How a solar hot water system actually works
A friendly walk through collectors, storage tanks, pumps and controls, plus what a solar water heater can realistically cover through the year
Topic hub · 7 guides
Solar hot water, heating and heat pumps
Sunlight can heat water and air directly, without turning into electricity first. This section compares solar thermal systems with heat pumps and panels, and covers pool heating and solar air heating for buildings that need warm ventilation air.
Solar panels or solar water heating: which is right?
Both use sunlight, but they solve different problems. Compare efficiency, cost, space, maintenance and payback to decide where to start
Heat pump or solar collectors for hot water?
Two clever ways to cut water heating bills, compared on efficiency, cost, space, climate and how well each pairs with solar panels
What a home solar water heater costs in Canada
Typical price ranges for a solar water heater, what the components cost, how much energy it saves and why payback is often longer than expected
Solar wall heating: how solar air heaters work
Learn how a perforated solar wall preheats fresh air, which farms and commercial buildings use it, what it costs and how it handles Canadian winters
Pairing a heat pump with solar panels in Canada
Will rooftop solar cover what a heat pump uses? See how to size the system, what winter does to the numbers and how both change your electricity bill
Solar pool heater guide: does it work in Canada?
Unglazed collectors can add weeks to your swimming season at a low running cost, but only if sized and placed well; here is what to expect and ask