HVAC For Beginners

Passive Solar Water Heater Ratings

A Repairman Reviews The Brands

With our passive solar water heater ratings, you can cut through all the sales hype and find the best value. Our simple rating system gives each brand a color code and a star rating. If the card is green, then, that is one of the top picks from HvacRepairGuy. If the card is yellow, then, that would be a budget pick from HvacRepairgGuy. If the card is red, then, the brand is not recommended by HvacRepairGuy. It truly is like you were taking a repairman shopping with you!

Top Loop System

Our top choice for a passive loop system is from PROGRESSIVTUBE. 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.

World's Best Batch System

Our top pick is from GLAS-TEC. 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.

Loop Units

ASTERSA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These systems are made in Spain and are available in Europe. They offer both standard systems for mild climates as well as drainback units for colder climates. Both types offer optional backup immersion elements with thermostats. astersa.net

BAYMAK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of BDR THERMEA and is made in Turkey. They offer a variety of units with all of the standard features and are available worldwide. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. baymak.com.tr

BERETTA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are available in Europe, China, and South America. The NB-SOL systems are available in four sizes and offer an optional backup electric heater. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. berettaboilers.com

CASCADE

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. visitcascade.com

CHOFU

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in Japan by CHOFU SEISAKUSHA CO. LTD. The SW1-231 models feature stainless steel tanks for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. chofu.co.jp

CHROMAGEN

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This brand is available internationally and offers a wide variety of system options. The loop systems have a better warranty when compared to other brands in that category that are on the market. chromagen.com

ERASLAN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Turkey. The STARLIGHT systems are batch water heaters that are available in two sizes and use evacuated tube collectors. eraslan.com.tr

e-SUN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are from e-SOLAR and feature basic technology. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. esolar.com.au

EZINC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in turkey and is available worldwide. They offer three sizes of loop systems. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. ezinc.com.tr

GIORDANO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These systems are made in France. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. giordano.fr

GMO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made in China and are available in two sizes (100 or 300 liters). They use basic enameled tank technology but have a backup electric element for heating the water when the sun is not out. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. gmohitech.com

MEGASUN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made by HELIOAKMI S.A. and are sold worldwide. They use basic tank technology with anode rods for corrosion protection and flat plate solar collectors. Their website does not have a stated guarantee on their products. helioakmi.com

NIPPON

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters feature durable stainless steel tanks and efficient evacuated tube collectors. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. nippon.bg

PROGRESSIVTUBE

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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. tctsolar.com

SAKURA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China. The systems use evacuated tube collectors for higher efficiencies. 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. sakura-aircon.com

SIDITE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China. They offer both basic flat plate collectors as well as the more efficient evacuated tube collectors. They also use stainless steel in the construction of the storage tank for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. sidite-solar.com

SIME

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The EASY SYSTEM is made and sold in Italy. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. sime.it

SOLAHART

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. solahart.com

SOLAR-MIO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These systems are made and sold in Australia. The brand is a part of the ALBURY CONSOLIDATED GROUP. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not very good. metaldynamics.com.au

SUMMER

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heating systems are made in Malaysia. They feature stainless steel tanks for durability and come in both open loop or closed loop models. The warranty is not as good as some of the other brands. solartech.com.my

SUNSTAR

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China by CHANGZHOUS BLUECLEAN SOLAR ENERGY. They offer a variety of units that use efficient evacuated tube collectors. The warranty is not as good as many brands. sunstar-solar.com

SUNTREK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is sold and installed through dealers in the U.S. but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their systems. suntreksolar.com

ZANTIA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand offers basic loop systems. Their website is not much help. zantia.com

Batch Units

ANAGES

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Turkey. Their website is not much help and the guarantee on the units is not very good. anages.com

ARISTON

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are available in three sizes (150,200, 300 liters). They use basic technology and their website is not much help. ariston.com

ATASH

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India by THE STANDARD PRODUCT MFG. CO. The units use the less efficient flat plate collectors but have a stainless steel storage tank for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not as good as most other brands. atashsolar.com

ATC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The SlimSolar water heaters use efficient evacuated tube collectors. The systems have an innovative tank design and they are made of stainless steel. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. atcsolar.it

ATLANTIC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand offers water heaters in 200 or 300 liter sizes. The SOLERIO SELECT units use basic enameled steel tanks. They are available in terrace models as well as standard roof mount units. atlantic-comfort.com

BENCHMARK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made and sold in India. They offer a variety of models/sizes with either evacuated tube or flat plate collectors. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. benchmarkagencies.com

BRASEC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in Peru. They offer basic units with flat plate collectors but their website is not much help. macadinternational.com

CALPAK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The MARK 4 systems are basic thermosyphon units. The systems are made and sold in Greece. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. calpak.gr

CHOFU

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in Japan by CHOFU SEISAKUSHA CO. LTD. The SW1-231 models feature stainless steel tanks for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. chofu.co.jp

CHROMAGEN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is available internationally and offers a wide variety of system options. The thermosiphon batch systems have tanks from 80 to 300 liters in size and a backup electric element for the nights or cloudy days. The warranty on those units is not as good as many other brands. chromagen.com

COMISA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are available in three sizes and use basic enameled storage tanks. They have a backup electric element but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. comisaenergy.it

DELI SOLAR

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

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

DOMUSA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made in Spain and the brand is a part of MONDRAGON CORPORATION. The DS-COMPACT INOX has a durable stainless steel tank but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for the units. domusa.es

DUDA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are available in four sizes and use the more efficient vacuum tube collectors. They have a backup electric heater but the warranty on the collectors is not very good when compared to other brands. dudadiesel.com

ECA TECHNOLOGY

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. ecatech.it

ECOSMART

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. ecosmart.com.au

EJAI

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

These systems are made in China and sold in Southeast Asia. They feature the more efficient evacuated tube collectors and offer tanks made of stainless steel for durability. The units are backed by a good warranty. ejaisolar.com

ELDOM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Bulgaria and offers basic thermosiphon systems but the warranty is not very good. They offer systems for pitched roofs as well as those for flat roofs. eldominvest.com

ERASLAN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Turkey. The STARLIGHT systems are batch water heaters that are available in two sizes and use evacuated tube collectors. eraslan.com.tr

e-Sun

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are from e-SOLAR and feature basic technology. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. esolar.com.au

EZINC

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in turkey and is available worldwide. They offer three sizes of loop systems. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. ezinc.com.tr

FONDITAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The SULPACK NATURAL systems are available in three sizes. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. fondital.it

GANGA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from PATEL ENGINEERING and is made and sold in India. The units use the more efficient evacuated tube collectors and have a stainless steel inner tank for durability. They are available in sizes from 100 to 300 liters. The manufacturer's warranty is not as good as many brands in the industry. gangasolar.com

GAODELE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China by ZHEJIANG GAODELE NEW ENERGY CO. LTD. They feature a stainless steel inner tank for durability and evacuated tube collectors for added efficiency. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. gaodele.com

GOODSUN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India. They offer systems in sizes from 100 to 500 liters/day and feature stainless steel tanks for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. goodsunindia.com

HAIER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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 from 130 to 270 liters. haier.com

HELIONAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand offers a variety of systems but their warranty is not very good. helional.com

HELIOTHERM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in Greece by HELIOTHERM SA and are available throughout Europe. They offer systems for both flat and tile roofs and have capacities from 120 to 300 liters. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. heliotherm.gr

HIMIN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China. The HM210 is available in seven sizes from 150 to 385 liters and use evacuated tube collectors for efficiency. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. himin.com

IMMERGAS

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The NATURAL SOL solar water heaters are available in Europe and come in three sizes. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. immergas.com

ITHO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

The SOLIOR water heaters have a unique design and are for flat roofs. Their website is not much help and the guarantee on the collectors is not very good when compared to other brands. ithodaalderop.com

JAYSOLAR

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India. They offer units with flat plate collectors as well as more efficient evacuated tube models. The warranty on the water heaters is not very good when compared to other brands. jaysolar.net

KAMAL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India. The units feature a stainless steel inner tank for durability and a backup electric heater controlled by thermostat. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. kamalsolar.com

KELVINATOR

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

These systems are available in a variety of packages with either flat plate or evacuated tube collectors. The brand is made by Electrolux and is sold in Australia but their website is not much help. kelvinator.com.au

KLOBEN

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Italy and is available internationally. The "Evo" models use heat pipe technology for efficient operation and the systems have a good guarantee. kloben.it

KOMBI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made in Greece by THERMODYNAMIKI and are sold throughout Europe. They offer eight sizes of basic batch systems but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. kombi.gr

KOTAK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India. The SunMAxx range is available in three sizes (125, 200, 300 liter/day) and use the more efficient evacuated tube collectors. The units have a stainless steel tank for durability and offer a backup electrical heater for those cloudy days. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. kotakurja.com

KRAFT

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made and sold in India. They offer four sizes of units but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for the units.kraftworksolar.com

LAMBORGHINI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. lamborghinicalor.it

LEE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made and sold in India. They feature the more efficient evacuated tube collectors and a stainless steel tank for durability. The units have a backup electrical heater for those cloudy days and a sacrificial anode in the tank to protect your investment. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. leetechnoinc.com

MICOE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand offers units with evacuated tube collectors in a variety of models. They are made in China and sold worldwide but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee. micoe.com

NIPPON

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters feature durable stainless steel tanks and efficient evacuated tube collectors. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. nippon.bg

NOBEL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Greece and offers a variety of models. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. nobel.gr

OMEGA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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 but their guarantee is not very good. omega2000group.com

PECOL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made in Malaysia but only offers one size of unit. Their website is not much help and the warranty is not very good when compared to other brands. pecol.com.my

RACOLD

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is a part of ARISTON THERMO GROUP and is made and sold in India. The ALPHA systems use efficient evacuated tube collectors while the omega series uses flat plates. The guarantee on teh systems is not very good when compared to other brands. racold.com

SAKURA

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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 manufacturer's website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy. sakura-aircon.com

SIDITE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China. They offer both basic flat plate collectors as well as the more efficient evacuated tube collectors. They also use stainless steel in the construction of the storage tank for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. sidite-solar.com

SILE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand offers two sizes of systems. They have backup electric heating elements but use basic enameled tank technology. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. sile.it

SOLACE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in India. They use the more efficient evacuated tube collectors and stainless steel tanks for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. solacepower.com

SOLAR DYNAMICS

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in Barbados and St. Lucia and are sold throughout the Caribbean area. They feature basic technology including glass lined tanks with sacrificial anodes. They have an aluminum frame and exterior of the tank for resistance to the salt in the sea air. They do not have a stated warranty policy. solardynamicsltd.com

SOLARIZER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. emmveesolar.com

SOLAR GEYSER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. solar-geyser.com

SOLETROL

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in Brazil. They have an electric backup heater for those cloudy days. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. soletrol.com.br

SUNCHI

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China and features a stainless steel storage tank. They are available in five sizes and offer an optional backup electric heater. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. suntchenergy.com

SUNFLOWER

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China. The SPA-SS models feature vacuum tube collectors and a stainless steel tank. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. sunflower-solar.com

SUNFLARE

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in India by NAVKARSOL. The units use the less efficient flat plate collectors but have a durable copper storage tank. They have a backup electrical heater for those cloudy days. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. navkarsol.com

SUNMAXX

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is sold in the U.S. through authorized dealers. The TS SERIES units have an 80 gallon capacity. sunmaxxsolar.com

SUN RAY

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in India. The brand is a part of KALTHIA GROUP and offers both evacuated tube and flat plate collectors. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. sunray.co.in

SUNSCAN

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is available through dealers in South Africa. The SunStream models are available in either 150 or 200 liter sizes and use standard flat plate collectors while the SUNSEEKER models use evacuated tubes. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their products. sunscan.co.za

SUNSIPHON

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

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. sunearthinc.com

SUNSTAR

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China by CHANGZHOUS BLUECLEAN SOLAR ENERGY. They offer a variety of units that use efficient evacuated tube collectors. The warranty is not as good as many brands. sunstar-solar.com

SUNSTORM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China by HAINING SANXI SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY CO. LTD. They offer 10 sizes from 90 to 350 liters to match the needs of your family. They have stainless steel inner tanks for durability and evacuated tube collectors for efficiency. The warranty on the units is not as good as some other brands. sunstorm86.com

SUNSYSTEM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in Bulgaria by NES LTD and sold throughout Europe. They offer four sizes of thermosyphon systems using flat plate collectors and basic tank technology. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for the products. sunsystem.bg

SUNTANK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are made and sold in South Africa. They offer units with either basic tank technology or stainless steel tanks but their website is not much help. suntank.co.za

SUNTASK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made in China by ZHEJIANG SHENTAI SOLAR ENERGY CO. LTD. The ST series offers nine sizes of units from 98 to 300 liters to match the needs of the home. They feature evacuated tube collectors for efficiency and stainless steel tanks for durability. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. suntasksolar.com

SUNTREK

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is sold and installed through dealers in the U.S. but their website is not much help and does not have a stated guarantee for their systems. suntreksolar.com

TATANO

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heaters are available in Europe. The SOLAR SYSTEM B/A has a 160 liter capacity and a backup electric immersion heater for those cloudy days. They have a magnesium anode to minimize corrosion of the water tank. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the systems is not very good when compared to other brands. tatano.com

THERMO SOLUTIONS

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in China and is sold in Costa Rica. The THERMOSOLAR systems are available in three sizes and have a backup electrical heating element for the cloudy days. Their warranty is not very good when compared to other brands. thermosolutionsgroup.com

UNICAL

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This brand is made in Italy and offers a variety of models. They feature standard tank technology but are backed by a good warranty. The SUNBUSTER is a compact unit with a capacity of 135 liters. They are low profile units for better wind resistance and better curb appeal for the home. Although the size is limited, the units can be combined to get the desired capacity for the home. unicalag.it

URATOM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is from HIRAMRUT GROUP and is made/sold in India. The GREEN models feature efficient vacuum tube collectors but use standard enameled tank technology. The guarantee on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. uratom.com

VANWARD

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These water heating systems are made in China and are available as compact roof units or separated balcony units. They use basic technology and their website does not have a stated guarantee for their products. chinavanward.com

V-GUARD

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in India. They feature the more efficient evacuated tube collectors and a stainless steel tank for durability. They offer an optional backup electric heater with temperature controller. The systems are available in sizes from 100 to 500 liters. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. vguard.in

VENUS

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

These units are made and sold in India. They feature vacuum tube collectors for efficiency and are available in two sizes to match the needs of the home. A backup electric element is installed for those cloudy/rainy days. The guarantee on the units is not as good as most other brands. venushomeappliances.com

XSTREAM

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This brand is made in South Africa by HOTMIX PTY. LTD. The VACUSTREAM models are open-vent units that feature a 100 liter storage tank. They have evacuated tube collectors for efficiency but the warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands. xstream.co.za