Solar Panels. Which one????

[Dannyo]

Tx for the feeback but Does anyone had any experience with Heliocol. They are offering a 12 year warranty Parts AND LABOR.

[GTakacs]

I think Heliocol is a really nice system (they used it on the 1996 Atlanta Games' pool roof to heat the Olympic pool) the only drawback is that they don't sell systems for owner builder, they only sell fully installed systems and their price is pretty steep. I'm kind of a handy guy so I'd rather isntall one myself, but if I were to pay someone I'd look at the Heliocol for sure.

[sundad]

Tx for the feeback but Does anyone had any experience with Heliocol. They are offering a 12 year warranty Parts AND LABOR.

Heliocol is one of the least efficient collectors on the market. Their big claim is that they do not cause roof rot - which is a lot of rubbish. None of the solar collectors out there (that have been around for more than 10 years) damage roofs unless they leak - then you have a problem...

For a comparison of collector efficiencies, check out the ratings at the Florida Solar Energy Center's web-site. Bear in mind that the tests results posted are the best the products can do. The tests are conducted at next to zero wind speed. THe greater the wind speed the less heat a solar collector will deliver. Collectors with exposed tubes (especially Heliocol) cool off much faster than those with no exposed tubes (like Techno-Solis).
If you're looking for a solar system for an above-ground pool, then go with the cheaper 4' x 20' design - they only last 5 years at best. If you have an inground pool -go for a better quality product..

[salinda]

Heliocol is one of the least efficient collectors on the market...... For a comparison of collector efficiencies, check out the ratings at the Florida Solar Energy Center's web-site. Bear in mind that the tests results posted are the best the products can do. The tests are conducted at next to zero wind speed. THe greater the wind speed the less heat a solar collector will deliver. Collectors with exposed tubes (especially Heliocol) cool off much faster than those with no exposed tubes (like Techno-Solis).

This is sooo confusing. When I looked at the FSEC website, I found that the Heliocol is rated at 1000 btu/sq ft and the Techno-Solis is rated lower at 958/btu/sq ft. Here is the link to the site:

http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/solar/testce...tr/tprpool.htm

Am I missing something?

[Aranon]

Looked like the helico were 956 and the Tech were 958. Looks like the same efficiency to me. Difference of 2 really not that much.

[MaxxFusion]

I have a 24' AG with a 4x20 and my pool is 85 degrees after 2 days. I am in shock. I run my pump from noon until 5pm each day with direct sunlight.

[CallMeIshmael]

I have a 24' AG with a 4x20 and my pool is 85 degrees after 2 days. I am in shock. I run my pump from noon until 5pm each day with direct sunlight.

Hey, that's Great news!! Is that with just one 4x20 kit?
What was the general temp before solar?
Congrats on the install!

[ellenicol]

Maxfusion,
Looking into the same panels you are talking about. Just wondered how bendy they are?? Are yours on your roof or the ground? We want to hook these up but aren't sure the best way. Was thinking of possible leaning them against the pool at an angle but wasn't sure if they would bend around some or stay straight. Also was wondering if they were hard to install? Thanks.

[MaxxFusion]

Hey, that's Great news!! Is that with just one 4x20 kit?
What was the general temp before solar?
Congrats on the install!

Yes just one 4x20 kit.

The temp of the pool was 80 degrees before the solar panels.