Solar Panels. Which one????

[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]

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.

[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.

[ellenicol]

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.

Thanks for the advice. Do you think you could find a link to the ones you purchased on ebay. The one's I found don't say anything about a diverter kit coming with them. We might be able to put ours on the roof but my husband is worried that they will be an eyesore on the ground and will be in the way. I don't really care I want a warm pool.

[MaxxFusion]

4x20' Swimming Pool Solar Heater Panel w/ Diverter Kit


If you are able to put them on the roof do it. I lucklily have mine between the pool and my privacy fence. Its pretty much unuseable space anyway. If I could pick I would put them on the roof.

[ellenicol]

4x20' Swimming Pool Solar Heater Panel w/ Diverter Kit


If you are able to put them on the roof do it. I lucklily have mine between the pool and my privacy fence. Its pretty much unuseable space anyway. If I could pick I would put them on the roof.

Thank you so much. Your help is greatly appreciated!!! One more question though... what kind of piping do I use to get the water to the roof and is there a way to fasten the panels to the roof w/out buying a roof kit too. Sorry that was 2 questions. Hope I'm not being a bother and if you aren't sure could you direct me where I can find out. I'm really new at this and just want to make sure I do it right with as little money spent as possible

[CallMeIshmael]

Thank you so much. Your help is greatly appreciated!!! One more question though... what kind of piping do I use to get the water to the roof and is there a way to fasten the panels to the roof w/out buying a roof kit too. Sorry that was 2 questions. Hope I'm not being a bother and if you aren't sure could you direct me where I can find out. I'm really new at this and just want to make sure I do it right with as little money spent as possible

I'm shopping too & it does get to be a lot of info.
This page of Powermat.com is probably the best in making sense of the plumbing, at least that I've come across. It should help put those pieces together, as I had all the same questions just this week . While your there, check out other pages on roof & other installations. He covers them excellently. I think everyone would agree that roof kits are not a place to cut corners. The panels could become large kites that fly off the roof, or at least pull off your roofing tiles if the panels aren't strapped down. Here's a great current thread with photos of a complete solar install.