> I think the real reason nobody does solar thermal is because it's just so much less practical to deal with pipes and pumps and heat reservoirs than wires and

> I think the real reason nobody does solar thermal is because it's just so much less practical to deal with pipes and pumps and heat reservoirs than wires and batteries. Also it is useless in the summer when you don't need heating. I am not sure this is true for all use cases and locations. In Spain it is mandatory since 2006 to install solar thermal panels in new buildings [1], it simply preheats water, in this case this seems way simpler than any electrical installation and you already have an energy gain. Hot water is used all year round and Spain has a good amount of sunny days. [1] https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15698812 https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15698812