Solar Hot Water Split V Tank V Brand

Hi
I am in the stages of looking at solar hot water and looking for some input. There is nothing wrong with the existing tank, its only 4 years old, but with the cost of electricity going up and up and me and the last teenager in the house liking long showers :) this is more of a cost saving and a green exercise

I live in a semi tropical frost free area on the mid north coast, have a true north facing back yard and back of house.

There are so many brands out there from Solarhart, Edwards, Rheem, Conergy etc etc etc and standard panels to Black Chrome panels etc and the brands are confusing me a tad as to which is the best. (Evacuated Tube are not in the equation for where I live)

I am leaning a tad towards a split system mainly because "she who must be obeyed" has reservations about 600++KGS of tank panels and water on the roof and what can or could happen etc.

What are if any the benefits of a split system, yes there are a few more moving parts in the fact they need a pump and they do use a bit of electricity as well and a couple extra things to break as in the pump etc.

1) How much electricity do the split systems use is what I am having trouble working out from the usual spin from the salesmen
2) What brand or system would the members recommend here and why
3) Normal panels V Black Chrome is there really that much difference?
4) Split system V Normal tank on roof system opinions please on this and why you think one is better than the other or what you would go for.


Thanks in advance

Chris :U


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