A solar water heater installed on a roof reflects the clouds and blue sky above

The debate between solar water heaters vs. electric geysers gets heated (forgive the pun) every year as consumers become more eco-conscious.

For many residential and commercial properties, water heating systems are regular fixtures.

It would help if you had these temperature regulators for cleaning, washing, bathing, cooking, and other activities requiring warm water.

On the surface, one would choose solar water heaters because of their low impact on the environment. Yet, as a long-term investment, you’ve got to look beyond energy efficiency.

You need to consider the cost and product durability before purchase.

Whether you’re interested in buying a new water heater or replacing an old one, each water heating system has something to offer.

That’s what makes the decision challenging.

We’ve helped streamline your search by explaining how the two types of water heaters work and determining which one’s right for you.

Without further ado, here’s the quick answer.

Solar Water Heater vs. Electric Geyser: What Sets Them Apart?

Several factors determine which system is best for you.

Conventional electric geysers work well for smaller homes and in regions where weather might be an issue for solar-operated systems.

Solar water heaters are energy-efficient and have a lifetime warranty. Additionally, they save the environment and help you adopt a sustainable lifestyle. 

In the end, it comes down to how these systems align with your long-term goals.

Water Heaters – An Overview

Water heaters are critical but neglected systems of your living spaces.

Most homeowners take them for granted. It’s because water heaters are hidden in the basement or up on the roof (if they run on solar energy).

The only time they come to mind is when plumbing problems strike or when you’re the last one to wake up in the morning.

But, the struggle of showering when the hot water runs out is real!

You can avoid this fate by selecting a reliable water heating system that doesn’t desert you each morning so that you have a sufficient supply of hot water to shower, clean, cook, and undertake other household tasks.

Of course, when you’re in the market for a new water heater, you’re spoiled for choices.

Previously, people would try and choose between gas and electric heaters. Now, solar water heaters have joined the mix, as well.

At present, solar water heaters supersede older models in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.

Yet, many property owners continue to purchase electric geysers because of household configuration or familiarity.

Solar Water Heater: A Greener and Low-Impact Investment 

Solar water heating systems consist of solar collectors that capture the sun’s energy and storage water tanks. The mechanism features a single-tank or two-tank system.

You need well-insulated storage tanks that maintain consistent water temperatures in both cases.

Later on, the hot water gets distributed around the house through pumps or an automated thermosyphon controller.

Solar water heater outlets have a backup electric heater to reheat water during nighttime. You typically use it when you run out of hot water inside the storage.

A full solar water heater system setup
A full solar water heater system setup

Alternatively, electric geysers are necessary for cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather. That’s because the solar collectors cannot capture sufficient sunlight during these climatic conditions.

Most eco-first architectural designs and households are switching to solar because of their environmentally-safe mechanism. Using renewable energy allows you to reduce your carbon footprint.

Plus, you save hundreds of dollars in utility bills. It’s because these heating systems use sunlight—which doesn’t cost a dime!

The only problem lies in the initial cost of setting up this eco-friendly water heating system. Are solar water heaters worth the price?

Solar Water Heater Cost & Benefits 

A solar water heater can cost between $1,000-3,000 to set up if we calculate it by $100/sq foot. That’s a significant amount of money for an average American household.

You might also need extra professional assistance to ensure that everything works well during installation. Otherwise, maintenance and disruptions can result in costly consequences.

Fortunately, many local service providers are becoming eco-conscious.

Therefore, you can hire an expert without paying a fortune.

Also, the federal government provides a 30% discount (via tax credits) for initial costs to promote this environmentally-oriented initiative.

Plus, solar water heaters pay back the money you spend on initial installation and purchase. These systems do that by eliminating the utility costs you’d have spent on a conventional electric geyser.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of solar water heaters:

  • They are cost-effective in the long run as they reduce “heating bills by 50-80%.”
  • Solar water heaters are less likely to emit harmful pollutants, and they don’t deplete any non-renewable resources.
  • Premium-quality solar collectors can operate for decades when maintained well.

In short, it’s an effective and innovative solution for eco-friendly homes. These variables make it a better option when considering the advantages of a solar water heater vs. an electric geyser.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Solar Water Heater? 

Despite its many positive points, you should be aware of the setbacks of using a solar-powered weather heater.

For instance, while operating costs are next to none, maintenance costs can crop up sometimes. These include expenses to fix the scaling that builds up because of hard water minerals.

Environmental wear and tear can cause corrosion, leading to inconsistent heating.

However, the U.S Department of Energy states that these preventable issues often require minor fixes.

The real trouble with solar water heaters lies in regional climates. Your eco-friendly water heating systems might not work well during unfavorable weather.

It’s why most solar-operated systems come with a backup electric heater during storms and cloudy days.

In this way, you receive a non-stop solution, but you will have to pay a small price for the electric energy consumption.

Therefore, you should consider the pros and cons of buying a solar water heater before purchasing it.

Electric Geysers: A Good Fit for Small Households 

Electric water heaters are reasonably priced and more petite than solar-powered setups, making them easy to mount.

These factors make them suitable for smaller homes and households on a budget.

Electric heaters work on a two-tank or single-tank system like solar heaters. These devices utilize approximately 120-240-volts of energy to heat the metal conductors inside the tank.

Once the water tank reaches the desired temperature, the water starts heating.

An electric geyser installed on a wall

Within an hour, you receive hot water whenever you turn the faucet. However, the electrical process can prove costly when considering the utility bills and carbon footprint it leaves behind.

Electric Geyser Cost & Benefits 

Electric geysers continue to be a popular choice amongst homeowners for various reasons.

According to Forbes Advisor, the initial cost is around $500-$800. In addition, they are relatively easier to install and maintain than eco-friendly heating systems.

Here’s an overview of an electric geyser’s advantages: 

  • Installation and maintenance costs are cheaper.
  • You can purchase a custom-sized electric geyser that you can mount anywhere you want.
  • It offers an on-demand hot water supply with no need for backup heaters.
  • Environmental damage isn’t a major issue because you keep electrical geysers inside the house.

Moreover, most old homes and traditional buildings include conventional water heating systems configurations. It’s why while accommodating solar water heaters vs. electric geysers, people opt for electrical systems.

The table below summarizes the main differences between a solar water and an electric geyser:

FactorSolar Water HeaterElectric Geyser
Initial cost$1,000 to $3,000$500 to $800
Energy sourceSolarElectricity
Environmental impactlowModerate to high
Lifespan10 to 25 years10 to 15 years
Maintenance requirementsLow Moderate
Government incentivesYesSometimes
Table 1: Head-to-head comparison between solar water heaters and electric geysers

The Setbacks: What Are the Disadvantages of Installing an Electric Geyser?

On average, 12% of energy consumption in households can be traced to water heating, as reported by the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA). It uses 380–500 kWh per month, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

There’s no payback guaranteed here besides ensuring that your water remains at a consistent temperature.

That means operational costs for using an electric geyser are significantly higher than a solar-operated water heating system.

As a result, utility bills can spike to thousands of dollars. In addition to yearly expenses, you’ll be paying for any spikes that happen each year.

According to Spruce, electric water heaters also bring many maintenance problems. These include electrical circuit issues that result in an inconsistent hot water supply.

Additionally, an electric geyser’s plastic components inside (and outside) can melt when voltage fluctuates. When that happens, your heating system might stop working. Besides this, using a damaged electric heater can be a potential fire hazard.

So it would be best if you were extra careful in operating an electric geyser. Monthly maintenance schedules can minimize these risks.

Solar Water Heater vs. Electric Geyser: Which One’s Better?

If you intend to choose sustainability over convenience, solar water heaters are the way to go.

Using unrenewable water heaters is unsustainable as we will soon run out of fossil fuels. For this reason, debates over water boilers vs. electric geysers have transitioned into discussions on eco-friendliness.

However, we prefer to share the complete picture to help you make an educated choice.

Here are some things to consider: 

Cost-Effectiveness and Energy Efficiency

Solar-powered systems win the battle between solar water heaters vs. electric geysers when it comes to cost.

It’s because electric water heaters use 12.03 kWh/day. At this rate, operation costs are $457.54/year, depending on appliance size and usage.

In contrast, solar water heaters cost more or less half the amount because they operate through free solar power.

Moreover, you don’t have to deal with monthly water heating bills. The rapidly changing utility prices will not become a problem when you install a solar water heater, as well.

In this way, these eco-friendly heaters manage to pay back the amount you invested in them within 2-5 years of use.

In contrast, electric geysers continue to put a dent in your wallet throughout their lifespan.

Installation 

You can install an electric water heater in basements, bathrooms, and even under the sink. Unfortunately, you don’t have the same flexibility with solar water heating appliances.

The collectors with these eco-friendly water heating systems require ample space and direct sunlight.

In addition, you might need electrical boosters as a backup for cloudy/rainy days.

Due to this, electrical water heating systems might be a convenient option for smaller homes.

Here is a table comparing installation requirements for solar water heaters and electric geysers:

FactorSolar Water HeaterElectric Geyser
Installation cost$2,000 to $3,000$700
Space requirementsMore space neededCompact
Installation complexityModerateSimple
Suitable climateSunny regionsAll climates
Table 2: Installation requirements for solar water heaters vs. Electric Geysers

Maintenance 

The size and brand of your unit matter, considering how much time, energy, and money goes into maintenance costs. Like any appliance, both types of water heaters require monthly upkeep.

In certain climatic conditions, solar-operated systems might require more attention. That’s because of continuous exposure to environmental elements.

Everything from the harsh sun rays, dirt particles, humidity, and torrential rain can affect their functionality.

Luckily, you can consult company technicians and independent service providers to resolve these issues. We can say the same for service operators that fix electric heating systems.

However, owners with electric geyser experience have to deal with more than climatic change.

You must overcome electrical issues like short circuits, burnt wires, and power outages. These things are far more dangerous than a few cloudy days or scaling inside the tank.

As a result, solar units last longer than electric geysers.

Environmental Impact 

Environmentally-conscious families use carbon footprint and emissions as a deciding factor to choose between a solar water heater vs. an electric geyser.

On that account, solar-powered heating systems always win.

These appliances operate according to a zero-emission strategy that keeps you and your home safe.

Moreover, they use renewable energy that doesn’t consume exhaustive natural resources (like fuel and natural gas). In turn, these systems are an excellent fit for eco-friendly homes.

The Final Verdict

The choice between solar water heater vs. electric geyser isn’t as clear-cut as you think. 

Conventional electric geysers can be a logical choice for smaller homes and regions where the weather might be an issue for solar-operated systems.

That said, you can’t deny the benefits of solar water heaters despite their slightly steep prices. Solar-operated heaters are eco-friendly and help you adopt a sustainable lifestyle. That makes this investment more meaningful.

In the end, it comes down to the minor differences and how these systems align with your buying goals in the long run.

So solar water heater vs. electric geyser, which one will you choose?

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