From the back cover: Presenting the first homeowner's guide to solar water heating that is intended for both the do-it-yourselfer and the person who is going to use a solar installer. It is literally filled with the latest state-of-the-art information that gives you all you need to know to: optimize the efficiency of your present hot water system; survey all the options and select the system that's right for your climate, your house, your hot water needs and your budget; calculate in advance, the amount and value of your solar energy savings; build a high-quality solar collector; plan and execute a professional-quality installation that will heat your domestic water or your swimming pool, hot tub, or spa; use other alternatives to the common water heater, such as efficient heat pump water heaters and systems that heat water with a wood or coal stove; work with a solar installer; and locate important sources of supply for special solar components and hardware.