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In what direction should I mount my solar panels.
Some might think this is an obvious question, but it's not.
We have four directions to choose from, you be the judge!
Insolation levels reaching the earth...that is heat energy, is most efficient if the roof surface is facing SOUTH. An example, we can state that a SOUTH facing direction would be 100% effective heat collection.
With that in mind, here is what we can assume for the other three directions!
WEST is 75% effective
EAST is 50% effective
NORTH....don't even go there! There may be sunlight there but as a source of heat it is of no value.
What is the correct size of solar heating system for my pool?
This can be answered by our "Rule of Thumb" theory.
Yes our engineering team has devised a simplified approach to sizing your system. There are of course several issues that can impact the amount of panels required such as, shading of the roof, shading of the pool, open pool area impacted by wind (evaporation) and last but not least, the depth of your pool.
The "Rule of Thumb" states that we take the total square footage of the pool surface and divide by 2 and you have the square footage in solar panels required to heat your pool, of course the panels should be installed in a SOUTH facing direction.
If the panels are facing west, add 25% more panel square footage, facing east add 50% more square footage, facing north....DON'T DO IT! You would be wasting your hard earned cash!
Lets make sure we don't have tree shade covering the roof as this of course would impact heat delivery.
What kind of solar panel should I use for my outdoor pool?
Simply stated, an "unglazed" or rubber mat type of solar panel is more than effective price wise and effectiveness in heating your pool.
The most important part of ensuring that your pool will heat to the temperature you want is to correctly size the solar panel size.
Remember the "Rule of Thumb" As a MINIMUM size, 50% the surface area of the pool Length X WIDTH divided by 2.
A 20x40 foot pool requires a MINIMUM 400 square feet of solar panels. If your pool has a deep end, add additional panels to ensure adequate heat.
How quickly does a solar heater heat the water?
Slowly...
You would be surprised to know that each time the water from your pool is sent up to the panels that the returning water will be between 1 and 3 degree's warmer on a HOT day!
The concept in heating the pool water is to ensure that the solar array is large enough to "cycle" the entire volume of water in your pool through the solar panels 4 to 6 times a day during the heating period.
In this way the water is returned to the pool several degree's warmer each cycle.
So, if we have a 3 degree warming of the water each cycle and cycle 5 times in a day, the net gain of the pool temperature will be 15 degree's plus any heat gain the direct sunlight on the pool might add.
Remember, a properly sized solar array is critical in having a solar pool heating system that works.
Will chemicals damage my solar panels?
The simple answer is no.
Chemicals used in pools that are safe for you and I to swim in are not damaging to your solar panels or equipment.
What is a Micro-Climate?
A micro-climate is simply the changes in patterns that effect the delivery of sunlight and heat to the solar panels or pool surface.
- Shade on the roof on the solar panels between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Shade on the pool during the day.
- Open area's around the pool, permitting wind to blow across the water surface thereby increasing the impact of evaporation and cooling.
- Taller structures that cast a shadow over the solar panels or pool during the heating period.
Hint: Before purchasing your solar panels from us, spend some time watching the evidence of Micro-climates during the heating period of 10 a.m. thru to 4 p.m..
Panels should not be installed in areas that will receive significant shadowing. Another solution is to add additional panels in areas that may not be south facing but have better insolation properties.
I want to heat my house water with solar. Is this cost effective?
Good question!
If you are using electricity to heat your water, at 1750 watts per element and two elements per water heater the viability of Solar DHW systems is attractive.
Natural gas a little longer payback, but with fuel prices going up 17% in 2005 alone, that payback period may now be even shorter!
Depending on where you live and rates per Kwhr the payback period can be as short as 5 years to 10 years.
The RETSCREEN program, of which we have a link on our site,or the Solar Estimator link can provide you great modelling to verify the cost savings for you.
If you have teenagers that shower three times a day, it's a no brainer! Check out the links and have fun!
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