Abstract: A solar water heater and method of constructing same, the heater being of the type in which the sun penetrates one or more panes of light-transmitting material and impinges on a blackened layer of soft-tempered conductive foil on which are disposed condudtive water-conveying tubes. Loosely packed glass wool between the pane and the foil inhibits convection currents and resilient, dense glass wool on the lower side of the foil, backed by a rigid panel, supports the foil. Conventional fasteners such as U-brads are used at spaced intervals on the tubing to fasten the tubing to the panel drawing the tubing against the foil and creating an elongated depression or trough in the foil beneath the tubing. Conductive cement or paint is applied in the trough prior to or after the fasteners are secured to maximize heat transfer from the foil to the tubing.