1.
Is there
any maintenance on the solar system?
The collectors are
maintenance free. The controls that regulate the temperature can
be either automatic or manual. On a manual operation, installed
is a 3 way valve that is only necessary to turn off when the
pool temperature reaches a desired temperature. From the end of
October to mid April you will not need to operate this valve
since pool water temperatures will not exceed water temps. that
reach too warm. In May and June, maybe every 2 weeks adjust the
valve (by-pass the solar) when it reaches your comfort level,
however in most cases July-mid Sept. you will leave the 3 way
valve in by-pass mode. It usually requires 4 or 5 times a year
to adjust this valve.
Automatic
operation requires setting a pre-set temperature and feeds a
signal to a motorized valve operated by two sensors (one on the
roof- another reads current pool water temp.) Once you program
your desired temperature, walk away and its maintained.
2.
Can my
homeowners association refuse it?
In short NO,
because Florida Statue 163.04 allows the use of renewable
resources a.k.a. solar applications and overrides deed
restrictions and building codes not exceeding 3 stories in
height.
3.
Will I lose heat at night with solar?
Temperatures
normally remain above 65 degrees at night April-October, a solar
blanket is not necessary under these conditions, and your warm
pool will remain consistent morning and evening, however below
these temperatures November-March a cover is necessary because
convection heat losses will occur. The same applies to a heat
pump or gas, without the cover, you just pay more to make up the
difference.
4.
What is the potential of losing the system in a hurricane?
The solar
system we install has been tested up to 140 mph winds, because
the patented hardware allows them to be anchored to the
truss. As a result no solar systems in the past 3 hurricanes
were lost.
5.
How much longer can I (really) swim in my pool with solar?
This is
going to vary because each individual has their own version of
an ideal temperature.
For
starters, when the solar system is sized properly, your pool
should be above 80 degrees from the end of February until the
end of November (refer to question #3).
If you
choose not to use the cover in winter, you can still
double your swimming season, on a screened enclosed pool or
triple your swim season with the use of the cover.
A typical screened enclosed pool's natural swimming season of 80
degrees and above is from June-September. A typical
unscreened pool's temperature of 80 degrees and above is from
early May through mid October. It might seem too warm,
however its 13 degrees below your body's temperature covering
every pour on your skin. An 85 degree air temperature
feels different because your body's exchange of heat isn't
occurring the exact same way.
Many pools
struggle to reach even 82 degrees in summer, because of the
position of the pool related to shading from trees, house
direction, extra convection losses from being near a pond or
lake or on open field with no wind break.
6.
Will solar heat my pool in December, January or early February?
In
December of 2007 many of our customers experienced 85 degree
Solar heated pool water. That year we had a warmer
December than usual. We call December through February
(bonus months), because there will be periods of time when your
pool will be in the 80s....its just not going to be consistently
in the 80s all the time in those 3 months.
A majority
of people feel a low desire to swim when they have to put on a
light jacket to go outside. For kids who are generally
immune to cold water, the temperature of the pool water is
nearly 12 degrees warmer in winter under a Solar heated pool as
opposed to the natural season. In other words, it could be
most of the year for kids. If you have a gas heater for
the spa or a heat pump all you need is a few more degrees without a costly expenditure.
This can be a comforting thought for that unexpected company
that shows up at that time of year.
7.
Why don't we
see a lot more of it around?
-
Most hot water heaters are
installed by builders who are more concerned with
construction costs than with future utility bills. A
conventional electric water heater costs less to install
than Solar.
-
The general public's lack
of awareness on how it works. Its just human nature to
steer away from things we don't fully understand.
-
Lower electric rates in the
(past) combined with No Rebates or incentives made for
longer payback times.
-
Add the old adage: ("If its
not broke, don't fix it.") and the average conventional
water heater lasts 13 years.
All of this is changing and
rapidly, with much higher electric rates and (limited) time
government Rebates and incentives, (as electric rates continue
to increase, rebates for this type of solar application will not
be as necessary). People through friends and other
connections will find it makes sense.
If you choose to exchange or
trade nearly 30% (*electric hot water heating costs) of your
monthly electric bill costs for a (Solar Hot Water Heating
System) the payback is just a few short years. Then the
system will continue to generate almost a 30% return on your
money every year thereafter....and even the stock market isn't
that consistent. (That's real energy security!) (No more
$$ concerns about long hot showers.)
