Manufacturers of solar hot water systems

Many manufacturers make complete systems or individual solar hot water installation components. There's no single dominant solar hot water manufacturer – instead, several solar hot water companies are producing quality products and rolling out innovative technology. 

An important note to remember about solar hot water manufacturers is that they usually sell to a network of local installers, who will often receive training and support directly from that manufacturer. These installers can range from companies installing solar photovoltaic systems to dedicated solar hot water companies. In some cases, they may even be local electricians or plumbers.

List of top solar hot water companies

Many U.S. and international companies offer high-quality, respected solar hot water products. These manufacturers provide collectors, tanks, controllers, or even complete systems.

Apricus

With installations in over 30 countries, Apricus is a prominent player in the solar hot water manufacturing field worldwide. Apricus sells all parts to a solar hot water system, offering evacuated tubes and flat plate collectors.

Rheem

Rheem is a large U.S. company producing a range of water heating products, and they have a small line of solar hot water systems and components available. It offers two complete packages - one with an electric backup and one single tank option with gas backup. The included solar collectors are flat plate models. In addition to its two complete packages, Rheem offers three solar hot water storage tanks to purchase individually.

AET

AET (short for Alternate Energy Technologies) has been around since 1975, selling solar thermal products. Its main product is the EagleSun Systems deal, a solar hot water installation package. AET claims its EagleSun Systems are designed to last 30 to 50 years, an impressive lifetime for solar hot water. It manufactures only flat plate solar collectors but offers direct and indirect system setups.

SunEarth

Another company that has been active since the 1970s, SunEarth manufactures and sells complete solar hot water systems with flat plate solar collector technology. Additionally, SunEarth offers both direct and indirect solar hot water systems. In addition to solar hot water, SunEarth manufactures and sells complete solar pool heating setups.

Kingspan

Kingspan was founded in Ireland in the 1960s and expanded to the United States in 2008 as Kingspan USA. Kingspan is one of the largest companies on this list, which manufactures sustainable building solutions and technologies, from ductwork to moisture management systems. Within its solar hot water business, Kingspan manufactures evacuated tube and flat plate collectors but no other solar hot water system components.

Stiebel Eltron

Like Kingspan above, Stiebel Eltron produces many products building technologies but focuses more specifically on renewable heating and cooling solutions like tankless water heaters. It sells complete solar hot water kits with flat plate and evacuated tube solar collectors and also offers individual components for a solar hot water installation. Stiebel Eltron was founded in Germany but sells products in the United States.

Heliodyne

A U.S.-founded and based company, Heliodyne is a specialized solar hot water manufacturer with dealers in most states. It offers flat plate collectors, storage tanks, and control units for solar hot water installations. Established in 1976, Heliodyne is one of the older companies on this list and one of a few to specialize only in solar hot water products.

SunMaxx Solar

For DIY-minded shoppers interested in solar hot water, SunMaxx Solar (founded as part of Silicon Solar in 2006) is one of the top companies producing system components. It offers solar hot water kits with flat plate or evacuated tube solar collectors and encourages homeowners to install its systems themselves or hire a recommended professional. You can also buy individual solar hot water system components from SunMaxx.

Resol

Resol, the most specialized company on this list, only produces solar hot water controllers, but it's a dominant player in the controller market. Founded in Germany in 1977, Resol has expanded its products to more than 60 countries, with over 3 million systems worldwide, including a Resol controller.