In a 2008 study commissioned by NYSERDA, researchers from Bright Power led by Andrew McNamara and Jeffrey Perlman analyzed the modeled performance of 28 solar water-heating systems at locations around New York State.

Manufacturers and installers were asked to specify cost-effective systems - including solar collectors, tanks, a backup heating source, piping and pumps - sized for the average family of four. Three solar collector types were analyzed: flat-plate, evacuated-tube and building-integrated. Different tank configurations were also analyzed. Since manufacturers were asked to specify their most cost-effective recommended systems, not all tank types were analyzed for every collector.

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Read about this report in Solar Today Magazine, "Solar Water Heating: A Good Investment for Homes in Cold Climates?"  (June 2009)

http://www.solartoday-digital.org/solartoday/200906/