How do solar heating systems compare to solar electric (part 2)?

Last week I wrote about the difference in cost between the two styles of systems and a reader challenged me to do better with my comparison so here it goes. As discussed last week a solar electric system costs between $7 - $10/ watt installed. Using the numbers from last week a solar energy heating system is typically installed for $1.20 - $2.20 /watt installed. When you look at the system having an expected life of 25 years that means you are selling clean renewable solar energy for $0.06 - $0.10 /kwh. Not a bad deal. And you get to own your power generation rather than leasing it from the power company.