Best solar-powered heaters
Our 3 picks for solar heat
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Solar heaters use energy from the sun to create heat. These heaters encompass a variety of products, such as solar hot water heaters, solar pool heaters and solar space heaters that can warm up small areas, like a camping tent or greenhouse.
We scoured Amazon to find solutions that may work for whatever type of solar heat you're looking for. From power stations to panel options to solar kits, here are the results:
- Best generator: GRECELL Portable Power Station
- Best portable solar panel: EF ECOFLOW 220-Watt Bifacial Foldable Solar Panel
- Best mounted solar panel: Renogy 200-Watt 12-Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel Starter Kit
| GRECELL Portable Power Station | EF ECOFLOW Bifacial Foldable Solar Panel | Renogy Solar Panel Starter Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon rating* | 4.4 stars | 4.5 stars | 4.6 stars |
| Amazon reviews* | 2,419 | 3,115 | 1,484 |
| Price* | $169.99 | $329 | 179.99 |
| Power | 330 watts | 220 watts | 200 watts |
| Key feature | Charges 8 devices at once | Dual-sided panels for maximum energy | Perfect for novice solar users |
Compare our top 3 solar-powered heater products
We chose our top solar-powered heater picks by looking at popular options on Amazon and comparing their power capacity, pricing and reviews. All ratings and prices listed are accurate as of publishing.
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With a 288 watt-hour capacity and 330-watt output, the GRECELL Portable Power Station can support a wide variety of electronics: from phones and lights to heaters and minifridges. With dual built-in silent cooling fans, the generator stays at a safe temperature to protect your tent or RV when in use. The GRECELL power station can be charged via an AC outlet, a solar panel or a car outlet. You can also use it while it’s charging, even with solar power.
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This foldable EcoFlow 220-watt bifacial panel is easy and convenient to set up and use. It weighs 21 pounds, which is a little heavy, but it’s easy enough to store and bring along as necessary. The device has a 220-watt front and a 155-watt rear solar panel, which offers up to 25% more solar energy (compared with just front panels). Plus, it has an efficiency rating of 23%. It also has an adjustable kickstand.
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The 200-watt Renogy Solar Panel Starter Kit comes with pretty much everything you need to install and power up with solar. It includes a charge controller, cables, Z-brackets and pre-drilled holes that allow for easy mounting anywhere, including RVs and greenhouses. Its solar power can reach up to 22% efficiency, and it’s compatible with four battery types.
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How do solar heaters work?
There are a few types of solar heaters available to purchase. You may have landed on this page for one of the following: solar water heaters, solar pool heaters or solar air heaters.
Solar water heaters
Solar water heaters work by collecting and moving water via solar energy. These systems can be passive, using gravity and convection to naturally heat and move water through pumps, or active, where solar energy is used to move water through.
There’s also passive solar home design, which naturally heats water through creative architectural designs and building materials.
» READ MORE: Passive solar home design
Solar pool heaters
Solar pool heaters collect energy from the sun to heat a pool. These work by collecting and pumping pool water through a series of valves at the bottom of the system. As the water rises through the tubes, it’s heated naturally by the sun’s energy. This heated water enters the pool while other water cycles out. This process repeats until the pool hits your desired temperature.
Solar air heaters
Solar air heaters (for heating a tent or a greenhouse, for instance) aren’t available for purchase as of publishing, but you can make one with a few pieces of equipment. You can purchase a traditional portable heater that connects to electricity and attach it to a solar power source, like a portable generator with solar connection or a traditional solar panel. Many companies sell generator-panel kits that can be used together to power a heater with solar energy.
» MORE: Solar thermal energy explained
Solar heater costs and ROI
The cost of a solar heater depends on the type of system and its intended use. On average:
- Solar water heaters range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
- Solar pool heaters typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, with professional installation.
- DIY solar air heaters or portable setups, like the products we’ve included above, can start as low as $150, especially if you already have a compatible solar generator.
While upfront costs can be high, solar heaters generally pay for themselves over time due to significant energy savings. Households can save anywhere from 50% to 80% on water heating bills by switching to solar.
Return on investment (ROI) is usually realized within five to 10 years, depending on local energy rates and the amount of sunlight your home receives. Federal and state incentives, including tax credits and rebates, can shorten this payback period significantly.
Using solar heaters also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, offering long-term environmental benefits and protection against energy price hikes.
What to consider when choosing a solar heater
The biggest consideration when buying a system to heat an area using solar power is its capacity. If you’re just looking for enough heat to warm an RV or a tent, a small generator and solar panel system will work fine. For an entire home, an installed solar heater and panel system will be necessary.
The U.S. Department of Energy advises checking local codes and regulations before purchasing and installing solar water heating systems.
The quick math for this is to divide your average hourly wattage requirement for your specific need by the number of daily peak sunlight hours in your area. The number you get is how much energy your panels need to produce every hour.
Other factors to consider will depend on what type of system you’re looking for and how often you plan on using it. In some cases, portability and weight may be big factors. In other cases, durability is more important.
Asim Hafeez, the president of renewable energy company Empower Energy Solutions, said that factors like “initial cost versus potential savings, sunlight exposure, and [overall] quality,” should all be prioritized when choosing solar-powered heaters.
Regardless of your use case, you’ll definitely want to compare:
- Warranty length and coverage: Is the warranty long and comprehensive?
- Installation requirements: Is it easy to do yourself? Does the product come with all the necessary installation equipment?
- Customer service department: How can you get in touch with customer service? What do reviewers say about their experience?
- Average customer review: What are customers saying about the product?
- Price: Is it within your budget? How does it stand up against the prices of comparable systems?
Pros and cons of solar-powered heaters
Pros
- Lower energy bills
- Environmentally friendly
- Low maintenance
- Incentives available
Cons
- High upfront cost for larger systems
- Sunlight dependent
- Installation limitations
- Longer ROI period
FAQ
How long does a solar-powered heater last?
How long solar-powered heaters last depends on maintenance. Solar-powered water heaters can typically last up to 20 years if taken care of properly.
Do solar-powered heaters work in winter?
As long as sunlight is present, solar heaters will work in the winter. However, efficiency can depend on climate.
