A Solar Water Heater uses a flat-plate collector (FPC) or evacuated tubes (ETC) to heat water and stores it in an insulated tank. The student-friendly build below focuses on an FPC thermosyphon system (no pump), with an option to add a pumped/controlled loop. Great for learning heat transfer, plumbing, insulation, and safety.

Parts Used:

1. Storage Tank (100–150 L) – PUF-insulated, food-grade liner; hot-out dip tube; cold-in diffuser.
2. Piping & Valves – Copper/CPVC/PEX with insulation sleeves, ball valves, NRV, air vent, drain cock.
3. Safety – T&P relief valve, expansion vessel (2–5 L), thermostatic mixing valve (48–50 °C).
4. Mounting Stand – Tilt = latitude ±5°, south-facing (India); wind anchors.
5. Optional (Active System) – Small circulator pump, controller (ΔT), NTC sensors, check valves, SSR/relay.
6. Add-ons – Electric immersion backup (1–2 kW), flow meter, thermometer gauges, PCM heat pack.