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Although much of the industry debate has centered around efficiency, as it is the obvious selling point, we have tended to focus more on the long-term performance of collectors than on the short term. The system you install today should be designed to last at least 40 years. There is no substitute for quality. The collectors on Bob’s home were installed in the early 1980s and are still in great condition.

An easy indicator of the quality of the collector is the warranty. Most come with a 10-year warranty, although some have stretched this to 15 years. You might also want to check into the manufacturer. How long has the company been in business? A few companies have been making collectors since the ’70s and ’80s and have continued to put out long-lasting products. You may also want to find out where the manufacturer is from. We have several companies here in the Midwest that we like to deal with because they are local. This not only cuts down on shipping and transportation costs; it also allows us some flexibility if we need something in a hurry.

Figure 3.10: Collector efficiency ratings over all conditions