Compare solar water heater vs
electric heater in the Philippines. Discover real
costs, safety risks, ROI, and why solar pays back in
as little as 6 months.
Did you know that heating water can take up to 30% of your electricity bill in the Philippines? Choosing between an electric water heater and a solar water heater is not just about convenience — it’s about long-term savings, safety, and performance.
In this article, we’ll compare the two head-to-head and show why more Filipino homes and hotels are switching to ThermoTank solar water heaters.
1. Cost Comparison: Not as Big as You Think
Many people assume solar is “too expensive” upfront. But here’s the reality:
Electric Multipoint Heaters:
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1 unit costs around ₱15,000–₱18,000.
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A house with 4 bathrooms would spend about ₱60,000–₱72,000 upfront.
Solar Water Heater (ThermoTank):
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A system for a 4-bathroom home costs around ₱80,000–₱100,000.
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The difference? Only ₱30,000–₱40,000 more — for a system that produces hot water almost free for life.
Operating Cost:
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Electric: ₱3,000–₱5,000/month in electricity bills (₱36,000–₱60,000/year).
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Solar: Almost free for life, with only minimal maintenance.
👉 This means your ROI is not 2–3 years — it can be as fast as 6 months. If you pay ₱5,000/month for heating, the extra ₱30,000 you spent for solar pays back in half a year. At most, ROI is within 6–18 months.
2. Safety: The Hidden Risk of Electric Heaters
Electric water heaters in the Philippines often skip safety features like GFCI/ELCB. The risks include:
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⚡ Electric shock due to unstable power or poor grounding.
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🔥 Fire hazards if wiring is faulty.
Solar water heaters avoid these risks because no electricity is involved in the heating process. That’s peace of mind for your family or guests.
3. Performance in the Philippine Climate
Electric Heaters:
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Provide instant hot water but depend entirely on electricity supply.
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Expensive to run with multiple showers.
Solar Water Heaters (ThermoTank):
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Work year-round in the Philippines.
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Even on cloudy or rainy days, vacuum tube technology captures diffuse sunlight.
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Backup electric is available but only needed occasionally.
4. Why Solar Heating is More Valuable in Baguio
Many people think solar panels (for electricity) should come first in cooler cities like Baguio. The truth:
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Heating is more expensive than cooling. Aircon is optional on cold days, but hot showers are a must.
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Even if Baguio is cloudy, 75% of days in a year still have usable sunlight. That means 75% free hot water.
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On cloudy days, tank size matters: a larger insulated tank stores more heated water and ensures continuous supply.
👉 Instead of paying 365 days of electric heating for the next 50 years, you’re paying only 25% of that cost — and enjoying a 75% discount forever. Want more? By increasing your tank size, you extend capacity across rainy/cloudy days, keeping hot water continuous.
5. Environmental Impact
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Electric heaters rely on the coal/oil-powered grid, adding to carbon emissions.
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Solar water heaters reduce carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO₂ per year per family home.
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For hotels, that’s dozens of tons saved annually.
6. Case Example: Real-World Savings
At Good Shepherd Convent in Baguio, ThermoTank has been delivering reliable hot water for over 12 years.
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Almost zero maintenance.
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Huge savings.
✅ Proof that even in cooler climates, solar heating is a smarter investment.
7. Conclusion: The Smarter Choice
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💰 Cost: Solar is only slightly higher upfront, but pays back in as little as 6–18 months.
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⚡ Safety: No risk of electric shock, no wiring headaches.
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🌤️ Performance: Works even in cloudy climates, with insulated tanks for continuous supply.
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🌍 Environment: Renewable, sustainable, and future-proof.
👉 If you’re tired of high bills and worried about safety, now is the time to switch. ThermoTank makes it easy to enjoy safe, reliable hot water powered by the sun.
