Solar Water Heater Ratings, A Repairman Rates The Brands...

We have separated our ratings into two main categories which are active and passive systems. Active systems use a pump to circulate the water or heat transfer fluid through the solar collectors while passive systems use natural circulation.

We have given each brand a rating of from 1* to 5*. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a system for our own home, we would choose that brand (if it was available). When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive model. If an NA appears instead of a rating, it means that the brand does not offer a product in that group or we could not get sufficient information to properly rate the system.

We have included our comments on the advantages/disadvantages of the products as well as the manufacturers' web address.

BRAND------------WEB ADDRESS--------CLOSED LOOP-----OPEN LOOP

ACE--------------aceheatpump.com--------<1*-------------NA These systems are made in China. They use evacuated tube collectors for efficiency but the manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ALPHA---- alpha-innovation.co.uk -----<1*-------------NA This brand is from ALPHA HEATING INNOVATION which is a part of IMMERGAS GROUP and is available in the U.K. The SOLARSMART kits use a drainback tank for freeze protection. They have a patented "solar valve" which sends water directly from the solar heater to the tap, if the temperature is >60C. If the temperature is <60C, the water is sent from the solar heater to the combi boiler for further heating. They have an installer locator by postcode or town on their website.

ARISTON----------ariston.com------------<1*--------------NA This brand is a part of the MTS GROUP and is available in Europe. The SOLARcomfort system is available in four different packages to suit your needs. The system uses differential temperature control to maximize the solar energy savings. The warranty on the collectors is not very good when compared to other brands.

ATMOS------------atmos.uk.com------------5*--------------NA This brand is a part of SKAINO ATMOS LTD and is available in the U.K. The MONOSOLAR system uses a drainback tank for freeze protection. The system has a 100 liter storage tank that is rather small but the systems are backed by a very good guarantee.

AWB--------------awb.nl-----------------<1*--------------NA This brand is a part of the VAILLANT GROUP and is available in the NETHERLANDS. The HELIO SET 150 is a 150 liter system with a stainless steel storage tank and digital pump control. The solar collectors can be integrated into the roof as well as mounted on the roof. The guarantee on the collectors is not very good when compared to other brands.

BAXI-------------baxigroup.com-----------3*--------------NA The SOLARFLO systems do not include the storage cylinder. They use adjustable differential temperature regulation to maximize your solar savings. The collector kits are available for integrating into the roof, mounting on a sloped roof, mounting on a flat roof, and in evacuated tubes instead of flat plate collectors. The systems are backed by a good warranty but the guarantee on the evacuated tube collectors is only five years.

BEASLEY----------rinnai.com.au-----------NA--------------4* this brand is from RINNAI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD and is available in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The systems are available with electric or gas fired backup heating (boost). They are backed by a very good guarantee.

BTF--------------btfsolar.com-----------<1*--------------NA The SOLAR PATRIOT system uses a drainabck tank for freeze protection. The system also use evacuated tube collectors which are more efficient at capturing the solar heat but are normally more expensive. You can order their systems online direct from the manufacturer.

BUDERUS----------buderussolar.com-------<1*--------------NA This brand is a part of BOSCH THERMOTECHNOLOGY CORP. They offer all of the components for a system but do not package them into a complete kit.

BULEX------------renovabulex.be----------3*--------------NA This brand is a part of the VAILLANT GROUP and is available in Belgium. They offer a very good standard warranty.

BUTLER-------butlersunsolutions.com------5*--------------NA This brand is a great option for "add on" solutions. The system pump can be powered by solar as well. The units feature the "solar wand" which is a screw in heat exchanger that allows for the easy connection to an existing water heater. The umbilical system allows for quick connection of system parts. You can purchase the units online from the manufacturer and they feature a very good warranty.

CALEFFI------caleffi.com------------------4*-------------NA This brand offers five different systems to match the needs of your home. They are available worldwide and are backed by a very good warranty.

CHAUFFAGE FRANCAIS chauffage-francais.fr <1*-------------NA This brand is a part of the RIELLO GROUP and is available in France. The SOLENNE E systems are available in 300, 400, or 500 liter sizes. The solar collectors can be integrated into the roof or mounted on the roof. The warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

CLEARLY SOLAR-----clearlysolar.co.uk-----<1*-------------NA This brand is from GLOW WORM which is a part of the VAILLANT GROUP and is available in the U.K. The system uses differential temperature control to maximize your solar savings. They have a three speed circulator pump and 3kw backup immersion heater.

DAALDEROP---------daalderop.nl------------5*-------------NA This brand is available in the Netherlands and Belgium. The MONOSOLAR system uses a drainback tank for freeze protection. The system has a 100 liter storage tank and uses a multi speed pump. They are backed by a very good guarantee.

DIETRISOL------- dedietrich-heating.com-<1*-------------NA This brand is a part of DE DIETRICH THERMIQUE GROUP and is available worldwide. The QUADR DUC systems include a condensing combi boiler for backup heating.

DUX---------------dux.com.au--------------<1*--------------<1* This brand is a part of GWA INTERNATIONAL LTD and is available in Australia. The SUNPRO systems are available in either open or closed loop models in 250, 315, or 400 liter sizes. The SOLAR ONE systems are open loop systems witha 250 liter tank and an electric boost heater. The SUNPRO systems are available with either electric or gas boost. The warranty on the systems is not very good.

EAGLE SUN-----------aetsolar.com-----------<1*-------------<1* This brand is from ALTERNATE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES LLC. The system uses a drainback tank for freeze protection. The system also uses differential temperature control to maximize your solar savings. The warranty is not very good compared to other brands.

EDENSOL-------------halsteadboilers.co.uk---3*--------------NA This brand is from HALSTEAD BOILERS which is a part of the GLEN DEMPLEX GROUP and is available in the U.K. They offer slate, tile, or flat roof collector mounting options. The systems are backed by a very good guarantee.

EDWARDS-------------edwards.com.au----------5*--------------5* This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. They offer a variety of systems with electric or gas backup (boost). In Australia, they offer no interest financing to help homeowners afford the systems. They also have an international dealer locator with links on their website.

ECA TECHNOLOGY------ecatech.it-------------<1*--------------NA This brand is made in Italy and available in Europe. The forced circulation kits are available in sizes from 150 to 500 liters.

ELCO----------------elco.net---------------<1*--------------NA This brand is available in Europe. They offer eight different packs (kits) to meet the specific needs of the home. They offer both flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors. The manufacturers' website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee.

ENERWORKS-----------enerworks.com----------<1*--------------NA This brand is made in Canada and is sold/installed by dealers only. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

EXTRAFLAME--- lanordica-extraflame.com --<1*--------------NA this brand is made in Italy and sold in Europe. they offer systems in sizes from 150 to 1000 liters. The warranty on the collectors is not very good.

FERROLI-------------ferroli.co.uk-----------3*--------------NA These systems are available in europe. The AQUASOL systems are for smaller homes (typically 3 bedroom/ 1 bath) while the AQUACYL systems are for larger homes. The AQUACYL systems use a drainback tank for freeze protection and the kit includes a system boiler for backup water heating. The systems are backed by a very good guarantee.

FONTECAL------------fontecal.it-------------2*--------------NA This brand is made and sold in Italy. The FONTESOL F kits also contain a boiler for backup water heating. The systems are available in sizes from 150 to 800 liters.

GERKROS-------------gerkros.ie-------------<1*--------------NA This brand is available in Ireland and the U.K. They use differential temperature control to maximize your solar savings.

GRANT---------------grantuk.com-------------2*--------------NA This brand offers kits that are made and sold in the U.K. The collectors can be mounted either on or in the roof. The pump station includes an air eliminator which allows for simultaneous filling and air purging. The system uses differential control and uses a three speed pump. They have a dealer locator by postcode on their website. The units offer a good guarantee.

HaiLin--------------hailinsolar.com.cn-----<1*--------------NA This brand is made in China and is available through a limited distribution network. They offer four sizes of systems for residences that feature a nice touchscreen control. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HEAT TRANSFER-------htproducts.com---------<1*--------------NA This brand is available in the U.S. and features evacuated tube collectors for efficient operation. This brand also features stainless steel tanks for a long life. The PHOENIX solar water heater includes an integrated high efficiency gas fired backup heater with load matching modulation. The SUPERSTOR models feature either an integrated electric backup heater or a secong heat exchanger for a backup boiler. The manufacturers' website has a dealer locator by state on it. The warranty on parts other than the collectors and tank is not very good at only one year.

HELIODYNE-----------heliodyne.com----------<1*--------------3* This brand offers several different packages to meet the needs of various areas and sizes of homes. The systems can be easily added to existing storage water heaters.

HOVAL---------------hoval.com--------------<1*--------------NA This brand is available in Europe. The SOLKIT system is available with either a 250 or 470 litre stainless steel storage cylinder. They offer an optional backup electric immersion heater and the units feature very easy installation thanks to their "umbilical line". That is where the copper pipes and control wires are together in an easy to install bundle. The flat plate solar collectors can be mounted on flat or sloped roofs as well as mounted on a wall. The website is not much help and they do not have a stated warranty policy.

IDEAL---------------idealboilers.com--------3*--------------NA This brand is from the IDEAL STELRAD GROUP and is available in the U.K. They offer three packs to fit the size of your home (small, average, large properties). The systems use differential temperature control and a variable speed pump to maximize your energy savings. They are backed by a very good guarantee.

JASPI---------------kaukora.fi-------------<1*--------------NA This brand is made in Finland and is available in parts of Europe. The SOLAR-300-PAK is a complete system that is offered. It features on-roof mounted flat plate collectors but does not offer other options such as in-roof or ground mounted systems. The systems have an auto air eliminator for convenience and hassle free operation as well as integrated backup immersion elements in the tank. Their website is not much help to the consumer and does not have a stated warranty policy.

KESTON--------------keston.co.uk-----------<1*--------------NA This brand is a part of the IDEAL STELRAD GROUP and is available in the U.K. The SOLAR DUET package includes a condensing boiler for backup hot water production. They are only available in one size (200 liter). They use differential temperature control to maximize your energy savings. The warranty on the collectors is not very good.

NAVITRON------------navitron.org.uk--------<1*---------------NA This brand is available in the U.K. They offer a BUDGETKIT that you can add on to your existing storage water heater as well as their SOLARKIT in three sizes that includes a storage tank. The systems use evacuated tube collectors for efficiency and they can be purchased online. The warranty on the systems is not very good.

POTTERTON-----------potterton.co.uk---------3*--------------NA This brand is a part of the BAXI GROUP and is available in the U.K. The kits do not include the storage cylinder. They use differential temperature control and a three speed pump to maximize your energy savings. They are backed by a solid guarantee.

POWER PARTNERS SOLAR-powerpartnerssolar.com-<1*------------<1* This brand offers five different systems to meet the needs of your home. The website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

REDRING---------- applied-energy.com-------1*--------------NA This brand is available in the U.K. The SUNSTORE kit uses evacuated tube collectors and a differential temperature control to maximize efficiency.

REVOLUTION---------fafco.com---------------<1*--------------NA This system is available in the U.S. but only through approved dealers. The system uses a drainback tank for freeze protection. The kits are designed to be added to existing storage water heater systems. The warranty is not very good when compared to other options.

RM SOLAR-----------rmsolar.com-------------<1*--------------NA This brand is made and sold in the U.K. The S CLASS SYSTEM consists of a complete kit with panels that can be either mounted on or in the roof. The ECONRANGE systems have a warranty that is not as good and receive a <1* rating.

SIME---------------sime.it-----------------<1*--------------NA These systems are made and sold in Italy.

SKYLINE------------solarroofs.com----------<1*-------------<1* This brand is available in the U.S. and Canada. The kit is designed to be added to an existing storage water heater. They also offer kits with a solar powered circulator pump. They have a dealer list by state/province with links on their website.

SOLAHART-----------solahart.com------------<1*-------------<1* This brand is from the PALOMA GROUP. They have a dealer locator on their website. The guarantee on the solar collectors is not very good.

SOLARTWIN----------solartwin.com------------NA--------------1* This brand is available in the U.K. and Ireland. They offer a do it yourself kit that includes everything you need to add solar water heating to your existing domestic hot water system. The kits feature a PV (solar) powered variable speed pump to circulate the water. You can purchase the kits online directly from the manufacturer. They have a very good warranty on most parts but the guarantee on the flat plate collectors is not as good as many brands.

SOLENE----------- solene-usa.com --------<1*-------------<1* This brand offers both open loop and closed loop as well as drainback systems. The systems are sold through dealers. The manufacturer's website is not much help.

STIEBEL ELTRON-- stiebel-eltron.de-------<1*--------------NA This brand is available worldwide. The standard sets are for dhw production and are available in three sizes (300, 400, 600 liters). The premium systems are for central heating as well as dhw production.

SunGo--------------solarscn.com-------------2*--------------1* The SGP model units are available for either open or closed loop applications. The units feature a backup auxiliary electric heater and are backed by a good warranty.

SUNMASTER----------rinnai.com.au------------NA--------------2* This brand is from RINNAI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD and is available in Australia. They offer five gas boosted systems and three electric boosted options. The systems are backed by a good warranty.

SUNMAXX---solarhotwater.siliconsolar.com---<1*--------------NA This brand is sold through dealers in the U.S. They are available in either 40 or 50 gallon systems only. They use the more efficient evacuated tube solar collectors andd a drainback tank for freeze protection.

SUNTREK------------suntreksolar.com--------<1*-------------<1* This brand is available in the U.S. they must be installed and sold by authorized dealers.

THERMOMAX-- kingspan-renewables.com -----<1*--------------NA This brand is a part of the KINGSPAN GROUP and is available worldwide. The systems include vacuum tube collectors so they are a good option for colder climates. They offer a variety of packages to suit the individual home with kits for sloped roof, flat roof, horozontal facade, ground, or awning installation.

TRENDSETTER--trendsetterindustries.com-----<1*--------------NA Their "Piggyback System" uses a DC pump with it's own solar panel. They have a stainless steel tank for durability. The manufacturer's website has a dealer locator by state but they have a very limited dealer network. The website is not much help and does not have a posted warranty policy.

VAILLANT-----vaillantsolarsystems.com------<1*--------------NA This brand is available in two models which are the CLASSIS SERIES and the EXCLUSIVE SERIES. Both systems use differential temperature control to maximize solar savinfgs. The EXCLUSIVE SERIES features higher efficiency collectors and energy generation. They are sold through approved contractors.

VELUX--------------veluxusa.com------------<1*--------------NA This brand is sold through dealers. The manufacturer's website is not much help but it does have a dealer locator on it. They do not have a stated warranty policy.

VIESSMANN-------- viessmann-us.com--------<1*--------------NA This brand has all of the components but does not offer systems as kits. They are sold through authorized dealers only.

BRAND------------WEB ADDRESS------LOOP SYSTEM--BATCH SYSTEM

ACE-------------aceheatpump.com---------NA-----------<1* These systems are made in China and use evacuated tube collectors for efficiency. They are available in three sizes (150, 200, and 250 liters). The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BEASLEY---------rinnai.com.au-----------NA------------3* This brand is from RINNAI AUSTRALIA PTY LTD and is available in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. They offera wide range of colors for their tanks and three sizes (180, 330, 480 liter). They have a dealer locator by country on their website. The systems are backed by a very good guarantee.

CASCADE----------visitcascade.com-------3*------------NA This brand is made and sold in India. They are available in 100 to 500 liter sizes and feature stainless steel tanks for durability. They are backed by a very good warranty.

DELI SOLAR-------delisolar.com.cn-------NA------------4* This brand is from CHINA SOLAR & CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS. The systems use evacuated tube collectors for greater efficiency and are backed by a very giood warranty.

ECA TECHNOLOGY---ecatech.it-------------NA-----------<1* This brand is made in Italy and available in Europe. The systems are available in sizes from 160 to 300 liters and have an electric backup heater that operates on a thermostat.

ECOSMART---------ecosmart.com.au--------NA------------3* This brand is a part of GWA INTERNATIONAL LTD and is available in Australia. They offer a good warranty and have a dealer locator on their website. They also offer "EZIPAY" where the homeowner can put down 25% of the cost and pay the remainder over time without interest.

FONTECAL---------fontecal.it------------NA-----------<1* This brand is made and sold in Italy. The FONTESOL N models are available in 120, 160, and 300 liter sizes. They are backed by a pretty good warranty.

Glas-tec -------glastecinc.com---------NA------------5* The Cornell 480 units are offered as a complete unit or as a kit. The installation is simple and the units are backed by a solid guarantee.

HAIER------------haierme.com------------NA-----------<1* This brand is made in China and is available in the Middle East countries. The systems use the more efficient evacuated tube solar collectors. They have stainless steel tanks for durability and are available in sizes fromn 130 to 270 liters.

LAMBORGHINI---- lamborghinicalor.it----NA-----------<1* These units are available in Europe. They feature a 135 liter capacity but do not have a backup heater. They require a magnesium anode for corrosion protection. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

OMEGA------------omega2000group.com-----NA-----------<1* These units feature a stainless steel tank for durability and evacuated tube collectors for efficiency. You can purchase the systems online directly from the manufacturer.

PROGRESSIVTUBE---tctsolar.com-----------5*------------NA This brand is from THERMAL CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY and is available in the U.S. The systems consist of an all copper collector/storage tank for durability. They are backed by a very good warranty.

RACOLD-----------mtsil.com--------------NA-----------<1* This brand is a part of the MTS GROUP and is made and sold in India. The SOLARE systems feature stainless steel tanks for durability and have either electric or gas backup heaters.

RHEEM---------waterheating.rheem.com----3*------------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP and is available in the U.S. through authorized dealers. The units are avialble in either 47 or 80 gallon sizes and are backed by a good guarantee.

SAKURA------ sakura-aircon.com -------2*-----------<1* This brand is made in China. The systems use evacuated tube collectors for higher efficiencies. They offer a wide range of sizes in batch systems but the loop systems are only available in 400 or 500 liter sizes. The manufacturer's website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SIME-------------sime.it----------------2*------------NA The EASY SYSTEM is made and sold in Italy.

SOLAHART---------solahart.com-----------4*------------NA This brand is a part of the PALOMA GROUP. They have a strong guarantee and have an international dealer locator with links on their website.

SOLARIZER--------emmveesolar.com--------NA-----------<1* These systems are manufactured and installed in India. They are available in 300, 400, or 500 liter sizes and have a backup electrical heater. The warranty on the systems is not as good as many brands.

SOLAR GEYSER--- solar-geyser.com-------NA-----------<1* This brand is manufactured and sold in Pakistan. The SG-5 uses evacuated tube collectors for efficient solar collection. The units also feature a food grade stainless steel tank.

SunGo------------solarscn.com-----------3*------------1* These units use evacuated tube collectors for efficiency. The units are made in China and are backed by a good warranty.

SUNMAXX-solarhotwater.siliconsolar.com--NA-----------<1* This brand is sold in the U.S. through authorized dealers. The TS SERIES units have an 80 gallon capacity.

SUNSIPHON--------sunearthinc.com--------NA-----------<1* These units are made through a partnership of EDWARD'S ENERGY SYSTEMS and SUNEARTH. They feature a stainless steel tank for a long life and have a backup auxiliary electric heating element. The website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SUNTREK----------suntreksolar.com-------2*------------2* This brand is sold and installed through dealers in the U.S.