That's the thing - I think the economics have changed.

When it was first a thing - solar hot water was expensive and pv was very expensive.

Then I over time the prices dropped. Sites like https:://sunelec.com made me think... I could afford a pallet of panels... or a container!

Also, pv water heating wouldn't strictly require an inverter.

As to the maintenance, I recall the carter vs reagan white house situation.