At its most simple configuration, a solar water heater can be described as a garden hose allowed to lie in the Florida sun for a couple of hours.  The residual water left in the hose is heated to a level that equals the temperature of water coming out of the faucet in the kitchen sink.

From the most primitive to the most sophisticated systems, it’s a tribute to the ingenuity, creativity, and inventiveness of man to view the array of designs available today.

For example, a Chinese farmer in Shaanxi  Province mounted  66 interconnected beer bottles on a board placed on the roof.  The system provides enough hot water for the three members of the family to shower every day.  Cost-negligible, and the collection of the bottles probably highly enjoyable.  Climb the ladder to a highly sophisticated design, and the system will provide all the hot water you require but at a substantial cost.  A solar water heater that incorporates solar panels with all the ancillary equipment can cost 4000 to 7500 dollars.  Typical annual savings can be 200 to 300 dollars.