Buzz
1. Reviewing the Performance of Solar Water Heaters
Before diving into the prices of solar water heaters, let's understand the features and types of this product. Also, explore the reasons to own a solar water heater and discover why it's becoming increasingly popular.
These devices share the common feature of utilizing solar energy to heat water, consuming no electricity. They are eco-friendly and safe to use.
The system consists of two main parts: a well-insulated tank for storing hot water and a vacuum tube for vacuum models, an oil tube for oil-based models, or a flat plate for flat-panel models. The second part functions to absorb heat from the sun.
1.1. Vacuum Solar Water Heater
This is the earliest solar water heater utilizing solar energy. The vacuum system operates on the principle of heat convection. Heat-absorbing tubes capture solar radiation, converting it into thermal energy to heat water in the insulated tank. The hot water in the system can be maintained at high temperatures for an extended period, ranging from 60 to 90 hours. The prices of vacuum solar water heaters are the lowest among these three types.
1.2. Oil Tube Solar Water Heater
The oil tube variant can be considered an upgraded version of the vacuum system, sharing the same design. However, it has an additional oil layer in the tubes to enhance heat absorption and retain heat even when the sun is not shining. Moreover, the presence of oil in the tubes helps prevent dirt or moss from accumulating. However, the prices of these models are higher by 1 to 2 million compared to regular tube heaters.
1.3. Flat-Plate Solar Water Heater
Flat-plate heaters are the most advanced products today, operating on a completely different principle than the two previous types. As the name suggests, this type does not use tubes to capture solar heat but employs flat panels, which are toughened glass sheets providing upper protection. One advantage is that even on cloudy or weak sunny days, your family can still have access to hot water.
Featuring an attractive design, this solar water heater can be easily installed on any roof without the need for a higher water tank. However, it comes with the drawback of lower efficiency as it dissipates more heat than it absorbs. Additionally, in case of a power outage, the flat-plate model cannot be used as its control unit still requires electricity. This could be a significant factor to consider before deciding to purchase this model.
2. Considerations When Choosing a Solar Water Heater
2.1. Optimal Installation Location for Maximum Sun Exposure
Before selecting a suitable water heater for your home, determine where you will install it. The installation site requires a high, flat, structurally sound location with a tube inclination of 30-45 degrees relative to the surface, especially unobstructed by surrounding buildings and with good sunlight exposure (facing South).
2.2. Pipeline Requirements
The pipeline system consists of two water lines: cold water (inlet water) and hot water (outlet water). It demands that this water source be clean, free from salt, and free from impurities.
2.3. Ensure Water Pressure for Adequate Heating Time
The water pressure pumped up must be stable and sufficient for proper heating. Some households don't use a separate water tank for the solar water heater, instead directly pumping from the tap, which can easily damage the system due to low water pressure. To address this, raising the tank base or installing an auxiliary water tank is necessary. Raising the tank base is only applicable if the previous installation location allows reinforcement, and the roof can withstand additional force. In the opposite case, adding an auxiliary water tank is the optimal solution. The auxiliary water tank serves a similar function to a water tank, but it is compact, safe, and more cost-effective.
2.4. Choose a Reputable Brand
There are various energy-efficient solar water heaters available today, such as Ferroli, Sơn Hà Thái Dương Năng, Tân Á Đại Thành, Ariston, etc. However, selecting the right brand that suits the family's needs requires careful consideration, especially researching the prices of each product before deciding on installation.
2.5. Install a One-Way Valve
This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, one of which is an open one-way valve causing hot water in the tank to flow out, mix with cold water, and then the reheated water cools down again. To prevent this, it is essential to tightly install a one-way valve during the solar water heater system installation or replace it with a new one, or redesign the plumbing system.
2.6. Steam Vent Tubes
Among these types of machines, steam vent tubes are extremely crucial. They help facilitate a strong flow of water through the tubes and keep the machine well-ventilated. Continuous water heating generates a significant amount of steam, which exerts high pressure and can damage the vacuum tubes and oil tubes if the steam vent tubes are clogged.
2.7. Heating Capacity According to Usage Needs
Depending on user needs, such as the number of family members, the quantity of water-intensive appliances like washing machines and dishwashers in the household, it's essential to choose a solar water heater with an appropriate capacity to save costs, avoid water and solar energy waste.
2.8. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance and cleaning can significantly increase the lifespan of the machine. This simple task involves shutting off the water supply to the machine, removing the glass tubes or flat heat-absorbing panels, dismantling dust guards, cleaning thoroughly, replacing with fresh water, and reassembling. The water tank also needs a thorough cleaning to remove sediment, and then it can be refilled for continued use. Although the machine maintenance process is relatively simple, it is often overlooked due to its time-consuming nature.
3. Solar Water Heater Prices
3.1. Sơn Hà Flat Gold Pressure 150L Solar Water Heater
This Sơn Hà product withstands pressure, featuring a 150L capacity and dimensions of 2000x1000x80mm, suitable for 2-3 people. The machine can directly use tap water from the booster pump into the heat-retaining tank without the need for an auxiliary tank. The insulation layer is made of Polyurethane material, with a high density of 50mm, increasing heat retention time to 96 hours. The heat-absorbing tubes are externally coated with Chrome to enhance heat absorption. The machine comes with a 5-year warranty and is priced at 21,500,000 VND.
3.2. Đại Thành Vigo 150L 70-10 Solar Water Heater
With a 150L capacity and dimensions of 2000 x 1046 x 1230, this machine is suitable for small households of 3 to 4 people. It uses a SUS 316 stainless steel tank that can withstand any water source without contamination. The machine's base is designed as a single unit, simplifying the installation process. The tank insulation is produced using the world's most advanced technology, with a tank thickness of only 0.4mm. The insulated tank can withstand all weather conditions, with a 55mm thick Foam insulation layer, compressed tightly, capable of retaining heat for up to 120 hours. Purchasing the machine includes a gift of pipes and accessories worth 1,500,000 VND and comes with a 7-year warranty.
The machine is priced at 8,840,000 VND.
3.3. Megasun KAE Solar Water Heater
This is a product line from Megasun, manufactured using European technology. The tank core is premium-grade Stainless Steel 304, with Polyurethane insulation sprayed automatically, retaining heat for up to 72 hours. The machine's body and base are made of galvanized steel, ensuring durability and aesthetics. The insulation shell is made of 0.4mm thick galvanized steel. Depending on the model, the machine's capacity ranges from 120 liters to 300 liters, with varying numbers of tubes. Choose the most suitable model based on your needs. The machine comes with a 5-year manufacturer's warranty.
The machine is priced around 7,500,000 – 10,000,000 VND depending on the capacity.
3.5. Ariston – Eco Tube Solar Water Heater
Ariston's Eco Tube series can harness more solar energy with its triple-layer vacuum glass tubes. The machine uses high-standard materials, with an insulation layer thickness of 55mm. The storage tank is made of imported stainless steel with a thickness of 0.5mm. Depending on the model, this machine's capacity ranges from 116 liters to 300 liters, with a varying number of tubes from 12 to 24. The equipment's heating enhancement power is 1500W. The machine comes with a 5-year warranty.
The machine is priced around 7,500,000 – 10,000,000 VND depending on the capacity.
The machine is priced between 6,000,000 – 14,000,000 VND depending on the capacity.
3.6. Kangaroo SK58/20 Solar Water Heater
The machine features high-pressure compressed insulation for efficient heat retention up to 72 hours. With a capacity of 200 liters, 20 vacuum tubes, and dimensions of 1,760×1,810×1,300 mm, it's suitable for households with 6-7 people. The outer shell is made of corrosion-resistant DBSS material to withstand harsh weather conditions. The insulation tank core is made of Inox SUS 304-2b, ensuring clean water without sediment or rust. The machine comes with a 7-year warranty.
The machine is priced at 8,850,000 VND.
3.7. Ferroli Eco sun Solar Water Heater
The Ferroli Eco sun tube-type heater has a tank shell resistant to the harshest weather conditions, made from electrostatically charged galvanized steel. The tank has high durability and safety for health due to its ultra-durable titanium enamel coating, 250 microns thick. The insulation shell retains heat for up to 72 hours, made of Polyre-thane produced in the USA, tightly compressed and smooth. The bracket is made of aluminum. The glass tube structure consists of 3 layers – The aluminum layer prevents reflection, allowing sunlight to be reflected at the lowest level – The second layer is titanium to maximize heat absorption – The innermost layer is made of copper for the most efficient heat transfer to water. Depending on the model, this series has different capacities ranging from 160L to 300L. The machine comes with an 8-year warranty.
The machine is priced between 10,300,000 - 26,700,000 VND.
3.8. Osaka BCI 240L Grooved Tube Solar Water Heater
The machine has a capacity of 240L with 24 tubes, dimensions 1800×2070, suitable for families of 5-6 people. Large hot water storage can be used for rainy days, no sunlight for up to 2 days of use. The tank core is made of 0.5mm thick Inox SUS 304, super quality. The insulated tank shell is made of 0.4mm thick Inox SUS 201, durable and safe. The insulation layer inside the tank is made of 50mm thick Polyurethane material to retain heat for up to 72 hours. The machine comes with a 6-year warranty.
The machine is priced at 8,120,000 VND.
3.9. Solar BK SE-Life Solar Water Heater
SE-Life from Solar BK provides a strong and extremely pure pressured hot water stream. The water tank is designed with advanced enamel coating technology, installing a Magie rod to prevent corrosion. The machine is made of copper, ultrasonically welded, high durability. The exterior is also chrome and nickel-plated to enhance heat absorption. The receiving panel frame can withstand strong external impacts due to the use of tempered glass, and multiple panels can be combined to provide a very large water capacity. The machine has dimensions of 2460 x 1400 x 1300 for a capacity of 220L, suitable for 5-8 users, and 2660 x 2850 x 1300 for a capacity of 320L for 7-12 users. The machine can retain hot water up to 75 degrees for 72 hours. The machine is priced at 35,750,000 VND and comes with a 5-year warranty.
3.10. Imported Seilar DC-S / 145LC Water Heater
The imported SEILAR-DC-S145L series with a capacity of 145L is suitable for a family of 2-3 people. The machine is entirely imported from the Seilar Australia corporation. It is produced on a fully automated assembly line, strictly adhering to safety and quality standards of Australia and New Zealand. Food-grade Inox SUS 304-2b is used as the insulated tank core. The outer insulated tank shell is made of corrosion-resistant DBSS material. Efficient heat retention for up to 72 hours is achieved through high-pressure compressed insulation. The vacuum tube is coated with a 3D-7 layer NANOMAX technology for over 95% heat absorption efficiency. The machine comes with a 7-year warranty.
The machine is priced at 8,850,000 VND.
This article has helped readers learn about the cost, functions, and operation of solar water heaters, as well as the advantages they offer over other types of indirect and direct water heaters. It also provides comprehensive information about popular models on the market and their prices. Don't hesitate any longer; purchase the best-quality water heaters on the market for yourself.
