If you’re building or renovating a home in Mauritius, one of the biggest energy decisions you’ll make is how to heat your water. Electric water heaters are familiar and easy to install. Solar water heaters have a higher upfront cost but promise long-term savings. This guide breaks down both options honestly so you can make the right choice for your household and budget.
How Each System Works
Electric Water Heater
An electric water heater uses a resistive heating element — similar to a kettle — to heat water stored in an insulated tank. It draws power directly from your mains electricity supply every time it heats water. Modern units are reliable, straightforward to install and widely available. Running costs, however, are entirely dependent on your CEB electricity tariff.
Solar Water Heater
A solar water heater uses vacuum tube collectors mounted on your roof to absorb the sun’s energy and transfer it as heat to water stored in an insulated tank. In Mauritius, where sunshine is abundant for most of the year, the sun does the majority of the heating work for free. All Duraco solar water heaters include a 1.5kW electric backup heater for cloudy days — so you always have hot water regardless of the weather.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Running Cost Difference in Mauritius
This is where solar wins decisively for most Mauritian households. A typical electric water heater for a family of 4 consumes approximately 3–4 units (kWh) of electricity per day. At current CEB domestic tariff rates, this adds up to roughly Rs 2,500–Rs 4,000 per year just for water heating — and more if you are on a higher consumption tariff band.
A solar water heater reduces that consumption by 70–85% on average across the year in Mauritius, given the island’s strong solar irradiance. The electric backup only fires on genuinely overcast days. Over 10 years, the savings easily cover the higher purchase cost — often within 3 to 5 years.
Which Solar Model is Right for Your Location in Mauritius?
Not all solar water heaters are equal, and in Mauritius the choice of model depends significantly on where you live. Duraco offers four solar water heater systems, each suited to different conditions:
Important for coastal homeowners: The salt air in coastal areas of Mauritius accelerates corrosion on standard fittings. The Pre-Heated Pressure model uses SUS 316 stainless steel specifically for its superior salt resistance — making it the right choice for areas like Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Blue Bay and similar coastal locations.
When an Electric Heater Still Makes Sense
Solar is not always the right answer. An electric water heater may be more appropriate if:
- Your roof has no suitable south-facing surface or is heavily shaded
- You are renting and cannot make permanent roof installations
- Your hot water consumption is very low — a single person household may not recoup the solar investment quickly enough
- You need a quick, low-cost solution and can upgrade later
For a family of 3 or more in Mauritius who own their home, a solar water heater almost always pays for itself within 5 years. After that, the hot water is essentially free.
QBM Hardware, Phoenix Mauritius
Buy Your Solar Water Heater at QBM Hardware, Phoenix
QBM Hardware stocks the full range of Duraco solar water heaters — Non Pressure, Pre-Heated Pressure, Split Compact and Split Unit — in 150L, 200L and 300L capacities. All models include delivery, flat roof fixation and VAT. Plumbing and electrical works are excluded and must be carried out by a qualified tradesperson.
Visit QBM Hardware — Phoenix, Mauritius
59 Royal Road, Phoenix — Mon–Fri 7:30am–5pm | Sat 7:30am–12pm
Call (+230) 686 6198 or WhatsApp (+230) 5255 1799
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a solar water heater work during load shedding?
Yes — during daylight hours, the solar collector heats water using the sun regardless of whether the electricity is on or off. The electric backup heater requires mains power, but if your tank is already heated by the sun it will hold temperature for several hours in the insulated tank.
How much roof space does a solar water heater need?
A standard Duraco Non Pressure unit for a family of 4 (200L) requires approximately 2–3 square metres of accessible flat roof space. Split models with separate collector panels need more space but offer more flexibility in positioning.
Is a solar water heater eligible for any government grant in Mauritius?
The DBM has historically offered subsidy schemes for solar water heaters as part of its energy efficiency programmes. Eligibility and availability change periodically — ask our team at QBM for the latest information on any applicable schemes at the time of purchase.
What maintenance does a solar water heater require?
Duraco solar water heaters require minimal maintenance. The vacuum tubes should be checked and cleaned annually — particularly in coastal or dusty areas. The electric backup element and thermostat should be inspected by a qualified electrician every 2–3 years. The SUS 316 stainless steel tank requires no special treatment.
