Home & Greenology- Solar water heater

>Trying to be eco-friendly and pinch pennies at the same time.

Doesn't work. Ask the Obama administration about Solyndra and how much money was lost by the taxpayer as they were trying to make solar panels.

Given that photovotaics (Solyndra) and solar thermal heating are two entirely different technologies, I think you can discard the input of huntersburg (as usual). But you alreay knew that.

No personal experience but I know there are companies that will pre finance this for you and you pay back in savings. Not sure if they operate yet in NYC. There is a NY Solar Thermal Consortium you might check with.