Why does it cost more per pound to fill smaller tanks?
Twelve hundred gallons for $30 sounds pretty good, but also using propane for heat and the stove would make a difference--probably more the heat than the stove.
This guy compared a solar water heater and using solar electricity to heat water:
He said that straight solar worked better, but took up more space.
It was easier to set up, though.
He also said the solar heater panels cost 80% more: