Water Heating

Solar Water Heaters

How They Work

Solar water heaters use free fuel – sunshine – to heat water and can be used in any climate. Technically, they are very simple, consisting of solar collectors and storage tanks. There are two basic types of solar water heaters: active, which have circulating pumps and controls, and passive, which don’t. Passive systems are typically less expensive, but usually not as efficient. However, passive systems can be more reliable and may last longer.

Solar water heating systems almost always require a conventional electric or natural gas storage water heater as a backup system for cloudy days and times of increased demand. Find more information on solar water heaters here.

What Assistance Is Available for Me?

• The federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the purchase and installation of a solar water heater system. Find more information about federal tax credits for solar water heaters here.

What Products Are Eligible?

To be eligible for the federal tax credit, the solar water heater system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and the water must be used in the dwelling, not in swimming pools or hot tubs.

• Find eligible solar water heaters with electric backup here.
• Find eligible solar water heaters with gas backup here.

Important Dates

The federal tax credits are available for products purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032.