What Is a Solar Shower & How Does It Work?
A solar shower is a simple yet clever invention for people who enjoy camping, hiking, or car camping, or just need to set up an off-grid backyard rinse station. That’s an effortless and convenient way to use warm water outdoors—no electricity, no fuel, no complicated setup. To put it simply, solar outdoor showers use sunlight to heat water stored in a specially designed bag or tank.
Moreover, you can choose between a lightweight solar shower bag and a more advanced solar-heated outdoor shower, both of which guarantee comfort and convenience without sacrificing sustainability. Sounds intriguing? Stay with us to learn more about solar outdoor shower operation, types, applications, and how to choose the best solar shower for your needs.
How a Solar Shower Works
The system’s idea is rather simple. The shower system typically consists of a water reservoir, which can be a lightweight bag or a rigid tank, depending on the system, and a showerhead itself. The reservoir, usually black or dark-colored, is filled with water and placed in direct sunlight. Over a few hours, solar energy naturally heats the water. Gravity or light pressure then delivers warm water through a hose and showerhead.
This simple process makes a solar-heated shower one of the easiest ways to enjoy hot water off-grid.
Want to get the right solar system for your home? Get a free solar quote today!
Types of Solar Showers
Today, we will consider the most popular types of solar portable showers. These are lightweight solar shower bags and more advanced outdoor solar showers. Besides, we’ll have a quick look at DIY options, what you need to make a solar-heated shower system yourself, and whether it is worth trying.
Portable Solar Shower Bag
A portable shower bag is a common choice for campers; it is lightweight, affordable, and easy to pack, making it ideal for travel. Let’s have a closer look at the construction and available characteristics:
What It Consists of
A typical camping shower bag is made from durable, flexible plastic or PVC designed to withstand heat and outdoor conditions. The material is usually black or dark-colored to maximize heat absorption from sunlight. Inside, the bag holds water and acts as a small solar thermal reservoir.
Source: NY Times
A hose with a showerhead is attached to the bag. Once the valve is opened, the water flows to create a portable shower for its owner. There are also hanging straps or reinforced handles for suspending the bag from a tree branch, a shower tent frame, or a vehicle roof rack. The above is the description of the simplest construction; however, some modern models may include an on/off switch or adjustable nozzle to control water flow.
How Long Does It Take to Heat Water?
No doubt you’ll ask how long it takes a solar camping shower bag to heat water. First of all, the required time depends on the weather, the bag’s location, and how much direct sun it receives. But we can state that under direct sunlight, most bags can warm water in about 2 to 4 hours. On sunny days, water temperatures can reach around 100–110°F (38–43°C), which is more than comfortable for showering.
So, if you are planning a camping adventure or enjoy visiting open-air festivals, a solar-heated shower bag can be one of the best options to make your rest more comfortable.
Capacity Options
Camping shower bags are available in a range of capacities to suit different needs. The most common sizes are between 5 and 10 gallons. A 5-gallon shower bag will be enough for one full shower or two quick rinses. This option is the best portable shower choice for solo campers or backpackers.
For car camping or family trips, when more people will be using the shower, a larger 7–10-gallon bag will serve best.
Outdoor Solar Shower
Compared to a shower bag, an outdoor solar shower is a more rigid construction, better suited for backyards, pools, RV sites, long-term camps, or other sites where a permanent solution is needed.
Source: Xtreme Power USA
What It Consists of
A typical solar-heated outdoor shower includes a vertical or column-style tank made from aluminum, durable plastic, or coated metal. The tank is also dark-colored to absorb sunlight efficiently and heat the water stored inside.
Most models are described as outdoor solar showers with a base; the base holds several gallons of water, which are heated by sunlight during the day. A connected showerhead, faucet, or mixer valve lets you control the water flow. If there is an option to connect an additional water line, some designs offer a simple hot-and-cold mixing feature. Some advanced systems may also include an additional foot-rinse tap closer to the bottom, especially useful for beach camping.
How the Water Heats Up
Similar to shower bags, base systems also rely on passive warming. Sunlight warms the outer shell, which then transfers heat to the water inside the reservoir. The water tank is typically larger and made of thicker materials, so it may take longer to heat up; however, it will also keep the water warm for a longer period. Exposing the shower to the sun during a sunny day ensures perfect heating for evening use.
Capacity Options
There are compact models that range from about 5 to 10 gallons and larger residential-style designs that can hold 10 to 20 gallons or more. For quick rinses after gardening or swimming in the pool, a smaller size would be enough. The larger options are best for sites used by multiple users or for frequent daily use. Homeowners commonly choose it as the best solar-heated shower system for homes, cabins, and long-term outdoor use.
DIY Solar Shower
If you appreciate hands-on projects, need a quick shower setup, or want to save money, a DIY outdoor shower could be an excellent option. You can use materials you may already have in your household, like PVC pipe capped at both ends, or any water container that will serve as a water reservoir to store and heat water.
Source: Instructables
It would be better to use a dark reservoir or paint it black to improve sunlight absorption. Add a hose with a showerhead or sprayer and rely either on gravity or add air pressure for water flow. That’s it; enjoy the warm water on sunny days whenever you need it off-grid. This option might be less portable but cost-effective and can be a beneficial choice for certain occasions, like car camping or off-grid property stays.
Portable Shower Accessories
Pairing your portable shower with the right accessories can greatly improve comfort and convenience.
The first one to mention is a camping shower tent. If you are traveling in a group or staying in a camp, the best camping shower tent provides privacy, blocks wind, and helps retain warmth during cooler evenings.
Also, small accessories like hanging straps and suspension kits let you position a solar shower bag higher to improve gravity-fed water pressure. Instead of moving the bag from one place to another, use hose extensions and adjustable nozzles to make showering inside a tent or enclosed space easier. Some campers also add portable pumps to turn a basic portable shower bag into a stronger-flow outdoor shower.
Best Solar Showers on the U.S. Market
Several options stand out as the most reliable when it comes to purchasing portable showers. Let’s have a quick look at some of the best solar shower models you can find on the U.S. market.
The Advanced Elements Summer Solar Shower is widely considered one of the best camping showers thanks to its durable 4-layer construction, which guarantees fast heating and perfect heat retention.
Coleman offers a simple yet reliable, budget-friendly camp shower bag. Many travelers chose this option due to affordability.
For trips when every extra kg matters, the ultralight Sea to Summit Pocket Shower is a great choice. The name itself reflects its compact design, yet it also boasts great reliability and guarantees a full 8-minute shower.
The Vingly’s 9.3-gallon solar outdoor shower is worth considering if you are looking for a more permanent off-grid summer shower for a pool or garden. A freestanding base with a showerhead and foot shower tap heats up quickly and keeps warm water for a long time, and the modern design can be a wonderful addition to your garden or swimming pool.
Are Solar-Heated Showers Worth It?
If compared to alternative off-grid shower systems, solar outdoor showers offer several advantages. First of all, it’s lightweight, as it requires no electricity or gas; thus, you don’t need to carry any additional devices to set up the system. Also, it’s the most eco-friendly option, as all you need is water and sunlight. And as a bonus, the systems are affordable, and every traveler can select an option from the market to meet their requirements and budget. For DIY enthusiasts, a solar shower can be a fun project.
A solar shower is proof that simple technology can make a big difference. If you enjoy camping, off-grid travel, or need a pool shower, a solar-heated shower can easily cover your needs.
Want to get the right solar system for your home? Get a free solar quote today!
FAQ
What is a solar shower?
A solar shower is a portable shower system that utilizes solar power to heat a water reservoir, thereby providing warm water for outdoor showers.
How long does it take a solar outdoor shower to heat water?
The time depends on the weather and the locations. But on a sunny day, a standard shower bag is heated for 2–4 hours. Rigid shower systems might take a bit longer due to the thicker material.
Do solar-heated showers work on cloudy days?
Yes, but it will take time to be heated, and the water temperature will be lower.
Can I build a DIY solar camping shower?
Sure, you can use a PVC pipe, any available water container, and a hose with a sprayer or showerhead.
