The invention provides a solar water heater. The solar water heater comprises a water tank, a transparent glass plate, a thermal insulating layer, a heat-absorbing film and a heat collector; the heat collector comprises a collector pipe that comprises a heat-absorbing end and a heat-release end; the heat-release end is arranged in the water tank; the heat-absorbing film is arranged on one surface, facing the sun, of the heat-absorbing end of the collector pipe; the transparent glass plate covers an upper portion of the heat-absorbing end of the collector pipe; and the thermal insulating layer is arranged between the heat-absorbing end and the transparent glass plate. The solar water heater is provided with such components as the transparent glass plate, the thermal insulating layer, the heat-absorbing film and a baseplate, and therefore, the solar energy utilization efficiency of the water heater is improved and energy sources are saved.