Which solar water heater should I buy?

A water heater with a solar panel is an ideal solution for sustainable domestic comfort. Solar thermal systems use the energy from the sun to supply hot water in an eco-friendly way, without using gas or electricity.

This technology is becoming increasingly popular on the market as it can reduce your environmental footprint and save you money on energy bills, plus there may be incentives and tax benefits. However, it’s important to choose the right solar water heater and carefully assess the characteristics to understand which product to buy.

We’ll look at which solar water heater to buy based on your hot water requirements, the budget available and the type of property.

How to choose which solar water heater to buy.

When choosing a solar water heater, the first thing to consider is which technology to use. There are two main types of systems:

• In a natural circulation solar thermal system, the hot water tank is installed with the panels on the roof, where the heat transfer fluid moves naturally from the solar collectors to the storage tank thanks to the different temperatures and densities it takes on.
• A forced circulation solar thermal system, on the other hand, requires the storage tank to be installed separately and the heat transfer fluid is forced to circulate by a special pump. This type of system can produce more hot water, both for taps and showers.  This technology is more expensive, but because the tank is installed in the house, there is less heat loss and it can also supply hot water at the coldest times of day. 

Before buying a solar water heater, it’s also important to assess certain factors. Firstly, you need to know if your home is suitable for a solar thermal system.

You will need to calculate the number of solar panels required, taking into account the amount of hot water you want to be produced and the aspect of the roof. South-facing roofs get more solar radiation, so you can install fewer panels. You should also consider the average solar radiation in your area, any shade over the roof and the number of water points to supply (taps and showers).

Other factors to consider when buying a solar water heater are the quality of the materials, the dimensions of the system, the capacity of tank and its resistance to atmospheric agents and corrosion. 

Finally, it’s good to evaluate the costs involved, based on the size, power, technologies, and the number of panels you would need in your solar thermal system. It’s also important to find out if there are any tax benefits available to take advantage of favourable conditions before investing in saving energy.

In any case, it is advisable to contact experienced and competent professionals for advice on which solar water heater to choose to meet your needs. This will not only help you make an informed decision and buy the right system, but it will also give you better value for money. 

Ariston solar water heaters: the best technologies for a more sustainable comfort

Ariston’s range of sustainable comfort solutions includes solar thermal systems for the production of hot water, including natural circulation or forced circulation. Find out more about Ariston’s solar water heater range and start producing hot water in a sustainable way, without compromising your home comfort.