By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Building your own home made solar hot water system can cut the energy you spend heating water, but the parts you choose decide whether the project works well for years or leaves you troubleshooting every cold morning. This list focuses on components a DIY builder can realistically source: a solar controller, a split-system storage tank, a closed-loop kit, a reference guide, and a circulating pump. Selection criteria were specifications, manufacturer documentation, brand reputation, and patterns that owners tend to report. None of these picks were tested by the author, and product details should be confirmed against the current listing before you buy.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallSolar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition: A Comprehensive GuideView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for split-system builds200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System Single Coil Tank 45 Deg FraView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for closed-loop plumbingSolar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed LoopView on Amazon - 4
Best for pressurized controlsMISOL 110V Controller of Solar Water Heater, Used for Separated pressuView on Amazon - 5
Best budget pick for circulationHot Water Recirculating Pump 115V for House, 145PSI Heat Circulation PumpView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition | Planning and design reference | Covers water and space heating system designs |
| 200 Liter Active Split System Tank | Split-system DIY builds | 200-liter single coil storage tank |
| Solar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed Loop | Closed-loop freeze protection | Closed-loop heat transfer design |
| MISOL 110V Controller | Pressurized separated systems | 110V solar controller |
| Hot Water Recirculating Pump 115V | Circulation on a tight budget | 3-speed control, 145PSI rating |
Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems
Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)
Best for: Planning and design reference
This book suits builders who want to understand the full system before buying parts. It is a good fit for anyone sizing collectors and tanks from scratch, or for someone who wants to compare component choices with a clear rationale.
Key specs
- Format: printed guide
- Scope: solar water heating and space heating systems
- Series: Mother Earth News Wiser Living
Pros
- Explains system layouts in plain language
- Useful for sizing and component matching
- Reference value lasts beyond one project
Cons
- Does not replace local code or permit requirements
- Reading time is significant for a quick weekend job
Bottom line: A strong starting point for a first-time builder who wants to design the system correctly rather than copy an uncertain layout.
200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System Single Coil Tank 45 Deg Frame Evacuated Vacuum Tubes Hot SRCC Certified
200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System Single Coil Tank 45 Deg Frame Evacuated Vacuum Tubes Hot SRCC Certified
Best for: Split-system DIY builds
This tank suits a builder who plans to mount storage separately from evacuated tube collectors, with the pump and controller handling circulation. It fits households that want a larger buffer of hot water.
Key specs
- Capacity: 200 liters
- Design: single coil, active split system
- Certification: listed as SRCC certified in the product name
- Frame: 45-degree mounting frame (per listing name)
Pros
- Single coil simplifies the heat exchange path
- Pairs with evacuated tube collectors
- SRCC certification helps with component comparison
Cons
- A 200-liter tank needs a dedicated, load-bearing location
- Requires a pump, controller and careful piping
Bottom line: Best for builders comfortable with plumbing who want a split layout and a larger storage volume.
Solar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed Loop
Solar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed Loop
Best for: Closed-loop freeze protection
A closed-loop system circulates antifreeze-type fluid through the collector and uses a heat exchanger to warm the potable water. It suits homes in climates where freezing is a real concern.
Key specs
- Type: closed-loop solar water heating system
- Heat transfer: separate collector fluid loop with heat exchanger
Pros
- Protects the collector loop from freezing when properly filled
- Keeps potable water separate from the collector fluid
- Suits cold-climate installations
Cons
- Heat exchanger adds some efficiency loss compared with direct systems
- Fluid maintenance and pressure checks add ongoing work
Bottom line: A sensible choice for DIY builders in freezing climates who accept a little extra complexity for protection.
MISOL 110V Controller of Solar Water Heater, Used for Separated Pressurized Solar Hot Water System
MISOL 110V Controller of Solar Water Heater, Used for Separated pressurized Solar hot Water System
Best for: Pressurized controls
A solar controller manages the pump and temperature sensors. This model is aimed at separated pressurized systems and suits a builder wiring a 110V circuit.
Key specs
- Voltage: 110V (per listing name)
- Application: separated pressurized solar hot water systems
Pros
- Matches pressurized split-system layouts
- Controls pump operation based on temperature difference
- Straightforward for a single-circuit installation
Cons
- Sensor placement and wiring require care and often a licensed electrician for code compliance
- Not suited to every collector or tank combination without checking specs
Bottom line: Pick this if your design is pressurized and separated, and you can confirm compatibility before wiring.
Hot Water Recirculating Pump 115V for House, 145PSI Heat Circulation Pump
Hot Water Recirculating Pump 115V for House,145PSI Heat Circulation Pump for Water Heater System,3-Speed Control Electric Hot Water Circulator Pump for Boiler Shower Industrial Equipment
Best for: Circulation on a tight budget
A circulating pump moves fluid between collector and tank. This listing is a general-purpose recirculating pump, so builders should verify it suits solar loop temperatures and flow needs.
Key specs
- Voltage: 115V (per listing name)
- Pressure rating: 145PSI (per listing name)
- Speed settings: 3-speed control (per listing name)
Pros
- Three speed settings allow flow tuning
- Simple 115V connection
- Budget-friendly option for a circulation loop
Cons
- General-purpose pumps may not be rated for solar-loop fluid or temperatures, so confirm before use
- Flow and head ratings should be matched to your piping
Bottom line: A reasonable circulation option for a budget build, provided you verify temperature and fluid ratings.
Buying Guide
Collector Type and Heat Transfer Method
Decide early whether you want a direct (open-loop) or indirect (closed-loop) system. Direct systems circulate potable water through the collector, which works in mild climates but can be risky where freezing occurs. Indirect systems use antifreeze fluid and a heat exchanger, which adds protection at a small efficiency cost. Check the manufacturer documentation for your collector before choosing components.
Good picks for this: Solar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed Loop, 200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System Single Coil Tank
Storage Tank Capacity and Coil Design
Size storage to your daily hot water use and collector area. Undersized tanks run out of heat on cloudy days; oversized tanks waste heat through standby loss. Single-coil tanks are simpler to plumb, while multi-coil designs suit backup heat sources. Confirm the coil surface area against your collector output.
Good picks for this: 200 Liter Water Heater Active Split System Single Coil Tank
Controller Voltage and Sensor Compatibility
Match the controller to your pump voltage, sensor types and system layout. A controller designed for pressurized separated systems will not suit every drain-back or direct layout. Read the wiring diagram before purchase and check whether your installation needs a licensed electrician.
Good picks for this: MISOL 110V Controller of Solar Water Heater
Pump Pressure, Flow and Temperature Rating
Circulating pumps need to handle the head pressure of your loop and the temperatures your collector reaches on a sunny day. Check the maximum fluid temperature rating, not just the pressure rating. A pump that works well for domestic recirculation may not tolerate collector-side temperatures.
Good picks for this: Hot Water Recirculating Pump 115V for House, 145PSI
Freeze Protection and Climate
In regions with hard freezes, closed-loop designs with a proper antifreeze mixture protect the collector. Drain-back systems are another option that drains collector fluid when the pump stops. Your local climate data should drive this decision more than any product feature.
Good picks for this: Solar Water Heating System Skyline5 Closed Loop, Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition
Planning, Sizing and Local Code
Good sizing starts with a reference. A design guide helps you estimate daily load, collector area and tank volume. Local plumbing and electrical codes often govern pressure relief valves, backflow prevention and wiring. Check with your building department before installation.
Good picks for this: Solar Water Heating–Revised & Expanded Edition
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Plan for periodic checks: fluid level and pH in closed loops, pump operation, sensor function and pressure relief valve testing. Simple maintenance logs help you catch slow leaks or declining performance early. Keep spare fittings and a service manual for each component.
Good picks for this: MISOL 110V Controller of Solar Water Heater, Hot Water Recirculating Pump 115V for House
FAQ
Is a home made solar hot water system safe to build yourself?
Many homeowners build parts of a system themselves, but pressurized water, electrical wiring and roof work carry real risk. Confirm local code requirements and consider having a licensed plumber or electrician review or complete the connections. Consult a professional before making final connections.
Do I need a closed-loop system?
Not always. If your climate rarely freezes, a direct system may be simpler and more efficient. In freezing regions, a closed-loop or drain-back design protects the collector. Check local climate data and manufacturer guidance.
How big should the storage tank be?
Start with your daily hot water use and the collector area you plan to install. A common approach is to size storage so it holds roughly one to two days of household demand, adjusted for your sun exposure. Verify with a sizing reference or professional.
Can I use a standard recirculating pump in a solar loop?
Some general-purpose pumps are used in solar loops, but many are not rated for collector-side temperatures or the fluid you plan to use. Verify the maximum fluid temperature and material compatibility before installing any pump.
What does a solar controller do?
A solar controller reads temperature sensors at the collector and tank, then runs the pump when the collector is hotter than the tank by a set amount. Correct sensor placement and wiring are essential for efficient operation.
How much maintenance does a DIY system need?
Most systems need periodic inspection of pumps, sensors, fluid levels in closed loops, and pressure relief valves. Schedule checks at least once a year and after severe weather.
Will a solar system work in cloudy climates?
Solar thermal systems produce less heat on overcast days. Many homes keep a backup heat source, such as an electric element or gas booster, to cover low-sun periods. Plan backup capacity in your design.
Conclusion
For most DIY builders, the right home made solar hot water system begins with a reliable design reference and then moves to matched components. The design guide suits anyone planning from scratch, the split-system tank fits larger storage builds, and the closed-loop kit makes sense in freezing climates. The controller and recirculating pump are the working parts that need the closest attention to voltage, temperature and pressure ratings. Verify every spec against your own layout and local code before you buy.
Sources
- Federal guidance on solar water heating types, sizing considerations and home energy use (energy.gov)
- Research and data on solar thermal performance and system design (nrel.gov)
- Standards and technical resources on building water heating and system design (ashrae.org)
Related reading
- Top 5 Solar Thermal Storage Tanks for Home Hot Water Systems
- Solar Hot Water System vs Heat Pump (2026): Which Is Better for Your Home?
- 6 Best Solar Thermal Hot Water Heating System Options for Homes (2026)
- 6 Best Solar Hot Water Tank System Options for Homes (2026)
- 6 Best Solar Hot Water System Vacuum Tube Options for Homes (2026)
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.
