Going Solar need your help

[towney]

I would ditch the north facing panels. According to everything I've read, panels that are much north of direct east/west are a waste of money. Maybe it is different in FL, though.

Seems to me that the if you really are getting 300 sq/ft of panels on a 430 sq/ft pool, you should easily get your pool up into the high 80s for most of the year in FL. (I can't figure out how you are winding up with 300 sq ft based on 4 4x10 panels, maybe I am incorrectly reading what you wrote). I think the year round part is what drives solar installers in FL to add more panels than we would here in NY. That would give you close to 70% coverage, which is generally considered more than adequate.

A good heat pump is certainly an alternative. Generally, it is a bit more expensive to install (if you get a really good one) and it costs more to run, but it may be your best option. There are solar panels that are built directly into the pool deck, one of the forum members has them, perhaps that would work as well.

Forgot to put in that there are (3) 4X9 1/2 panels also going on the West side.

So putting the extra panels on the north side would be a waste? They will do this for me for an extra 200 bucks. Would having this extra panels give me any extra benefit in heating. They are telling me I should expect a 10-12 temp increase.

[tphaggerty]

From what I've read, no, the north facing panels really won't contribute to the heat generation. I tend to be an advocate of "get more early" for solar panels. Mainly because I've learned the hard way. I am in the process of adding a 2nd bank, not so much for absolute temp increase, but for quicker heat recovery after bad weather. But, north is just not good with solar panels, the sun is not on them long enough.

However, the angle of the roof definitely makes a difference. If you have a flatter roof, maybe it will work. I don't think it will hurt. Push come to shove, I think I would do it for 200 bucks.

One thing you might consider is going to powermat.com and looking at their powerstrip line. These can be custom cut and constructed so they can often provide more coverage (they be setup to follow roof angles, etc.). You might be able to use more of your roof with these.