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we are in auckland NZ, north facing LARGE roof and my da has commissioned me to research solar hot water through to the installation for our place. money (relatively) no object.

Anyone with particular preferences, systems, brands or pitfalls to avoid i would love to hear from you!

I have been reading through the different company's sites but would love to hear the owner's/installer's POV as well as to the good the bad and the ugly.

thumbs up for going solar with the water heater can't help except for support as my solar water heater is a couple of black buckets on the roof that we use in the summer winter we use propane. no matter which system you go for, i would get some really good insulation for the holding tank, the best you can afford.

I'd recommend avoiding vendor websites until you know what you want and why.

The Centre for Alternative Technology have some information perfect for your stage in the process...

http://www.cat.org.uk/information/catin ... 0210164613

Their 'Tapping the Sun' booklet is what you need. It explains the difference between flat plates, & tubes, angles, system designs and the benefits/drawbacks of each type. Once you've read it, you'll be in a position to tell a vendor what you want and not get sold some overpriced, overly complicated system.

Hi, I used to sell Solar water systems and can tell you not all are created equal for the best benefits you need to check the following.

1. Location, flatplate collectors bleed heat under cold wind conditions while tubes are more efficient they are fragile and can be broken by hail and cricket balls, although they are not too dear to replace.

2. Location; how far is your collector location from your main water consumption areas thermosyphon (tank on roof) do not need power to work but need to be close to main water use to limit heat loss and do not work with low pressure water supply. Pumped systems require power but are efficient and can heat your existing cylinder, although I would recommend getting new cyclinder, closed loop systems are better use a non-toix food grade glycol/water mix.

3. quality, make sure that flatplate collectors are sealed on the back as high temperatures can cause gas emissions which will corode your collector

4 choose a member of the solar industries association for your protection

the company I used to work for is called Solapac here is there web address
http://www.solapac.co.nz/Index

if you want more info pm or email me and I can send you some data sheets to help

Homegrown