System works very well
Ive had a DX-R-10 Savn Sun DX Drainback-Retrofit Kit 10 Gallon Tank for nearly a year. I have it installed with a 10x4 rooftop collector, a 50-gallon storage tank and a 50-gallon electric water heater.
The solar system heats only the storage tank, which then feeds the electric tank. That way it acts as a preheater for the electric tank, or the electric tank acts as a back-up for the solar, however you want to think about it.
Either way, if there is enough solar heat collected the electric will rarely come on. Generally my wife and I use about 50 gallons of hot water a day between two showers and incidental use, so on a good sunny day I get all of that hot water for free.
As configured the system does not have enough capacity (mostly because of tree screening) to handle our normal daily usage plus a couple of loads of laundry, so I am considering adding another 3x7 collector.
That said, the system works great. It really is an install and forget system. Once it is up and working you always have hot water whether there is sun or not, just like you normally would, but the system get as much heat as it can from the sun, only making up the difference with electric.
I found the quality of the drainback tank, pumps and fittings to be excellent, and the installation was simple if you are relatively skilled with plumbing.
The only issue I have had is that the differential controller failed after about 6 months. It was under warranty and the manufacturer replaced it immediately and assures me it wont happen again. ;-)
All in all I am quite happy with the system and the service I got from AltE. I can unequivocally recommend this system.
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