With generous sunshine for much of the year, a solar water heater in Morocco is one of the most sensible ways to produce hot water at home, whether you live in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Oujda or Driouch. But before comparing solar water heater prices, you need to understand how it works, choose the right capacity (200 litres or a 300-litre solar water heater), check the spot on your roof or terrace and plan for backup heating. Here is our complete guide, with the models available at Brico MIM.
Contents
How does a solar water heater work?
A solar thermal water heater (not to be confused with photovoltaic panels, which produce electricity) is made of two main parts:
- The solar collector (the “panel”): a glazed panel facing the sun that absorbs its radiation and turns it into heat.
- The storage tank: an insulated tank that receives this heat and keeps the water hot for the evening and the next morning.
Thermosiphon: circulation without a pump
Most domestic solar water heaters work on the thermosiphon principle. The fluid heated in the collector becomes lighter and rises naturally to the tank, which sits above it; the cooled fluid flows back down to the collector. No circulation pump and little electronics: the system is simple and robust. This is how the Bosch CBS020 and CBS030 work, with their horizontal tank installed above the collectors.
What about when there is no sun?
At night, the water stays hot thanks to the tank insulation, but it gradually cools down. On cloudy days or in winter, output drops. That is why a backup heating solution is almost always planned (see below).
Which capacity: 200 or 300 litres?
Capacity depends on the number of people, the number of bathrooms and household habits (long showers, baths, several showers in the evening…). The table below gives indicative guidelines: they help narrow down the choice but do not replace an installer's assessment.
| Household size | Indicative capacity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | 150 to 200 L | A 200 L tank leaves a good margin |
| 3 to 4 people | 200 L | 300 L if consumption is high or there are 2 bathrooms |
| 5 to 6 people | 300 L | The usual choice for large families |
| 7 people or more | 300 L or more | Needs a proper study: sometimes two systems |
Indicative guidelines, to be adjusted to your actual consumption and your installer's advice.
Brico MIM tip: a tank that is slightly too big is better than one that is too small. An undersized tank forces you to use the backup more often, which reduces the benefit of solar. On the other hand, a very large tank for two people costs more with no real benefit.
Solar water heater prices in Morocco at Brico MIM
Here are the solar models available in our water heater collection, with their starting prices:
| Model | Capacity | Collectors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solamed 200 L | 200 L | 1 flat thermal panel | from 11,500 DH |
| Bosch CBS020 | 200 L | 1 collector, thermosiphon | from 17,900 DH |
| Chaffoteaux Zelios 300 L | 300 L | Flat solar collectors | from 14,800 DH |
| Solamed 300 L | 300 L | 2 flat thermal collectors | from 17,000 DH |
| Bosch CBS030 | 300 L (280 L usable) | 2 panels, 3.88 m², thermosiphon | from 23,700 DH |
How to choose between them?
- Tight budget, average household: the Solamed 200 L, supplied with its metal mounting frame for the roof.
- Large family: the Chaffoteaux Zelios 300 L, a range widely installed in Morocco whose wear parts such as the anode remain available, or the Solamed 300 L with two collectors.
- Most detailed technical specs: the Bosch CBS030, with an enamelled tank and magnesium anode, 50 mm polyurethane insulation, Solar Keymark certification and installation on a flat roof (35°) or a pitched roof (15° to 45°).
When setting your budget, remember to add the cost of installation, pipework and any work on the terrace to the price of the unit.
Installation on a roof or terrace: what to check
Orientation and tilt
In Morocco, collectors should ideally face due south. The tilt follows the manufacturer's instructions: for example, Bosch specifies 35° on a flat roof for the CBS030. A south-east or south-west orientation is still possible, but slightly reduces output.
Shading
Make sure no wall, water tank, antenna, tree or neighbouring building casts a shadow on the collectors, especially in winter when the sun is lower. A few hours of shade per day are enough to noticeably reduce output.
Structure and weight
A 300-litre tank weighs more than 300 kg when full, not counting the frame and collectors. The slab or roof must be able to carry this load: if in doubt (old terrace, light roof), have it checked. The frame must also be firmly anchored to withstand the wind.
Use a professional installer
Cold water connection, safety valve group, pipe insulation, terrace waterproofing after fixing: a solar water heater should be installed by a qualified professional. Also ask for a thermostatic mixing valve, because in summer the water in the tank can get very hot and cause burns. In cold regions (Ifrane, the Middle and High Atlas…), ask your installer how the system is protected against frost.
Brico MIM tip: before ordering, take a few photos of your terrace (overall view, south side, access) and send them to us on WhatsApp. We will help you choose between 200 and 300 litres and spot any obstacles.
Backup heating: essential in winter
Even in Morocco there are days without sun, and hot water needs increase in winter. The backup takes over when the water in the tank is not hot enough. Common solutions:
- An electric backup heating element in the solar tank, when the model allows it (check with your installer).
- An electric water heater as relay: a tank such as the Ariston 100 L (from 1,900 DH) or the VM Aguamix 100 L (from 1,550 DH) can take over from the sun-preheated water.
- A gas water heater: an instantaneous model such as the Bosch 11 L/min (from 2,880 DH) can act as backup, provided the model and the installation are suited to preheated water. Ask your installer for advice.
To compare the three energy sources in detail, read our guide electric, gas or solar water heater: which one to choose in Morocco?
Solar water heater maintenance
A solar water heater needs little maintenance, but a few simple steps extend its life:
- Clean the collector glass: dust, sand and deposits reduce the heat captured. Rinsing with water, preferably early in the morning when the collectors are cool, is usually enough. Only go on the roof if you can do so safely.
- Check the anode that protects the tank from corrosion and replace it when worn, especially if your water is hard.
- Check the safety valve group and make sure there are no leaks at the connections.
- Inspect the pipe insulation exposed to the sun and weather.
- Have a professional carry out periodic checks, especially of the fluid in closed circuits.
If the water no longer heats at all, see our article water heater breakdown: causes and solutions. Seals and parts are available in our water heater accessories.
Pros, cons and cost-effectiveness
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Water is heated by the sun, with no paid energy for heating | Higher upfront cost than an electric or gas water heater |
| Simple thermosiphon, no pump on many models | Lower output on cloudy days and in winter: backup needed |
| Large hot water reserve (200 to 300 litres) | Requires a clear, well-oriented and solid roof or terrace |
| Less dependence on electricity and gas cylinders | Professional installation and regular maintenance |
Is a solar water heater cost-effective?
Cost-effectiveness depends on several factors: the energy it replaces (electricity or butane gas) and its price, the amount of hot water used, the sunshine in your city, the quality of the installation and the cost of fitting. The larger the family and its hot water use, the faster the investment pays for itself. We prefer not to give a precise savings figure: ask your installer for an estimate based on your actual consumption. To cut your bill right now, see also our tips to save electricity in Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a solar water heater cost in Morocco?
At Brico MIM, solar water heaters start at 11,500 DH for a 200-litre model (Solamed) and go up to 23,700 DH for the 300-litre Bosch CBS030. Installation costs come on top.
How many people is a 300-litre solar water heater suitable for?
As a rough guide, a 300-litre unit is aimed at families of 5 to 6 people or households with high hot water use. Your installer will fine-tune the choice based on your habits.
Does a solar water heater work in winter?
Yes, but output is lower when the sun is low or the sky is overcast. An electric or gas backup then takes over.
Does a solar water heater need a pump?
Not for thermosiphon models such as the Bosch CBS020 and CBS030: circulation happens naturally, without a circulation pump.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Switch to solar hot water
200 and 300-litre solar water heaters from Solamed, Chaffoteaux and Bosch, delivered across Morocco with cash on delivery.
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