Solar Water Heaters Malaysia (2026): 8 Best Brands & Prices

Key Takeaways:
Most solar water heaters in Malaysia cost about RM4,000 to RM8,000 installed, with imported premium models reaching RM12,800. Summer, SolarMate and Aquasolar are the local brands with the clearest published pricing, while Solahart is the main imported option. Big households that use a lot of hot water save the most; smaller ones may take over 12 years to break even.

Heating water with an electric instant heater can add about RM32 to RM144 a month to your TNB bill, depending on how many people shower and for how long. That is money you pay every month for something the sun can do for free.

A solar water heater (also called a solar hot water heater) uses the sun to do that job instead. You pay more upfront, but once it is on your roof, the sun heats most of your water and you only pay for electricity when the backup heater switches on.

This guide compares 8 solar water heater brands you can buy in Malaysia in 2026, with indicative prices, tank sizes and warranties. It also explains how to pick the right size, what installation really costs, and whether a solar water heater is worth it for your household.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Work?

A solar powered water heater has two main parts: a solar collector (the dark panel on your roof) and an insulated storage tank mounted above it.

The collector absorbs sunlight and heats the water or fluid running through it. Hot water is lighter than cold water, so it rises naturally into the tank while cooler water sinks back down to be heated. This is called thermosiphon, and it means a circulation pump is often not needed.

Most models also include an electric backup heater inside the tank. It switches on only when the water is not hot enough, for example after a few days of heavy rain.

You will see two collector types on the market:

• Flat plate collectors: A glass-covered panel with copper tubes underneath. This is what most brands in Malaysia use. They are durable, simple and well suited to our strong year-round sun.
• Evacuated tube collectors: Rows of double-walled glass tubes with a vacuum between the layers, which works like a thermos flask to hold in heat. They lose less heat on cloudy days but usually cost more.

8 Best Solar Water Heater Brands in Malaysia (2026)

We compared these brands on price, tank sizes, warranty terms and how clearly each publishes its details, and listed the best-documented first. Prices are indicative figures from Malaysian dealer listings checked in October 2026. They usually include standard installation, but extras such as cranes and mounting racks can add to the bill, and prices vary by dealer, location and roof type, so always get a written quote.

GetSolar does not sell water heaters and has no commercial relationship with these brands. Not sure what size you need? Jump to How to Choose the Right Solar Water Heater below?

1. Summer (by Solartech)

Summer is made by Solartech and has been sold in Malaysia for over 40 years. You will find it on many housing projects, and it has won Malaysia's Product Excellence Award.

• Models: CX180 (180L), CX270 (270L), CX300 (300L)
• Indicative price: about RM4,000 to RM4,700 for the CX180, RM4,900 for the CX270 and RM4,950 to RM5,400 for the CX300
• Key features: Stainless steel tank, pressurised system, a large 2m² collector and a built-in backup heater
• Warranty: 10 years on tank and panel leaks
• Good for: Families who want a proven brand at one of the lowest entry prices

2. SolarMate

SolarMate started in 1980 and makes its systems in Shah Alam. It has been selling solar water heaters since 1980, making it one of the longest-established brands in Malaysia. It became part of the Waterco Group in 2019.

• Models: SM180-C (180L), SM300-C (300L) and a Classic 300L
• Indicative price: from about RM4,680 for 180L, and about RM5,030 to RM6,400 for 300L
• Key features: 1.2mm stainless steel tank, low-iron tempered glass panels, pressurised system and backup heater
• Warranty: 10 years
• Good for: Homeowners who want a long track record and a wide service network

3. Aquasolar

Aquasolar has the broadest range on this list, from compact tanks to one of the largest home models available, plus an evacuated tube option.

• Models: L series (160L, 300L, 363L), TR titanium collector series and the V66 evacuated tube model
• Indicative price: about RM4,400 to RM5,650 for the L66 (300L), around RM6,600 for the L80 (363L), RM6,600 to RM7,000 for TR models and about RM8,500 for the V66
• Key features: Stainless steel tank, pressurised system and backup heater. The V66 uses 30 evacuated tubes and a smart controller.
• Warranty: 1-year guarantee plus 9-year warranty
• Good for: Large households, and anyone who wants an evacuated tube system

4. Solarwave

Solarwave's main selling point is its seamless, laser-welded storage tank, which is designed to prevent leaks.

• Models: S-60 and S-80
• Indicative price: about RM4,900 (S-60) and RM5,800 (S-80)
• Key features: Seamless laser-welded tank and electric backup heater
• Warranty: 10-year leak-free warranty on the tank
• Good for: A mid-range alternative to the bigger names

5. Smart Solar

Smart Solar is a Malaysian brand that sells hybrid solar water heating systems, with an optional smart controller to manage the backup heater. It also offers financing options to spread the upfront cost.

• Models: SS150 (150L), SS200 (200L), SS300 (300L)
• Indicative price: about RM5,600 for the SS150 and RM7,300 to RM7,600 for the SS300
• Key features: Flat plate collectors, hybrid design and optional controller
• Warranty: Check current terms with your dealer
• Good for: Homeowners who want more control over the backup heater, or prefer to pay in instalments

6. Solahart

Solahart is an Australian brand with over 70 years of experience. Its systems are imported into Malaysia, where KTS has distributed them since 2014.

• Models: Sunheat 151L, L Series 181LF and 302LF
• Indicative price: about RM4,680 for the Sunheat 151L, RM9,600 for the 181LF and RM12,800 for the 302LF
• Key features: Open-circuit thermosiphon design (the same water you use circulates through the panel, with no separate fluid loop), an enamel-lined tank with a sacrificial anode (a metal rod that corrodes first so the tank does not), and a slimline roof-mounted look
• Warranty: Check current Malaysian terms with your dealer
• Good for: Buyers who want an imported premium brand and are happy to pay more than twice as much as local options for the larger models

7. OneWave

OneWave sells rooftop solar water heaters for homes and businesses, with a warranty that includes a 2-year guaranteed period.

• Models: OW 300
• Indicative price: Price on request
• Warranty: 8 years, with the first 2 years guaranteed
• Good for: Homeowners who want to compare one more 300L option after shortlisting the brands above. Ask for the installed price in writing

8. Matahari

Matahari has supplied solar water heaters in Malaysia for over two decades and is carried by several local dealers.

• Indicative price: Price on request
• Warranty: Check with your dealer
• Good for: Homeowners whose local dealer stocks it. Ask for tank sizes, installed price and warranty terms before comparing it with the brands above

How Much Does a Solar Water Heater Cost in Malaysia?

Tank size is the biggest factor in price. As a rough guide, based on the listings above:

The quoted price does not include everything. Ask your installer whether these are extra:

• An aluminium mounting rack for flat roofs
• Crane charges to lift the tank onto the roof
• A water pressure pump
• Mixer taps
• Extra hot and cold water piping beyond the standard length
• A power point for the backup heater

Is a Solar Water Heater Worth It in Malaysia?

It depends on how much hot water your household uses, and this section assumes you already show with an electric instant heater. Under TNB's tariff structure, households using up to 1,500 kWh a month pay about 44.4 sen per kWh before Automatic Fuel Adjustment (AFA) and rebates. Here is how that plays out for three households using a 3.6kW electric instant heater:

These are simple estimates that assume the solar system replaces all of your heater’s electricity. In practice the backup heater will still run on some days, so real savings are lower and payback is longer. The heavy-use column is a ceiling, not a typical household. The light-use payback of around 12 years is also longer than the 10-year warranty on most brands above. Your actual savings depend on your tariff, AFA, rebates and how often the backup heater runs.

Households using less than 1,000 kWh a month also get TNB's Energy Efficiency Incentive, which lowers the cost of each unit and stretches the payback period. Our TNB bill calculator guide can help you work out what you pay today.

The takeaway: a solar hot water heater pays off fastest for big families, homes with rain showers or bathtubs, and anyone who takes long hot showers. For a small household, the savings alone can take around 12 years to cover the cost, so weigh that against how long you plan to stay in the home.

How to Choose the Right Solar Water Heater

• Tank size: Match it to the number of people and bathrooms. A tank that is too small runs out by evening; one that is too large costs more and may not heat fully on cloudy days.
• Roof strength and space: A 300L system can weigh over 350kg when full. Ask your installer to check that your roof can take the load and where the panel will face. Our roof suitability checklist covers what to look for.
• Water pressure: Many solar water heaters are pressurised systems. If your home relies on a gravity-fed roof tank, you may need a pressure pump for a good shower.
• Water quality: Sediment and hard water can build up inside the tank over time. An outdoor water filter helps protect it.
• Warranty and local service: Read what the warranty covers (tank, panels, parts, labour) and for how long. Check that the dealer has technicians in your area.
• Backup heater: Make sure the system includes one, and ask whether it has a timer or controller so it does not run when the sun can do the job.

Solar Water Heater vs Solar Panels: Which Saves More?

A solar powered water heater only heats water. Rooftop solar panels (solar PV) generate electricity for your entire home, including your air conditioner, fridge and even an electric water heater.

If hot water is your only concern, a solar water heater is the straightforward product. If your monthly bill is high because of air-conditioning and other appliances, solar panels usually save more overall. See our guide to solar panel cost in Malaysia for typical system prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Solar Water Heaters Work on Rainy Days?

Yes. The collector still gathers some heat under cloud, and the insulated tank keeps the water you heated during the day hot overnight. During long spells of cloudy or rainy weather, the backup heater takes over, so you will pay for some electricity on those days.

How Long Does a Solar Hot Water Heater Last?

With regular maintenance, a good system can last 15 to 20 years. Tank warranties from the brands above typically run 8 to 10 years. Servicing every few years helps it last longer.

Do I Need a Water Pump for a Solar Water Heater?

The system itself usually needs no pump to circulate water. But if your home has low water pressure or relies on a roof tank, a pressure pump gives you a stronger shower.

What Is the Best Solar Water Heater in Malaysia?

There is no single best brand for every home. Summer and SolarMate stand out for their price and long track record, Aquasolar offers the widest range of sizes, and Solahart is the main imported premium option

Can I Install a Solar Water Heater and Solar Panels on the Same Roof?

Yes, as long as your roof has enough suitable space and can carry the combined weight. Plan the layout with your installers so the water heater does not shade the solar panels.

A solar water heater is a reliable way to cut the cost of hot water in a sunny country like Malaysia. Summer, SolarMate and Aquasolar give you proven local options from about RM4,000, while Solahart suits buyers who want an imported premium system. Size the tank to your household, check what the quote includes, and compare warranties before you buy.

And if hot water is only part of your electricity bill, it is worth looking at the bigger picture. Rooftop solar panels power your whole home, and with Rent-to-Own solar you can start saving without paying for the system upfront. Check your solar savings in minutes with our free solar calculator, or chat with the team on WhatsApp whenever you're ready.