Modern solar water heating technology has been around since the 1970s. Still, solar heating remains a mystery to many people. Here are our answers to some of your most frequently asked questions:
Solar Pool Heating
Q: Will the solar system work with my existing pool equipment?
A: Solar pool heaters work for any size of pool, both in-ground and above, and are designed to work with existing pool systems, including your pool pump. Only in exceptional circumstances will an additional pump be required.Q: How long will the system last and how do I maintain it?
A: Solar heaters are durable and designed to last many years with little maintenance. It's not unusual for units to be in vigorous operation for more than 15 years. The only easy maintenance required is in fall, prior to a risk of freezing weather, when the solar collectors must be completely drained.Q: What will my house look like with solar collectors attached?
A: Solar collectors are streamlined, lightweight panels that lie flat and conform to the slope of the roof of your house. If the roof is not suitable, an angled rack can easily be mounted in the yard. The number of panels you need depends on the size of your pool.Q: What happens on a cloudy day?
A: Even when the sun isn't shining brightly, there is still a lot of energy available for your solar system to collect. Remember, you can still get a sunburn on an overcast day. Over the course of several cool, cloudy days, your pool may slowly lose temperature but will rapidly heat up again with the return of sunny weather. The use of a solar blanket is highly recommended to maximize heat retention.Q: Does it work in B.C.?
A: It's a common perception that British Columbia's climate may not be ideal for solar collector systems. The truth is, there is more than enough sunshine to operate today's cost-appealing, efficient, and environmentally friendly solar pool heating systems. Seizing the power of the sun is the most affordable, practical, and responsible solution to B.C.'s swimming pool heating water requirements.
Q: What results can I expect?
A: A typical solar heater can pay for itself in energy savings in as little as two years. It is an effective, economical alternative to heaters using fossil fuels. With a solar heater, in just one season, you prevent approximately the same amount of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere that is produced by operating a car for one year. The energy captured from the sun costs nothing… it is free, endless, and clean.Q: How important is it that I use a pool cover?
A: We strongly recommend using a pool cover to keep the heat in your pool. For irregular pools, covering some of the pool is better than covering none at all. Heating an uncovered pool is like heating a house without a roof, or boiling a pot of water without a lid - it can be done, but it takes significantly more time and energy. Talk with your pool dealer to find a solution that works for you.Q: Can't I save just as much money by switching to a heat pump?
A: A heat pump is typically less expensive to operate than a gas boiler; however, it still consumes a lot of electricity, which is becoming increasingly expensive. A heat pump also has more complex mechanical equipment than either a gas or solar system, and typically has higher maintenance costs, a shorter warranty, and a shorter operational life. In the long term, you'll save the most with solar.Q: What makes Fafco collectors so good?
A: Fafco manufactures the highest performing solar pool heating collector available in Canada. Based in Chico, California, Fafco is the oldest and largest manufacturer of solar pool heating systems in the U.S. We like their collectors for the following reasons:
- Material: a durable, lightweight polyolefin plastic is blended with proprietary additives to resist ultraviolet degradation.
- Design: a unique subheader makes for a rigid connection between the header and the collector surface - this is where many other brands fail. The thin walled tubes maximize heat transfer to the pool water.
- Quality Control: Every collector is pressure tested and stamped with a serial number indicating the year of manufacture.
- Reliability: Fafco has been designing solar heating systems for over 30 years. We know their products are long lasting.
- Warranty: Fafco collectors come with a full 12-year warranty.
Visit the Florida Solar Energy Centre website to see how Fafco ranks for thermal performance (look under Fafco and SunSaver).
Solar Domestic Hot Water
Q: Why should I go solar?
A: Heating water with the sun offers long-term benefits, such as being cushioned from future fuel shortages and price increases, and reduced emissions to the environment. Off-grid systems provide reliable hot water through power failures. By reducing future energy costs you will increase the value of your home.Q: Do I need batteries and an inverter?
A: No, those are used for solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems for generating and storing electricity. Our systems use the sun's energy to heat water directly. Water has a high heat capacity and so the storage tank acts like a battery, holding onto today's sunshine for use tomorrow.Q: How much of my energy bill goes toward DHW?
A: This varies widely from one household to the next. For a typical Canadian home, water heating is approximately 25% of the total energy bill. By investing in solar water heating and adopting some water conservation practices, you can dramatically reduce your energy costs.Q: Do I have to change my water usage?
A: No, your backup heating system will ensure that there is always hot water available. To get the most from your solar system and to increase your savings, you should try to use hot water when the solar tank is hottest. Depending on the orientation of your collectors this could be late in the morning or early in the afternoon. If you periodically need large volumes of hot water, try to spread out your usage over several days, thus allowing the solar storage tank to recharge and contribute as much as possible to the total load.
