Can You Add Solar to a Gas or Electric Water Heater? A Profitable Opportunity for Local Dealers

Rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness are pushing homeowners to seek smarter, greener water heating solutions. Yet, most already have a gas or electric water heater installed. Here's where opportunity knocks—for both the homeowner and you, the local dealer.

Yes, a solar water heater retrofit system can be added to an existing gas or electric water heater without replacing the original unit. It preheats the water using solar energy, reducing overall energy consumption and cutting utility bills. The system is cost-effective, modular, and designed for quick, seamless integration.

If you’re a local dealer looking to expand your service offering, here’s how Soletks can help you tap into a rapidly growing market with high ROI and low entry barriers.

How Does a Solar Water Heater Retrofit Work?

Retrofit systems use solar thermal collectors to preheat water before it enters the existing electric or gas water heater. These collectors are usually mounted on rooftops or open walls with direct sunlight exposure.

The system is controlled via a smart pump and circulation unit, ensuring water is moved efficiently through the solar loop and into the home’s hot water system. The original heater remains in place as a backup source, ensuring consistent hot water regardless of solar availability.

This makes it ideal for households that already use gas or electric heating—there’s no need for full system replacements or complex upgrades.

What Are the Benefits for End Users?

• Lower utility bills (up to 60–80% savings on water heating)

• Eco-friendly solution with reduced carbon emissions

• Minimal disruption—no need to uninstall the current system

• Fast ROI due to rising energy prices

• Eligibility for local rebates or tax incentives (in many countries)

This solution addresses both cost concerns and environmental values, making it an easy sell for local dealers.

Why Is This a Business Opportunity for Local Dealers?

As a local distributor, installer, or service provider, the retrofit market offers a low-friction, high-conversion add-on service:

• You’re not selling a new system—you’re enhancing what the homeowner already has

• The installation is straightforward, usually completed within a day

• Retrofit kits are modular and adaptable, reducing inventory burden

• It opens a new revenue stream from existing customers

• You gain a competitive edge by offering sustainable solutions

This makes retrofit systems an excellent upsell and cross-sell product for plumbing, HVAC, or solar-focused businesses.

What Kind of Support Does Soletks Provide?

We at Soletks Group are fully committed to supporting our international partners. As part of our dealer onboarding program, we offer:

• Installation training and technical certification

• Product manuals and marketing materials

• Sales coaching on how to present retrofit benefits

• Post-installation technical support

• Supply chain and inventory coordination

Our goal is to make you confident in both selling and servicing retrofit solar systems. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

What’s the Cost and ROI of Such Add-on Systems?

The cost of a retrofit solar water heating kit varies based on system size and region, but it's generally far cheaper than replacing an entire water heater or installing a full solar PV system.

In many cases, homeowners recoup their investment within 2 to 4 years, especially in sunny regions. For dealers, that means:

• Faster sales cycles

• Less technical pushback

• Happy customers who will refer others

When bundled with maintenance or service packages, retrofit kits can greatly improve your bottom line with minimal overhead.

How to Get Started as an Authorized Dealer?

We are actively expanding our international partner network and seeking capable local dealers who can deliver retrofit solutions in their communities.

If you're already serving homeowners with plumbing, electrical, solar, or HVAC products, this is your chance to add a profitable and eco-friendly product line.

👉 Contact us today to learn how to become a certified Soletks retrofit installer.
👉 Or email us directly at export@soletksolar.com for a consultation with our regional manager.

Summary

Retrofit solar systems for water heaters are a growing market opportunity—and with Soletks, you don’t need to figure it out alone. We provide the tech, the training, and the support. You bring the local market knowledge. Together, we bring clean, affordable water heating to more homes.

Ready to expand your business with solar water heating? Let’s build the future together.
👉 Contact Soletks Group today to get started.