View Post

How Long Does a Solar Pool Heating Panel System Last?

In Education, Maintenance, Opinion 6 Comments

With warranties exceeding a decade in most cases, manufacturers are obviously very confident in their solar pool heating panels. Once the warranty enters the discussion, usually that is the end of the conversation. But the question still remains: “How Long Does a Solar Pool Heating Panel System Last?” Solar pool heating systems are generally trouble-free, especially with proper care and …

View Post

Cape Coral, FL Solar Pool Heating Panel Design with Two Panel Sizes

In Solar Design Leave a Comment

Solar Energy System Design by Florida Solar Design Group LOCATION Cape Coral, FL 33993 PRODUCT(S) Solar Pool Heating BRANDS FAFCO Sunsaver™ NOTES This home has a rhombus shaped south roof that lends itself to 12-foot long solar pool heating panels flanked by shorter 8-goot panels for maximum coverage. Because the pool is large, we wanted to maximize the available space …

View Post

Solar Pool Heating System in Cape Coral, FL with 4×8 Panels

In Solar Design Leave a Comment

Solar Energy System Design by Florida Solar Design Group LOCATION Cape Coral, FL 33904 PRODUCT(S) Solar Pool Heating BRANDS FAFCO Sunsaver™ NOTES This home has vent obstructions, requiring shorter 8-foot long panels. With panels on the east and south facing roofs, this system will get excellent morning sun and continue heating through the day. The flat roof will hide the …

View Post

Mobile Solar Generator Trailer For Sale in Fort Myers, FL

In News Leave a Comment

A few years back I built several mobile solar generator trailers through my company AMP Systems. They were sold to people in a variety of industries for a surprisingly broad set of uses. When I took a full-time position with Southwest Florida’s leading solar contractor, my trailer-mounted solar energy business effectively ended. I had a prototype trailer that we ended up …

View Post

Solar Energy Glossary: Distributed Generation (DG)

In Solar Glossary Leave a Comment

Distributed generation refers to the generation of electricity a locations scattered throughout the utility electric grid, often with solar electric (photovoltaic) power. Traditionally, utility companies have produced electricity at central plants throughout large geographical areas. This is centralized generation, the opposite of distributed generation. This centrally produced electricity is delivered over long distances to the point of use in homes …

View Post

Glossary of Solar Energy Acronyms

In Solar Glossary Leave a Comment

I’m working on creating a glossary of acronyms used in the solar energy industry, especially in Florida. It occurred to me that employees and clients alike need a single source to learn what all of the industry lingo means. If you know another acronym that I have not included, please put it in the comments below! A — Amp(s) AC …

View Post

Power Factor Correction to Save Energy

In Education, Opinion Leave a Comment

There have been a variety of products over the years pitched to correct power factor in homes to save energy. The pitch goes something like this: Your homes has all kinds of motors (inductive loads) like pool pumps, air conditioners, refrigerators, washers, dryers, and even vacuum cleaners. Those electricity using appliances all have a power factor that is less than …

View Post

Comprehensive List of Pool Automation With Solar Controller Capability

In Education Leave a Comment

The following pool automation controllers include the ability to control solar pool heating systems, arranged by brand: Pentair Solar Pool Heating Controllers SunTouch SolarTouch EasyTouch IntelliTouch Hayward Solar Pool Heating Controllers GL-235 OnCommand AquaLogic ProLogic E-Command 4 AquaPlus OmniLogic Jandy Solar Pool Heating Controllers Aqualink HelioTrope Solar Pool Heating Controllers HelioMatic If you know about another solar pool heating controller …

View Post

How a Solar Pool Heating Automation System (Controller) Works

In Education 17 Comments

A solar pool heating controller automatically turns a valve using a motorized actuator. It is the best way to maximize solar pool heating performance and provide convenience. Most pool automation systems have solar pool heating control built in, so you don’t have to buy a separate controller. Solar controllers can be simple thermostat-style controllers or can have advanced features to …