Solar heating info needed

[CarlD]

I think you need at least 3 20'x4' panels--about 3 times what you propose. Realize that I think standard recommendations are 'way too high, too.

[tphaggerty]

My profile is very similar to mas985. I can get about 4 to 6 degrees a day (my panels - unfortunately - face east/slightly north, so they are not ideally positioned, that is why I added the extra panel set). But, here in the NE, I easily lose 4 a night without the cover and still lose 2 with it on. And I don't run my pump at night so the water doesn't get stirred up.

Last year, we were over 86 almost all season, into the low 90s sometimes (the boys don't like it that warm, the girl wants it as warm as possible). My biggest problem with heat is RAIN. A good day of rain can drive the temp down 10 or so degrees even with the cover on (screws up my pool chemistry too). But, as soon as the rain stops and the sun pops out, the solar kicks back on!

Overall, I love it. My system cost was pretty high because I paid for it in 2 parts, maybe 6 grand total (and I have a 120' run to the roof - thats about 1,000 just in piping!). But, we don't have gas here, propane is way too expensive and a good heat pump around here will go about 3 to 4 grand plus about 500/year operating. Last year we opened in early May, closed in late October, NOBODY else around us did that, so it has been worth it.

[jmcst25]

I have a 20x40 IG - & installed 6 panels (4 x 20) on my roof (south facing) in west PA last year. I can get 8 degrees a day - best case I got 30 degrees in 3 days last year on opening - but easily kept it 86 or higher all year using solar cover at night.

This was well worth the effort - this year I'm selling the heat pump.

If you are interest in solar panel you must read the page tphaggerty recommended - powermat.com. It is the best source to educate yourself on how they work. His recommendation helped me out alot last year.

There was no local installers in my area - I purchased the panels online (not from powermat) and found a local Gen Contractor to attach to the roof.

[Aranon]

How much you want for the heat pump?

[jmcst25]

Aranon - I left you a PM.