Solar hot water systems

[watervole]

Does anyone have personal experience of how effective solar hot water systems are, especially on an east or west facing roof?

Cost versus number of days they supply sufficient hot water in winter (I know they're going to be fine in summer).

Comments

[melodyclark.livejournal.com]

I do, but it wouldn't be a lot of help, living where I do in the southern California high desert.

Found a UK-specific pdf on it, though:
http://www.savenergy.org/pdf/EST_RE_Factsheets_05/Solar_Thermal.pdf

[yalovetz]

My parents have a solar hot water system, which I think is on a south-east facing roof. They live in Manchester and find it highly effective. It supplies their entire hot water requirements for most of the summer, and well into spring and autumn too. It was heating enough water for four people to shower plus some washing up this September and I've stayed with them around March and October when it's been able to do the same, though not quite as consistently as it does in the summer.

I could put you in touch with them if you like and they could give you more details?

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I'd certainly be interested to know how much they think it's saved on their water heating bill. Having checked with the guy over the road who has an east-west roof, it won't be cost effective for my son's house. However, our own house has a south roof, so your parent's experience is relevant here.