Solar Panels. Which one????

[sundad]

Tx for the feeback but Does anyone had any experience with Heliocol. They are offering a 12 year warranty Parts AND LABOR.

Heliocol is one of the least efficient collectors on the market. Their big claim is that they do not cause roof rot - which is a lot of rubbish. None of the solar collectors out there (that have been around for more than 10 years) damage roofs unless they leak - then you have a problem...

For a comparison of collector efficiencies, check out the ratings at the Florida Solar Energy Center's web-site. Bear in mind that the tests results posted are the best the products can do. The tests are conducted at next to zero wind speed. THe greater the wind speed the less heat a solar collector will deliver. Collectors with exposed tubes (especially Heliocol) cool off much faster than those with no exposed tubes (like Techno-Solis).
If you're looking for a solar system for an above-ground pool, then go with the cheaper 4' x 20' design - they only last 5 years at best. If you have an inground pool -go for a better quality product..

[salinda]

Heliocol is one of the least efficient collectors on the market...... For a comparison of collector efficiencies, check out the ratings at the Florida Solar Energy Center's web-site. Bear in mind that the tests results posted are the best the products can do. The tests are conducted at next to zero wind speed. THe greater the wind speed the less heat a solar collector will deliver. Collectors with exposed tubes (especially Heliocol) cool off much faster than those with no exposed tubes (like Techno-Solis).

This is sooo confusing. When I looked at the FSEC website, I found that the Heliocol is rated at 1000 btu/sq ft and the Techno-Solis is rated lower at 958/btu/sq ft. Here is the link to the site:

http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/solar/testce...tr/tprpool.htm

Am I missing something?

[Aranon]

Looked like the helico were 956 and the Tech were 958. Looks like the same efficiency to me. Difference of 2 really not that much.

[MaxxFusion]

I have a 24' AG with a 4x20 and my pool is 85 degrees after 2 days. I am in shock. I run my pump from noon until 5pm each day with direct sunlight.

[CallMeIshmael]

I have a 24' AG with a 4x20 and my pool is 85 degrees after 2 days. I am in shock. I run my pump from noon until 5pm each day with direct sunlight.

Hey, that's Great news!! Is that with just one 4x20 kit?
What was the general temp before solar?
Congrats on the install!

[ellenicol]

Maxfusion,
Looking into the same panels you are talking about. Just wondered how bendy they are?? Are yours on your roof or the ground? We want to hook these up but aren't sure the best way. Was thinking of possible leaning them against the pool at an angle but wasn't sure if they would bend around some or stay straight. Also was wondering if they were hard to install? Thanks.

[MaxxFusion]

Maxfusion,
Looking into the same panels you are talking about. Just wondered how bendy they are?? Are yours on your roof or the ground? We want to hook these up but aren't sure the best way. Was thinking of possible leaning them against the pool at an angle but wasn't sure if they would bend around some or stay straight. Also was wondering if they were hard to install? Thanks.

They seem pretty flexible even after installed.

I have them laying on the ground right now next to my pool. I am debating wether to build a rack out of treated lumber or go with a PVC rack and mount it on my privacy fence posts up off the ground. I am leaning towards the RVC rack and mounting it. I would love to put them on the roof but I dont have a first floor to mount them on.

You wont be able to lean them on the pool. I have 2 2x20 panels that sit side by side. Most of the kits come this way. I beleive there is one company out there that has one 4x20 but not sure who. I just wanted to get them installed to benefit from the heat. Its been high of 80s for a while here and water temps needed a boost. Its was really easy to install. My kit came with the diverter valve so thats in there too. I can see having to turn off the panels once it gets really warm. I dont want to be swimming in 90 degree water.

I just went to the LPS and got a bunch of their bulk hose for .75/foot. I will hard pipe it in once I move it later.

[MaxxFusion]

Hey, that's Great news!! Is that with just one 4x20 kit?
What was the general temp before solar?
Congrats on the install!

Yes just one 4x20 kit.

The temp of the pool was 80 degrees before the solar panels.