I've been looking at going solar for my hot water but it ain't easy.
All the flat panel systems (Solarheart etc) are expensive and I believe the resellers just add the rebates onto their list prices. Why not? But there are vacuum tube systems such as this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/30-Tube-Sola...Appliances&hash=item3ca53df63d#ht_1883wt_1012
that are far cheaper and would remain so after rebates are taken into account.
If I go that way and forget rebates, is there a simple way to use a solar panel to boost my existing electric system either to heat the water in the jacket or by preheating the water being used?
Anyone with good/bad experiences?
All the flat panel systems (Solarheart etc) are expensive and I believe the resellers just add the rebates onto their list prices. Why not? But there are vacuum tube systems such as this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/30-Tube-Sola...Appliances&hash=item3ca53df63d#ht_1883wt_1012
that are far cheaper and would remain so after rebates are taken into account.
If I go that way and forget rebates, is there a simple way to use a solar panel to boost my existing electric system either to heat the water in the jacket or by preheating the water being used?
Anyone with good/bad experiences?