermostat
A thermostat enables the best solar water heater to maintain the water temperature up to desired levels that do not damage the skin. To avoid scalding and accidental burns while using hot water, the thermostat must regulate the temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Celsius.
Professional Installation
If you are making a purchase from a renowned brand, the chances of getting a professional installation done is high. Always opt for a licensed and experienced contractor that has experience in the installation of such systems in the past. Make sure that the professional selects the location that has the maximum exposure to and isn’t shrouded by foliage.
Ask the professional about best usage practices and how to operate the solar water heater to ensure the longevity of the installation. Also, enquire about the expected life of the installation and whom to contact if you are moving the unit.
After Sales Service
Buying the best solar water heater is an exorbitant investment and you must examine the after-sales service provided by the dealer. Select the best warranty program, one that covers both major and minor anomalies. Do not cheap out on warranty services as solar water heaters are meant to last 10-15 years on average and you will be stranded after a few years without a robust warranty program.
Maintenance
Good warranty programs cover periodic maintenance that includes frequent inspection of the best solar water heater. Don’t try to fix it yourself as you would end up doing more damage than good.
Final Words
There is no competitor to the SupremeSolar for the title of the best solar water heater. You can trust them for quality components, reliable service and hassle free maintenance. The other trustable options for the best solar water heater can be the offerings from Racold and V-Guard.
General FAQ
Which solar water heater is best?
Supreme Solar 200 LPD solar water heater stands tall on our list of the best solar water heater available for commercial and residential purposes.
How do I choose a solar water heater?
Choosing a solar water heater relies on numerous factors which are discussed in the section preceding this FAQ section. Primary factors of selecting the best solar water heater for your use case include type, family size, operating costs, and overall investment into the system as per your budget.
What brand of water heater is the most reliable?
Supreme, V guard, Racold, etc are the reputed brands in the best solar water heater category and are the most reliable options you can get from the retail market.
What is the most efficient solar hot water system?
Evacuated tube collector solar water heaters is best suited for situations when the temperature is lower than average. Whereas, a flat plate collector solar water heater is best suited for areas with ample sunlight throughout the year.
Is solar hot water worth it?
Yes. Renewal energy sources are the future and it would be best to opt for a long sustainable solar water heater system that doesn’t rely only on hydropower electricity. Moreover, in a few years, the investment will be recovered by you.
How long do solar hot water systems last?
You can expect an average of 12-15 years life from a best solar water heater that is installed and maintained periodically. Flat plate collector solar water heaters have a greater life than evacuated tube collector solar water heaters due to their robust metal chassis.
What are the disadvantages of solar water heaters?
The prominent disadvantage of a best solar water heater is that it requires a large installation area and mostly a major overhaul in your household plumbing.
What are the signs of a hot water heater going bad?
Drop in the water pressure and the temperature of hot water are the two telltale signs that there is something peculiar with your best solar water heater. The water color and odor can also reflect the changes in the nominal working of a solar water heater.
How much does a solar hot water system cost?
An FPC solar water heater installation in India can go up to 35000 INR or more while an Evacuated tube collector solar water heater is fairly cheaper averaging around 25000 INR. Keep in mind that the pricing can shoot up as you increase the LPD of the solar water heater.
Do solar water heaters work at night?
No. Even the best solar water heater work with the radiation energy of the sun that is only available for 8-10 hours for utilization by the heater. It cannot be used at night to heat water.
Do solar hot water panels need cleaning?
Yes. Dust and dirt are the two common elements that can disrupt the normal functioning of a best solar water heater. However, it is advisable to get a professional for maintenance rather than performing self-cleaning methods.
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