Solar heaters can be used for a variety of purposes like heating water, cooking, etc. The advantage it has over electric geysers, for example: Electric geysers consume more power and increase your bills. Power shut downs make things more difficult. Solar heaters use sunlight which is abundant and free and this saves precious power.

Install a solar heater at slightly more than the cost of an electric one and see the benefits over a longer period of time.

The quality of heating equipment depends on: Quality of materials used for the flat plate collector. It is the collector which absorbs sunlight. See that the tubing is made of copper, not mild steel. Mild steel will corrode with time. The outer casing can be of glass fibre re-inforced plastic and the frame should ideally be of aluminium. The glass cover should have a transmitting strength of atleast 85%. The storage tank should be five feet or more above the heating system. Keep the tank insulated to conserve heat, ideally with glass wool. An ideal heating system should last for a minimum of 10 to 15 years. Preferably, use a simple design without many accompanying gadgets. See that your solar heater is also equipped with alternate electric heating options (for use on overcast days or in winter).

Ensure that plumbing is properly done during installation. The guarantee you get from the seller should cover at least 10 years. Buy from a seller who gives prompt after sales service.