Care to share your first hand experiences (good or not) regarding household solar hot water?

Question

If you would say how big your house it, and how many people are using the system and what for, that would be helpful.

Also, what sort of costs are associated with installation and are there are cost savings which don't mean downgrading quality?

Any practical input would be very welcome!

Thanks :-)

Answer 1

I had one in my house when I bought it it has just given up the ghost and have had it replaced it cost me close to $5000 and I claimed $1500 rebate.

My father is an old plumber and he would only ever have solar harts even before the energy crisis so that's good enough for me.

The new one is great and the service to install it impeccable.

it services 4 people and its not very often we use the booster.

Answer 2

Our solar hot water collection panel lasted as long as a normal system - about 13 years. Whereas the cost of the normal system is about $500, to replace a solar system it was about $3000. So our solar was left on electric boost

Answer 3

I used to assemble them at factory.  The installs have to be engineered, sited, sized, installed and maintained properly to be practical. Great strides have been made since the early days, now they are no different from any other plumbing and heating systems; if it is done wrong it won't work. Do some homework and go with a reputable installer.  

Here's a couple resources to get started.  The tutorials on homepower.com are instructive.  Renewable Energy World is a clearinghouse for all sorts of info.

http://www.homepower.com/home/

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/...

Answer 4

http://www.freewebs.com/thinkgreen-saveo...