Recently, the solar energy world received the news that FAFCO, Inc., a pioneering name in solar pool heating, has closed its doors. For us, this marks the end of an era. FAFCO wasn’t just a competitor; it was a cornerstone of the solar pool heating industry and a company that shaped the trajectory of our own careers.
Fafco Solar, the now renamed longtime local FAFCO brand dealer in Southwest Florida—formally Solar Pool Heaters, Inc. and now Seemore Solar—was one of the first FAFCO dealers in the nation. It’s also where Dominick and I got our start in the solar industry. We worked there for about five years before venturing out on our own to build Florida Solar Design Group. During that time, I served as the General Manager, and Dominick was the Sales Manager.
We owe much of our success to the lessons we learned there, particularly from FAFCO’s once revolutionary approach to solar pool heating. The founders of FAFCO, Inc., and the people who worked at Fafco Solar in Southwest Florida created an environment of professionalism and collaboration. We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities and knowledge gained from those years.
The Legacy of FAFCO, Inc.
FAFCO, Inc. made a product that performed well and was once dominant in the solar pool heating market. Its name became synonymous with solar pool heating—a true Kleenex of the industry. However, market shifts and challenges with product innovation over the years took their toll. The systems required a relatively powerful pump to push enough water through them, which became an Achilles’ heel with the advent of energy-efficient, variable-speed pumps. Still, the full body panel was a solid performer. Whatever the reasons for FAFCO’s closure, we will always respect their contributions to the solar industry and their role in shaping the careers of countless solar professionals, including ourselves.
Continuing the Tradition of Solar Pool Heating in Southwest Florida
While we’ve pivoted toward focusing on solar electricity in recent years, solar pool heating remains a viable option in the right circumstances. The Southwest Florida climate makes it one of the best regions in the country for solar pool heating, and we continue to recommend systems for clients who can benefit from them. After all, enjoying a comfortably warm pool year-round is a luxury that solar energy can deliver efficiently and sustainably.
Our decision to move away from FAFCO-branded systems over a decade ago wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. We chose a competing product that addressed some of the challenges FAFCO systems faced, such as performance with variable-speed pumps and long-term reliability. This new product still aligns with the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency that FAFCO championed.
A Tribute and an Invitation
As we bid farewell to FAFCO, Inc., we’re reminded of the profound impact they’ve had on the solar industry and on us personally. They helped establish a foundation for solar energy in Southwest Florida, and for that, we’ll always be thankful. The legacy of FAFCO will live on in the countless systems installed and in the knowledge passed down to those of us fortunate enough to have worked with their products and people.
For homeowners considering solar pool heating, we’re here to continue the tradition of excellence that FAFCO helped start. We have developed a hybrid approach that is aligned with the economic realities of today, and serves as an alternative to solar pool heating. In cases where traditional solar pool heaters are suitable, we can assist you in getting the best product for your needs. We’re committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions tailored to your goals.
Thank you, FAFCO, for paving the way. And to our community, we look forward to helping you embrace the benefits of solar energy—both in the pool and beyond.
