Gas, electric or solar water heater in Morocco: which to choose and what it costs
Photo : Kgbo · BY-SA 4.0
Updated 2026-10-19
If you own or rent out a property in Morocco, sooner or later you will have to replace the water heater (chauffe-eau, often called « chauffo » or شوفو locally). Moroccan homes mainly use three types: the instant gas heater running on a butane bottle, the electric storage tank and the solar water heater, plus the heat-pump (thermodynamic) option. The right choice depends on household size, available space, sunshine and your budget over several years, not just the purchase price. Here is a simple comparison with indicative 2026 prices and the safety rules you should never skip.
The four types at a glance
- Instant gas heater: heats water on demand, no tank. Compact and cheap, but it needs good ventilation, a flue to the outside and regular bottle changes
- Electric storage tank (ballon): 50 to 300 litres kept hot. Easy to install and flame-free, but with the highest yearly electricity bill
- Solar: collectors on the roof or terrace plus a tank, with an electric backup for grey days. Expensive upfront, very cheap to run in a country this sunny
- Heat pump (thermodynamique): an electric tank with a built-in heat pump that uses much less power. Pricier and bulkier
Indicative prices in Morocco (equipment)
These ranges were collected in 2026 by a Moroccan construction pricing portal for common brands. They vary by shop, city and promotions, so always compare several retailers.
- Electric 50 L: about 1,200 to 1,900 MAD
- Electric 100 L: about 1,400 to 2,400 MAD
- Electric 200 L: about 2,400 to 4,500 MAD
- Instant gas 10 L/min: about 1,800 to 3,200 MAD
- Gas 14 to 16 L/min: about 3,200 to 4,500 MAD
- Heat pump 200 L: about 8,500 to 14,000 MAD
- Solar 200 L complete kit: about 9,500 to 14,500 MAD
- Installation by a plumber (plombier): often 350 to 900 MAD for an electric tank or gas heater, more (roughly 1,500 to 3,500 MAD) for a solar kit
What size do you need?
Too small and the last person showers cold; too big and you heat water for nothing. Common benchmarks for electric tanks:
- 1 person: 50 L
- Couple: 80 to 100 L
- Family of 3 to 4: 150 to 200 L
- Family of 5 to 6: 200 to 300 L
- With a bathtub: at least 200 L
- For solar, add about 25 % capacity to cover less sunny days
- For instant gas, think in flow rate: 10 L/min for one shower, 14 to 16 L/min if two taps may run at once
Gas heaters: safety first
Carbon monoxide poisoning from gas water heaters still causes deaths in Morocco every winter, usually because of poor installation or lack of ventilation. The Moroccan Ministry of Health advises never to install a gas water heater in the bathroom. This matters especially in older flats and holiday rentals, where previous owners may have done exactly that.
- Install it on a balcony, in a utility room or a well-ventilated kitchen, never in the bathroom
- Insist on a flue venting outside and never block air vents, even in winter
- Keep the gas bottle at a distance from the heater and replace the regulator and hose by their expiry date
- Do not buy second-hand units, and have the heater serviced regularly
- Headache, dizziness or nausea in the shower: switch it off, open windows, get out and call emergency services
Electric and solar: what to know
An electric tank is the cheapest to buy but the most expensive to run: for a family, it can add up to several thousand dirhams a year. Set the thermostat to around 55 to 60 °C and drain the tank roughly every two years, especially in cities with hard, chalky water.
Solar costs more upfront, but Moroccan sunshine usually makes it pay back within a few years depending on use. You need a well-oriented roof or terrace, a solid frame and a serious installer. Morocco has run solar support schemes in the past (Promasol, then Shemsi): ask the seller what is available at the time of purchase, but do not count on it.
So which one should you choose?
- Small flat, tight budget, ventilated balcony: a properly installed instant gas heater or a small electric tank
- Flat with no ventilated spot for gas: electric, or a heat-pump model
- House or villa with a sunny terrace and a large family: solar with electric backup
- Holiday home used a few weeks a year: electric, switched off while you are away
Get it installed through AloAji
On aloaji.ma, search for a « Plombier » in your city and contact them directly by phone or WhatsApp, free of charge. Send a photo of the planned location and the model to get an installation price. Profiles marked « Non vérifié » are businesses found through their own website and not yet checked by AloAji: compare and ask for a clear price.
FAQ
Which water heater is cheapest in Morocco?
To buy, a small electric tank or an instant gas heater. Over several years, solar is usually the cheapest thanks to the sunshine, provided you have a suitable roof or terrace.
Can a gas water heater go in the bathroom?
No. The Ministry of Health strongly advises against it because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It needs a ventilated place such as a balcony or utility room, with a flue venting outside.
What tank size for a family of four?
For electric, around 150 to 200 litres, and at least 200 litres with a bathtub. For solar, add about a quarter more.
How much does installation cost?
For an electric tank or gas heater, labour is often 350 to 900 MAD excluding equipment. A solar kit takes more work, often 1,500 to 3,500 MAD. Prices vary by city and access.
Why does my electric tank wear out so fast?
Limescale is the most common cause. Draining every two years and replacing the anode when it is worn significantly extend its life.