When you create a new case or file, SAM populates inputs with default values to help you get started with your analysis. So, if you create a case for a residential solar water heating project, SAM populates the inputs on the Financing and System Costs pages with values that are reasonable for a typical residential solar water heating system in the United States. The default values are just a starting point: As you develop and refine your analysis, you should change the inputs to values that are appropriate for your analysis scenario.

Cassard, H.; Denholm, P.; Ong, S. (2011). Break-Even Cost for Residential Solar Water Heating in the United States: Key Drivers and Sensitivities. 54 pp.; NREL Report No. TP-6A20-48986. (PDF 3.5 MB)