10 best solar water heating system
A solar water heating system is an eco-friendly and energy-efficient way to heat water for various purposes, including domestic hot water and swimming pools. These systems use the energy from the sun to heat water, reducing the need for conventional energy sources like electricity or gas. Here is an overview of components, covers, parts, and accessories related to solar water heating systems:
Solar Collectors: Solar collectors are the key components of a solar water heating system. They are typically mounted on rooftops or other suitable locations to capture solar energy. There are two main types of collectors: flat-plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. Flat-plate collectors are more common and consist of a dark-colored absorber plate covered with glass or plastic. Evacuated tube collectors use a series of glass tubes with a vacuum inside to enhance insulation.
Storage Tank: A storage tank is used to store the heated water until it's needed. In a solar water heating system, this tank can be specially designed with additional coils or heat exchangers to transfer the heat from the collectors to the water.
Heat Transfer Fluid: In some systems, a heat transfer fluid (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) is used to collect heat from the solar collectors and transfer it to the water in the storage tank.
Pumps: Pumps are used to circulate the heat transfer fluid between the collectors and the storage tank. They ensure that heat is efficiently transferred from the collectors to the water.
Controls and Sensors: Solar water heating systems often come with controls and sensors to monitor and regulate the system's performance. These can include temperature sensors, thermostats, and timers to optimize energy capture and usage.
Backup Heating System: In areas with inconsistent sunlight or during periods of high demand, a backup heating system (such as electric or gas heaters) can be integrated to ensure a continuous supply of hot water.
Covers and Accessories: Various covers and accessories are available to enhance the efficiency and lifespan of solar water heating systems. These may include insulation for pipes and tanks, protective covers for collectors, and expansion tanks.
Maintenance and Repair Parts: Over time, solar water heating systems may require maintenance and repairs. Replacement parts like sensors, pumps, and valves may be needed to keep the system operating efficiently.
Pool and Hot Tub Solar Heating: Solar water heating systems can also be adapted for heating swimming pools and hot tubs.Specialized pool heating kits and accessories are available to harness solar energy for pool heating, extending the swimming season without relying on traditional heating methods.
Environmental Benefits: Solar water heating systems are environmentally friendly as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional water heating methods. They also help reduce energy costs over the long term.
These systems can provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for heating water for various applications, and their components and accessories can be tailored to meet specific needs, whether for residential or commercial use. Proper installation and maintenance are essential to maximize their efficiency and lifespan.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best solar water heating system on the market
Solar Water Heating--Revised & Expanded Edition: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)
New Society Publishers
Hayward GLC-2P-A Solar Pool Heating Control System with 3-Way Valve, Actuator and 2 PC Sensors
Product description
Hayward solar pool heating control system comes with 2 by 2-1/2-inch 3-way valve, actuator and 2 PC sensors. It automatically maximizes solar heat collection by actuating a 24V valve when there is solar heat available. Includes LED indicators that shows status of system operations. It performs automatic switching from solar pool heating to nocturnal pool cooling. Features single-setting adjustment for desired pool/spa temperature. This system provides recirculation freeze protection and installer-programmable features for any-system adaptability. Quick, accurate, easy-to-set desired temperature controls. It is easy to read, understand and operate.
- Solar pool heating control system comes with 2 by 2-1/2-inch 3-way valve, actuator and 2 PC sensors
- Automatically maximizes solar heat collection by actuating a 24V valve when there is solar heat available
- Includes LED indicators that shows status of system operations
- This system provides recirculation freeze protection and installer-programmable features for any-system adaptability
- Quick, accurate, easy-to-set desired temperature controls
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this heater work with a vinyl inground pool |
| Answer: | Thank you for your interest in the socks. There are 5 pairs of socks. Hope you like them. |
| Question: | how many gallons does this heat |
| Answer: | Our hair chalk is gluten free.And it uses on hair as a temporary hair color. |
| Question: | will it operate a closed loop solar hot water recirculation pump (grundfos) when the controller calls for heat |
| Answer: | The length of temporary hair dye comb is about 3.99”(10cm). There are repeat for 10-15 times for short hair according to your hair situation. |
| Question: | The picture shows one valve and one actuator but in the item list it says it comes with 2 by 2-1/2-inch 3-way valve, actuator and 2 PC sensors |
| Answer: | YES,colors can be cleaned simply by washing hair as normal with water and shampoo. |
SunHeater WS220P S220 Solar Heating System 2' X 20' Panel, Black
SunHeater
Product description
SunHeater-Solar Heating System 2' X 20' S220
- Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector, solar heater features two threaded-elbow adapters
- Includes, end caps, stainless steel hose clamps, teflon tape, hoses for second collector
- Trilingual installation/operation manual (english/French/Spanish)
- Ordering Guide for Round Pools, 12 to 18 feet: One box, 21 to 24 feet: Two boxes, 27 to 28 feet: Three boxes
- Ordering guide for oval pools, 12 to 24 feet: one box, 15 to 30 or 16 to 25 feet: two boxes, 16 to 32 or 18 to 34 feet: three boxes
User questions & answers
| Question: | Do these really warm the water |
| Answer: | It definitely works. Make sure it is in the sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours (depending on your preference in water temp). I also use a solar blanket. It is pretty awesome and I am purchasing another for my approx 5000 gallon pool (12X24X48) just because I like my water a bit warmer than others, after being spoiled while on vacation last year by a heated pool in 100 degree weather - never thought I would want that warm of water during hot weather but found I do, and I really want to extend my season. I turn my pump on around 11 and leave it on until 4 with direct sunlight at those times. |
| Question: | we have a 14.000 gallon above ground pool. live in Riverside CA Inland Empire. I assume high heat purchasing one set of 2X20 h20 temp comfortable |
| Answer: | I use two panels an find the pool quite comfortable. I live in a hot area in NorCal. I find that using a solar blanket helps quite a bit not only in preserving the heat at night but greatly increasing the heat buildup during the day. I highly recommend using both the blanket and the panel. |
| Question: | I could lean this up against a fence in the sun but it's about 80' away. Can I use garden hoses to send water that far and back |
| Answer: | it is 80' in total or 160' round trip? what brand and model of pool pump to you have? this is not intended to be used with a garden hose. |
| Question: | How many hours a day do you have to run it to heat up the pool at least 10 degrees? I have an indoor, in-ground pool |
| Answer: | Wow, that's an unanswerable question, unless you can run a computer model with all the input variables specific to your installation. The variables include your latitude, hours per day of clear sunshine, running hours, heat loss rate from your pool, size and efficiency of your solar collectors, etc...The bottom line is that you run the collectors as much as possible (dictated by your solar controller), and accept whatever it supplies. If you need a specific water temperature, you use a backup heater (natural gas or heat pump - not propane or electric resistance!). |
Product features
When it Comes to Solar, Size Matters
Don’t be Fooled by the Exaggerated Heating Claims Made by the Manufacturers of Mini Solar Systems. They are not true. Those Products do not work. Size and Material do Matter. SunHeater has Real Proven Systems to effectively heat any above ground or inground Pool.
SunHeater Solar Heating Systems are Made in the USA
SunHeater is made right here in the USA out of durable polypropylene. Beware of inferior offshore polyethylene systems.
Get Free Heat From the Sun
Your pool's existing pump allows the pool water to flow through the individual tubes of the SunHeater solar panel(s), where it is heated by the sun and returned to the pool.
SunHeater Pool Heating System Two 2’ x 20’ Panels – Solar Heater for Inground and Aboveground Made of Durable Polypropylene, Raises Temperature, 6-10°F, S240U
Product description
The SunHeater Solar Pool Heater System allows you to capture free heat from the sun’s rays to raise your pool’s temperature. It’s an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your pool that can be used with or in place of your current heater to reduce your pool heating bill. This effective solar powered pool heater utilizes your existing filtration system to push the water through the panel’s many tubes, where it’s warmed by the sun and then returned to the pool. This system can raise the water temperature 6-10 degrees F and extend your pool season by weeks! SunHeater includes a system kit with flex hose adapters for easy poolside installation. It is a universal system that can be used for inground or aboveground pools that are up to 31’ round or 18’ x 36’. Made of durable polypropylene, you can trust this heater to continue working, season after season. SunHeater Solar Pool Heating System will pay for itself in just a season or two and will keep you and your family enjoying your pool for longer. Multiple SunHeater systems can be connected together to produce more heat in less time.
- SOLAR POOL HEATER – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heating System allows you to capture free heat from the sun’s rays to effectively raise your pool water temperature. It’s an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your pool.
- EXTENDS POOL SEASON – Your pool’s pump pushes the water through the panel’s many tubes where it’s warmed by the sun and then returned into the pool. This system can raise the water temperature 6-10 degrees F and extend your pool season by weeks!
- EASY TO INSTALL – This pool solar heater uses your existing filtration system and has 4 end caps, 2 elbows for flex hose connection, 6 stainless steel hose clamps, 1 roll of Teflon tape, and rubber connector hoses.
- TUBE ON WEB DESIGN – The tube-web-tube design allows the SunHeater to capture the most sun possible, maximizing square footage. It offers rigid flexibility, allowing panels to expand and contract with changing temps, giving it the strength needed to last.
- DIMENSIONS – The SunHeater Solar Pool Heater includes two 2’ x 20’ panels, made of durable polypropylene. It’s a universal system that works for pools up to 31’ round or 18’ x 36’.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can I use a submersible pump that generate 10 psi at the solar panel's inlet? 1.5 HP sounds like an overkill and involves high energy to run |
| Answer: | Given that our pump shows a bit more than 10 psi (four panels, connected in paralell) I can't see why 10 at the inlet won't work. I found these panels worked more efficiently (much higher flow) plumbing two intakes at one end, and one return at the other. There is more pipe involved, but i was able to use my existing Intex pool pump with about 18ft of head on the system. |
| Question: | I have a 14' x 40' inground pool; would everyone recommend that I buy two of these to go along the entire length of the pool, would one be okay |
| Answer: | Unless your pool is only 2 feet deep, you definitely need at least 2 panels. I have a 14' x 30' pool and 2 is the correct number for sufficient heating in TX. Rule of thumb, 1 panel for every 5000 gallons of pool. Also, you don't need to run them the length of the pool end to end. I have mine side by side up on top of the roof of my pergola. That way they don't take up as much room. I've also installed them side by side up on the house roof. |
| Question: | Is this one 4x20 piece or two seperate 2x10 pieces |
| Answer: | A 4x20 package is two 2x20 panels with a short section of hose to connect them together. |
| Question: | Are you able to curve it around a pool or must it be straight out |
| Answer: | The panels actually come rolled up so curving them should not be a problem. |
Sunheater Solar Pool Heater for Above Ground Pools
Product description
Smart pool Sun Heater 2 feet - 2' feet x 20' feet (80 sq. ft.) Solar Heater for most Above Ground Pools.
- Keep your pool warm with a polypropylene heat collector
- Solar heater features 80 square feet of solar panels
- Pool accessory is perfect for heating any aboveground swimming pool
- Panel array measures 4 feet wide x 20 feet long
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the maximum amount of gallons that this pool heater will warm up? Also, by how many degrees |
| Answer: | 1 box of the S421P panels will heat up to 31ft round aboveground pool or 18'x36' oval pool. It can heat it up to as much as 15 degrees. SPQ Brands |
| Question: | can this be used to heat a [4 person] hot tub to a comfortably HOT temperature |
| Answer: | No. It only increases the temperature 6-10 degrees. If the water is hot then it may retain the heat & increase a little but would not be good as a main source of heat. |
| Question: | Did you use one or two panels |
| Answer: | We used 2 panels |
| Question: | what all is included in the purchase? hoses? clamps |
| Answer: | I purchased the kit with 2 solar panels. It comes with pvc caps for one end of the panels. A rubber hose to connect the two panels together on the other end, as well as hose clamps. 2 pvc fittings for input and output flow to the panels. These are made to connect the filter hose to the panels. (although we bought new fittings to use all pvc pipe) It doesn't have any mounting hardware or rack to mount the panels to. So don't expect to have everything you will need. The picture on this ad shows more than what you will get. But performance of this heater has been very satisfying |
Product features
Enjoy Free Heat From The Sun!
Extend your swimming season using free heat from the sun with the SunHeater S421 solar heating system for above ground pools!
Fafco Solar Bear Economy Heating System for Above-Ground Pools
Fafco
Product description
Manufactured by the premier company in the solar business (they have installed over 125000 solar systems), these panels have been efficiently heating swimming pools since 1972. Solar Bear's surface is fully whetted by pool water insuring the most efficient panel available. Extra large 2-inch headers do not slow down your pool's circulation and ensure excellent solar heat transfer to your pool's water. Smaller 1-1/2-inch headers can reduce your pool's circulation and cause solar heating to be compromised. Solar Bear systems are comprised of a single extra-large 4-feet by 20-feet collector with no couplings or connectors. The system is made of U.V. stabilized polyethylene that is very tough and will last many seasons under direct sunlight. The systems come complete with an integral bypass valve, so you can turn them on and off as needed. Solar Bear panels can be mounted on the ground, on a rack, or a nearby roof. Complete installation and user's manuals are included. 10-Year Warranty. Put solar to work in your pool and swim in a warmer pool without the huge expense of heating it. Note: For panels to heat optimally, they must receive unobstructed sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Package includes 4' x 20' Wide Solar Collector with 1-1/2" barb connections, 12 mounting caps, 12 mounting bases, 6 mounting straps, 1 valve handle and 20 rubber tube plugs
- Pool pump circulates pool water through the heated solar collector
- Optimal heating with unobstructed sunlight between 10am and 4pm. Performs most effectively when tilted 10 to 30 degrees to the South
- Mount on the ground, on a rack, or nearby roof
- Additional materials required: 1-1/2" I.D. flexible hose and ground spikes (ground installation)
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this work on 17000 gallon pool |
| Answer: | I believe so- we have a 15 foot by 30 foot oval pool and I think that is 15,000 or 17,000 gallons of water. We have had our solar cover since last summer and we are very happy with it. It is a good quality cover. |
| Question: | Is this kit for above-ground or in-ground pools? Ours is in-ground |
| Answer: | It works for both in-ground and above-ground pools. You connect it to the pool pump so you will need a diversion valve. |
| Question: | Has anybody use this for an inground pool? And how did it work |
| Answer: | I have not used this for an inground pool, but the pool type should not matter. As water is moves through the panel, it picks up a little heat on each pass. The amount of heat is determined by the number of panels. The only difference between inground and above ground pools that would be an issue is heat loss, which would depend on your environment and pool materials. |
| Question: | How many gallons of water does the 4 ft x 20 ft panel itself hold |
| Answer: | Don't know but it isn't much as heating tubes so small. Never seems to be too much water that drains out when I put away for winter |
XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool Solar Panel Heating System 28" X 20'
XtremepowerUS
Product description
Inground / Above Ground Swimming Pool Solar Panel Heating System 28" X 20'
- XtremepowerUS Panels are built from extremely high-grade materials that are proven to last in all types of weather
- Pools pump and filter system circulates pool water through the SOLAR PANELS when it is heated & then returned to your pool. Once installed, these panels are cost effective, produce no greenhouse gases, and need low to no maintenance. Extend your swimming this year at a low cost with the help from the sun!
- System is designed to be used on above-ground or in-ground pools. Each kit is made of - 2' x 20'ft panels. Each panel is made of lightweight, flexible, durable black polypropylene. The panel tube construction creates a larger surface area which optimizes heat transfer from the sun to your pool
- Quantity of these solar panels needed is dependent on the pool size and the location, which may estimate by some websites.
- Diverter kit may be required for pumps 1.5hp and greater. Sold separately under item number B01FNE41HA
User questions & answers
| Question: | Are these panels expandable |
| Answer: | yes of course, everything you need there at Home Depotbest gds hans |
| Question: | I am using a low flow solar pump. I think I should remove the baffle and block the flow between sections so water flows up onside and down the other |
| Answer: | That is exactly what I did. I plugged the hole in the baffle disc and diverted the water into two sections at a time. So I have a total of ten sections and the water travels up two, then back two, then backup two, until it exits. My pump is a 6 gpm solar pump and it works fine. |
| Question: | How many panels do you receive? Picture shows |
| Answer: | You receive 2 panels, each with 2 sections, so 4 ribbons. I say this because if this is at an angle it will sag. I squeeze it between 2 boards at various points because I have it at an angle on a rig above the ground. |
| Question: | How many HP does your pump have to be for this solar heater |
| Answer: | I used two of these on my 10,000 gallon pool. I did not use my 1hp pool pump ( I did not want to run it for 8 hours a day). I set up a small 250 GPH utility pump to circulate water. I run it for 8 hours a day at a cost of about 15 cents a day. The incoming temp was about 75- outgoing about 100. It resulted in a raise of total pool temp of about 8 degrees. The HP of the circulating pump does not make a difference. Only a set amount of Sun energy can be transferred to the water based on the sq. footage of the panels, amount of sun and hours per day of circulation. The HP or GPH will not make a difference as long as you are circulating water through the panel. |
Sunsolar Energy Technologies SQ-2220-R SunQuest Solar Heating System with Roog Mounting Kit
Product description
SunQuest solar pool heaters feature premium quality, superior technology, highest rated performance and second-to-none reliability. It simply works - and keeps on working so you can enjoy evening swims from early spring through late fall in luxurious warm water. SunQuest's high performance swimming pool solar heating systems can be installed in just 30 minutes. These panels are Professional Grade quality, equal or better to other systems costing thousands of dollars. The Sunquest Solar Panels are simply unsurpassed in value! The panels come standard with connectors to attach to 1-1/2" & 1-1/4" flexible hose.
- SunQuest Solar panels are designed for both In-ground and Above-ground swimming pools
- MAX-FLOW design with 2" OD headers - better water circulation - less back pressure on your pump.
- Compatible with your existing pool pump.
- Increases pool water temperature up to 10 degrees.
- SunQuest is an easy do-it-yourself installation.
User questions & answers
| Question: | where are these manufactured |
| Answer: | The product is equipped with a charging line, one end of which is connected with the "AUX" socket of the microphone, and the other end is connected with the power adapter, so that it can be charged. |
| Question: | What is the preferred way to install these on a clay tile roof |
| Answer: | Yes they should my niece feet were a 3 when I gave them to her. She loved them. |
| Question: | I need to heat pool 40 ×18×6feet how many beces i need |
| Answer: | Thank you for your interest in our socks. The socks' specific size is: foot length: 7”-9”, from top to heel: 4". We thought the socks may fit your 5 year old daughter well. Please check your daughter size carefully before you place the order. Happy forever. |
| Question: | What size panels do I need to heat my 15 meter (5 feet deep) swimming pool? Thank you |
| Answer: | I think my granddaughter was about that age and that size foot. They fit her and I wore a pair for awhile. That's been ages ago.☺️ |
MISOL Solar Collector of Solar Hot Water Heater/with 10 Evacuated Tubes/Heat Pipe Vacuum Tubes, New
Product description
This listing includes: 1 set of solar collector of solar hot water heater(tube length: 0.5meter, Outer Diameter of Tube:58mm, 10 Tubes), including:
1). 10 pcs of Evacuate Tubes with heat pipe
2). 1 pcs of manifold (10 holes)
3).10 pcs of tube holder
4). 1 set of aluminum bracket with bolts and nuts.
(Remark: due to it is difficult to ship after assembly, we have to ship to you before assembly.)
- solar collector of solar hot water heater
- 10 Vacuum glass tubes(diameter 58mm, length 500mm)
- Manifold: Outer shell: Aluminum Alloy, Thickness:1.8mm;Insulating layer:rock wool overall
- 10 units of heat pipe is included.(suitable for tube 58*500mm)
- It can be used as solar collector for solar hot water heating system, for training project, or demon collectors, or as small solar collector for the water heating system at home. etc.
User questions & answers
| Question: | For a sunny day, what is the increase in temperature of the water passing through the unit |
| Answer: | Description states Solar pool heating control system comes with 2 by 2-1/2-inch 3-way valve, actuator. Will this actuator work on a Jandy 1 1/2 by 2-inch 3-way valve? |
| Question: | could you use this for a stand alone home water heater? (tiny home with one maybe two people on a well |
| Answer: | It supports Android, iPhone, iPad, iOS and all smartphones, with Bluetooth connections up to 10 meters. |
| Question: | I'm off grid, and have a gravity fed water system, can I mount this above a hot water tank so that it continues to feed the tank |
| Answer: | The device can connect to the microphone with Bluetooth function. |
| Question: | Can it be used as a hot air heater by using an air blower |
| Answer: | Yes! The volume can be adjusted freely. |
Sun2Solar Quick Drain Grommet Kit for Solar Heating Covers | Set of 6 | Water Drainage System Helps Remove Excess Water From Atop Blankets | Designed for In-Ground Above-Ground Swimming Pools and Spas
Product description
No more water hassle when removing your solar cover! Featuring a simple solution to allow water that has gathered atop of your solar cover to exit back into the pool while you roll up your cover. This is made for use with your above ground or inground swimming pools.
Small holes protected by heavy-duty grommets located throughout the solar cover are a pathway to drain water on top of the cover to ensure an effortless removal. This makes the solar blanket lighter and easier to use, reducing stress on both your cover and solar cover reel.
These grommets will also add years to the life expectancy of your solar cover since the extra weight on top of the solar cover will be eliminated which will make the cover simple to maneuver and reduces the stress and wear-n-tear of the solar cover. As an added bonus the grommet set anchors your cover for windy days.
This quick drain grommet system includes 12 individual plastic pieces used to quickly make a set of six grommets for any size heating cover. To construct a grommet, all you will need is a hard and flat surface, a small hammer and the solar cover.
- LESS HASSLE - There is no need to struggle taking a solar cover off of the swimming pool due to the excessive water resting atop. Quick drain grommets offer a simple solution allowing water gathered on your solar blanket to exit back into the pool while trying to either roll up or take it off.
- ALL POOL SHAPES AND SIZES - Comes with 6 individual pieces for any size cover. The positioning of the quick drain system is dependent on pool shape and when done will help you spend more time swimming and less struggling with getting into your pool.
- ELIMINATE THE WEIGHT - The extra weight of water on top of the solar cover will be eliminated with the quick drain grommet set, reducing stress on both your cover and solar cover reel.
- HOLD YOUR COVER DOWN - As an added bonus, these grommets help anchor your cover by enabling some water to rest atop the solar blanket. This comes in handy with gusty wind conditions where the cover may billow up at times.
- SIMPLE INSTALLATION - The kit includes 12 individual plastic pieces used to quickly make a set of six grommets. All you will need to put these together is a hard and flat surface, a small hammer and the solar cover.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How heavy are they |
| Answer: | You will need at least 24 feet with access to direct sunlight all day |
| Question: | How big are the grommets? How wide? Thick |
| Answer: | This is not a heater. It's a mechanized valve for controlling solar heaters for a pool. |
| Question: | Does it work |
| Answer: | None. The solar panel heats the water. This just controls the flow. |
| Question: | Can I remove them and reuse if needed |
| Answer: | Yes, I love my solar controller! |
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