Solar panels for pools

[samhass]

I know some of you added solar panels to heat your pool water. How is that working out?
We heat our pool with natural gas but we're thinking about adding solar also.

[Sidney Lanier]

We don't have a pool, but we have a bank of solar panels on our roof and the system in the basement here in the Mid-Hudson Valley for our domestic hot water. It's been functioning for well over 20 years and has paid for itself time and time again! Minimal maintenance over the years. Couldn't be more pleased with it and could never understand why more people didn't take advantage of this form of alternative energy before all credits and grants for it were cut completely in the mid '80s; we put ours in just before that. I think part of the price we're paying today with the cost of gasoline stemmed from the elimination of any focus on alternative energy going back to those days. Yes, it's well worth doing, and it would be even more effective in Florida, IMHO!

[samhass]

Good for you, Sidney. Why isn't the government offering big tax incentives for being green?
Maybe they are and I'm not aware of it. Oooooo I'll be googlin away now!

[samhass]

I did a search on solar panels on this site and found a great post by V Kahuna. I took his advise and had Jack's Solar install ten 10.5' solar panels on our roof. I found Jack to be very professional. Thanks Village Kahuna, for the recommendation. I told Jack he should be advertising on this site. He said he would definitely check it out.

[ijusluvit]

Let me add my hooray for Jack's Solar!! I had him install solar panels for my pool in Quail Ridge. He talked me into covering a larger surface area than was calculated to be necessary, with the comment that I would realize even greater fuel savings than with a "right sized" system. He was correct. My gas bills plummeted and I will end up paying for the whole system in a matter of months. The installation was very professional, neat and nearly invisible.
Jack is one of the nicest, most accessible and responsive contractors I've ever met. Recently I needed minor maintenance. I asked if there would be a service charge. "Nope, you've got a 12 year warranty on everything," he replied, "and we will have it done today." (Wouldn't this be a great country if there were more 12 year warranties and same day service!!!). Jack will answer the phone at 352-267-4903.

Peter Allen

[samhass]

You can't possibly pay for the whole system in months. I leave my gas heater on year round and keep the pool around 90 degrees. The worst bill I ever had was the first month. That was around 500.00. Other winter months of very cold weather run around 300. per month. If I took my entire gas bill for the year and attributed it to the pool, it still wouldn't pay for itself in a year. It will take me a minimum of three years for the payback and I'll be happy with a 3 year payback and knowing that I'm being greener. My pool is an odd shape and holds around 8400 gallons of water. Take into account that I will still have to augment the solar with gas in the colder months of Dec-Mar.

[pili]

More or less what do solar panels cost? We'll have a pool in our new house in Hemingway. It will be heated by gas (propane) and I certainly don't want $200/month. We are newbies with a pool. Thank you.

Pili

[ijusluvit]

I'm the guy who praised Jack's Solar. I had $600 per month gas bills in mid-Dec/mid March. Since solar installation the average is less than $150. This is why I said I felt I could pay for the system in "months". Yes, the elapsed time will be 3-5 years, but I consider that rather short term. I heat my relatively small pool to 86 and warm the 6-8 person spa to 102 once or twice a day.

[samhass]

That's more like it. I just didn't want anyone to think they'd be ahead of the game this year yet! ;) I agree with you that this is a wonderful addition to our home. I'm pleased on many levels. Jack is fun to talk to, also!
So, did you have to have two different controllers to do the spa also? I just did the pool. The spa would be great to heat as well. Did he just add extra pipes? I would think you needed a separate temp controller for the spa so it will be hotter. Tell, tell, please.

[ijusluvit]

My pool and spa work with a single controller. Jack put a special valve in his system so that if the pool is circulating, the heated water goes there. When I select the spa mode, the solar system immediately sends it there. Because the spa is small that high temp water makes a big difference. I still need a gas assist in the winter, but only to a small degree. By the way, my pool/spa was built by Randy Martin of Florida Pool & Spa. It is a fabulous design by Vera Martin and we love it. They did a great job for a very good price and as contractors they are in the top class with Jack

[samhass]

Are the pool and spa attached? Randy also did ours but they are separate.

[ijusluvit]

Attached meaning the separate spa wall blends into the pool. There is a water "spillover" which distributes water one way or the other depending on which unit is selected.

[travelstiles]

Does anyone have experience with solar panels for homes that have no pool - hot water heating, etc.? We're planning to take a day trip to the Florida Solar Energy Center to learn more: http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/index.htm
The website also indicates that there are rebates for solar panels, but the backlog of applications for this fiscal year is tremendous!
I would stronly suggest that we write to our legislators and request an increase in this budget as well as the amount of the credits. This would do a lot more to encourage energy efficiency than the current credits to fossil fuel companies.

8)

[samhass]

Travel, I heard it's $100 but you have to jump thru hoops and ultimately you may pay more back than the rebate in related costs. Not sure, but I'm not going to apply for a rebate. I'm happy just having them.

[travelstiles]

Sam ~
That's right - the rebate is only $100, and as I mentioned the backlog is huge according to the website!
What a shame that the government is quick to move when it comes to corporate credits and drilling off the Florida coast, yet we are in one of the best locations for solar energy!
I would encourage everyone to write/email the Governor, State Senators, etc., about increasing these credits and staffing up to deal with the problem of backlogs.
Travel