By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
If you want to make your own solar hot water system, the right reference book or kit can save you months of trial and error. This list compares seven titles and build aids that cover collector design, storage, piping and installation. Each pick was judged on how much practical building detail it gives, how well it matches common home setups, how clearly it explains safety and sizing, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback. Nothing here is based on our own build tests, and the products are books and project kits rather than finished heaters.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallThe Homeowner's Handbook of Solar Water Heating SystemsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for step-by-step DIY projectsThe DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating BibleView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for hands-on foam collector practiceMaking the Grade Create Your Own Solar System Foam KitView on Amazon - 4
Best for planning a full systemInstall Your Own Solar PanelsView on Amazon - 5
Best for off-grid homes and cabinsoff grid solar power made easyView on Amazon - 6
Best for beginners new to solar designSolar Power for BeginnersView on Amazon - 7
Best for a long-term reference shelfSolar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded EditionView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems | Overall build-or-buy decisions | Covers water, pool and hot tub heating |
| The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible | Step-by-step DIY projects | Covers building, testing and maintenance |
| Making the Grade Create Your Own Solar System Foam Kit | Hands-on foam collector practice | Foam-based collector kit format |
| Install Your Own Solar Panels | Planning a complete system | Design and installation focus |
| off grid solar power made easy | Off-grid homes and cabins | Step-by-step off-grid build plans |
| Solar Power for Beginners | Beginners new to solar design | Plain-language system design |
| Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition | Long-term reference | Water and space heating coverage |
The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems
The Homeowner's Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems: How to Build or Buy Systems to Heat Your Water, Swimming Pool, Hot Tub or Spa
Best for: Overall build-or-buy decisions
This is a good fit for homeowners who have not yet decided whether to build a collector or buy a packaged system, and who want both options laid out side by side. It also suits anyone thinking about heating a pool or hot tub alongside domestic water.
Key specs:
- Covers domestic water, swimming pool, hot tub and spa heating
- Explains how to build or buy each type of system
Pros:
- Balanced coverage of building versus buying
- Useful for multiple heating applications
- Broad scope suits first-time readers
Cons:
- Less depth on any single build than project-focused guides
- Specific design details may need to be checked against current codes
Bottom line: A strong first book for someone still choosing between a DIY build and a purchased system.
The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible
The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible: [3 in 1] Step-by-Step Projects to Building, Testing, and Maintaining your Solar Water Heating System for Free Hot Water
Best for: Step-by-step DIY projects
Suited to readers who want a sequence of build instructions they can follow in order, including the testing and upkeep stages that many plans skip. It is aimed at people building for an off-grid or budget-conscious setup.
Key specs:
- Organized as step-by-step projects
- Covers building, testing and maintenance
Pros:
- Clear project sequence for beginners
- Includes testing and maintenance, not just construction
- Focused on hot water rather than general solar power
Cons:
- Project designs may need adapting to local climate and code
- Self-published titles vary in editing quality, so check the sample pages
Bottom line: A practical pick for a reader who wants to follow along and build a working collector with a clear checklist.
Making the Grade Create Your Own Solar System Foam Kit
Making the Grade Create Your Own Solar System Foam Kit
Best for: Hands-on foam collector practice
This kit suits hobbyists and students who want a physical, low-stakes way to learn how solar collection works before committing to a full-size collector. It is less a complete water heater project and more a learning aid.
Key specs:
- Foam-based kit format for hands-on practice
Pros:
- Tangible way to understand absorption and heat gain
- Low commitment compared with a full build
- Good for classrooms and family projects
Cons:
- Not a substitute for a full-scale hot water system
- Limited detail on plumbing, storage and sizing
Bottom line: Worth considering as a teaching tool, but pair it with a full guide before building for your home.
Install Your Own Solar Panels
Install Your Own Solar Panels: Designing and Installing a Photovoltaic System to Power Your Home
Best for: Planning a complete system
Written for readers who want to understand the design and installation of a full solar setup. Its focus is mainly photovoltaic, so it is most useful for hot water builders who plan to add electric backup or a hybrid system.
Key specs:
- Covers design and installation of a photovoltaic system
Pros:
- Strong on system planning and wiring logic
- Useful for hybrid hot water and electric setups
- Clear on installation sequence
Cons:
- Photovoltaic focus means less thermal collector detail
- Not specific to solar thermal hot water
Bottom line: Best for builders who want an electrical or hybrid angle alongside their hot water project.
off grid solar power made easy
off grid solar power made easy: Build Your Own Off-Grid Solar System (Step-by-Step for Homes & Cabins)
Best for: Off-grid homes and cabins
Aimed at people building a self-sufficient setup for a cabin or remote home. Readers who need hot water without grid connection will find the step-by-step format useful, though the book leans toward power generation.
Key specs:
- Step-by-step off-grid build guidance
Pros:
- Practical for remote or off-grid homes
- Step-based structure is easy to follow
- Covers the bigger picture of off-grid living
Cons:
- Emphasis on electricity rather than hot water collectors
- Details for thermal storage may be limited
Bottom line: A good choice if your hot water plan is part of a wider off-grid build.
Solar Power for Beginners
Solar Power for Beginners: How to Design and Install the Best Solar Power System for Your Home (DIY Solar Power)
Best for: Beginners new to solar design
Intended for readers with no prior solar background who want plain-language explanations of how a system is designed and put together. It is more general than hot-water specific.
Key specs:
- Introductory design and installation coverage
Pros:
- Accessible language for newcomers
- Explains design concepts before installation
- Helpful background for any solar project
Cons:
- Not focused on solar thermal hot water
- Readers may need a second book for collector details
Bottom line: A sound starting point for someone new to solar, paired with a thermal-specific guide.
Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition
Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)
Best for: Long-term reference
A reference-style book for readers who want a thorough, long-lasting resource covering both water and space heating. It suits those who plan to return to the material while building or maintaining a system.
Key specs:
- Covers solar water and space heating systems
- Revised and expanded edition
Pros:
- Thorough coverage of thermal heating fundamentals
- Useful for both water and space heating plans
- Strong reference value on the shelf
Cons:
- Some reference material may be dated in places
- Less hands-on, step-by-step structure than project guides
Bottom line: Ideal for readers who want deep background on solar thermal heating over the long run.
Buying Guide
Build Focus: Step-by-Step or Concept-Based
Decide whether you need a project sequence or background theory. Project guides suit a first build, while concept books help you size and adapt a design to your roof and water use.
Good picks for this: The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible, Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition
Solar Thermal Versus Solar Electric Coverage
Solar thermal books focus on collectors heating water directly, while photovoltaic books cover panels producing electricity. Check the table of contents to confirm which one you are getting, since many titles mix the two.
Good picks for this: The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems, Install Your Own Solar Panels
Scope: Domestic Water Versus Pool and Space Heating
If you only need domestic hot water, choose a title that focuses there. Books covering pools, hot tubs or space heating give broader context but may spend less time on the details you need.
Good picks for this: The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems, Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition
Experience Level
Beginners benefit from plain-language explanations and worked examples. Experienced builders may want technical detail on sizing, flow rates and materials.
Good picks for this: Solar Power for Beginners, Making the Grade Create Your Own Solar System Foam Kit
Off-Grid and Remote Use
Off-grid hot water depends on storage and backup planning, since there may be no grid fallback. Look for guidance on storage sizing and backup heat if you cannot rely on utility power.
Good picks for this: off grid solar power made easy, The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible
Testing and Maintenance Coverage
A system only performs well if it is checked and maintained. Books that cover commissioning, leak testing and seasonal upkeep save troubleshooting time later.
Good picks for this: The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible, Install Your Own Solar Panels
Edition Date and Code Currency
Solar codes, equipment standards and recommended practices change. Check the publication date and confirm that local plumbing and electrical codes still match the guidance before you build.
Good picks for this: Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition, The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems
FAQ
Can I really make my own solar hot water system at home?
Yes, many homeowners build simple collectors and storage setups using reference books and common materials. Complex installations involving roof penetrations, pressure systems or gas connections may require a licensed professional. Consult a professional before connecting to your home plumbing.
What is the simplest type of DIY solar water heater to start with?
A batch or integrated collector-storage design is usually the simplest, because it has fewer moving parts and no pump or controller. Many beginner guides describe this approach first.
Do I need a pump to make a solar hot water system?
Not always. Thermosiphon systems rely on natural convection, so storage sits above the collector. Pumped systems allow more flexible placement but need a controller and power. Check your chosen book’s guidance for your layout.
How do I size a solar hot water system for my household?
Sizing depends on daily hot water use, local solar irradiance and collector area. Reference books typically walk through estimating liters or gallons per person per day and matching collector area to that load.
Is a foam kit enough to heat water for a house?
No. Learning kits demonstrate principles but are not sized for household demand. They are best used to understand how collection and heat transfer work before building a full-scale system.
Do I need a permit to install a DIY solar water heater?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Many areas require permits for plumbing or roof work. Check with your local building department and consult a licensed professional where required.
Conclusion
For a broad overview that helps you decide between building and buying, The Homeowner’s Handbook of Solar Water Heating Systems is a sound starting point. Readers who want sequenced build steps should look at The DIY Off Grid Solar Water Heating Bible. If you want a hands-on learning aid first, the foam kit is a low-commitment option. Off-grid builders may prefer off grid solar power made easy, while beginners new to solar design will find Solar Power for Beginners approachable. For a long-term reference on thermal heating, Solar Water Heating, Revised & Expanded Edition is a strong shelf choice. Before you start, you may also find Solar Power Hot Water System Guide: Parts, Sizing and Setup (2026) and Solar Hot Water System Parts: A Step-by-Step Guide to Every Component (2026) useful for planning.
Sources
- Background on solar water heating types, components and efficiency considerations (energy.gov)
- Research on solar thermal performance and system design (nrel.gov)
- Plumbing and mechanical code standards relevant to solar water heating installations
Related reading
- What Is the Cheapest Solar Hot Water System? Options and Trade-Offs
- Top 5 Solar Thermal Storage Tanks for Home Hot Water Systems
- Top 4 Service Solar Hot Water System Options Compared (2026)
- Sunbird Solar Hot Water System Prices: What You'll Pay and Why It Varies
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our solar water heaters guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
