Solar Technology

Seal of Approval

Look for collectors certified by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation, which rates solar collectors individually and as a system. This non-profit group rates collectors for their durability, energy output and other factors.

Its rating system, however, is a benchmark -- like the government's mile-per-gallon car ratings. Performance also depends on the quality of installation, cost, availability of parts and service and life expectancy. For more information visit solar-rating.org and click on Ratings.