In Israel, we use something called a Dud Shemesh or Dude Shemesh. It is located on the roof of a building and heats water. It is very efficient, and ubiquitous all over the country. Read more in the obituary of the developer, https://hamodia.com/2015/12/16/dr-zvi-tabor-inventor-of-dood-shemesh-is-niftar/, or search the term.
Not all solar energy is a scam.
I saw those all over Greece. They seem like a great idea. Here in Texas, it would work really well.
Dudshemish will not work so well where the night temp hits 30 Fahrenheit or 0 celcius. But there are ways.
And yes, solar water heating is FAR more cost effective than solar electric. At least 50 bucks a month savings, and dollar heat is more than 5 times more efficient at capturing energy.
Two 150w size panels on my dudshemish gave me scalding hot water every evening. In the morning or winter storm days you flip the switch inside and turn on the electric coils.
Simple and effective.
“In Israel, we use something called a Dud Shemesh or Dude Shemesh. It is located on the roof of a building and heats water. It is very efficient, and ubiquitous all over the country.”
rooftop water heating panels were the original solar energy in the U.S. 30-40 years ago ...