Help on types of Solar.

I have decided to put a solar hot water system on our house, but now I have to decide what type of solar system to use to generate the hot water. From my understanding there are two types of systems that are normally used; flat panel collectors and evacuated tube collectors.

I have done some research into both but still can not figure out which is best for the PEI climate.

Here is what I know so far:
Flat panel systems – are less expensive, and work well when in sunny conditions and when it is not too cold.
Evacuated tube systems – more expensive, but work even when it is cloudy. Can produce very high temperatures.

So it looks like price is the big thing that stops people from using the evacuated tubes (I think) so here is some of the pricing I have gotten so far (I will update this as I get more pricing) these prices don’t include installation because I am planning on installing it myself.

Flat panel system (manufactured in NS) ~ $5000

• (2) 4’x8’ panels
• (1) photo electric panel to run pump
• (1) storage tank (just a hot water heater)
• (1) heat exchanger/pump/control unit that run on 12vDC from photo electric panel.

Evacuated Tube system (sold by company in NS) ~$4500

• (1) 14 tube collector (exact area is not clear but I think it is around 1.4 sq m)
• (1) storage tank (not clear on the size) super insulated tank. (contains the heat exchanger inside it)
• (1) pump/control unit that runs on 120vAC

The 2nd system is cheaper but it is not clear if everything is included in this price.

Does anyone have any further info about these systems?