Situation is new home about to be constructed and looking to see if any soloar considerations are worth it. I twill be in in central VA with mild weather but some freezing temps. I will have 1" conduits laid from mechnical room to roof and outside wall for future whatever needs. Not a DYI person due to physical constraints. So for just hot water (3 people) is it worth it to spend for flat plate or tube collectors now or see what there will be in 5 years. Also I am interested in being able to tie into my electric meter to save on electricity. Can someone get me smart on this. Do I have to have banks of batterieis or can it be simplier. Physical constraints concern me to check on this things. I could put on the ground. My roof is a 12:12 pitch so I assume I would have to be able to have the panels move to follow the sun. Just not sure if I have enough sun to make a difference. I am planning to go with gas for water heater right now. I just see everything going up year after year and want to save where I can.
Lisa

Since you yourself say you need help, start by reading up on the subject. You have planned ahead already and that is good. I would wait to educate yourself first and also to see how much electricity your new house uses. After a years worth of bills then you can start thinking about Solar panels.

No, you don't need batteries. Goggle "Grid-tie solar power"

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