The initial capital outlay for an electric heat pump is generally double the cost of a solar heating system. Over and above that, it requires electricity to operate. The unit also needs to be serviced on a regular basis which could be quite costly.

A typical solar heating system costs from $3,000 to $5,000 installed. Compared with average fossil fuel heating, a solar pool heater offers a most favorable payback of 1.5 to 7 years. Please note that the actual cost of solar pool heating systems depends upon many factors — ease of installation, type of financing, location of pool in north or south, length of pool season desired and building code requirements.

Many households in the Western Cape enjoy solar heated swimming pools. Solar pool heating is the largest use of solar energy in the world today, for many good reasons. The initial capital outlay of a solar pool heating system saves you 50% of a conventional heating system ie. Heat pumps, not to mention running costs. A solar heated swimming pool is extremely reliable, safe and durable year after year. These systems are not subject to the common downfall of conventional systems for example;

Apart from being cheaper to run than any other form of heating, Heat Pumps offer many more benefits than any other heating systems. Heat Pumps do not burn oxygen or create stuffiness like open fires. They are designed for year round comfort not just the 4 months of winter. Heat Pumps produce low density heat which is safe for children and the elderly, unlike fires or electric heaters. They are unmatched for convenience for ease of use (Remote Controlled).

Using the pump that circulates pool water through the filter, the water is diverted so that it flows though the many small passages of the solar collector, it's warmed by the sun. This warm water then flows directly back into the pool. When the pool is has reached your desirable comfort level, the water then by-passes the solar collector and returns directly to the pool.

When you follow our recommended solar heater sizes and the panels have proper exposure to the sun, your pool should be conservatively 6 to 12 degrees warmer than it was before you heated it, under the same weather conditions. Evaporation of water from the surface of the pool causes most of the cooling of the water. The larger the solar collector area, the more of the sun's energy it will collect and send to the pool.

A swimming pool heat pump removes "FREE HEAT" from the air and transfers it to the refrigerant via an evaporator. The heated refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger where the heat is transferred to the pool water. The main reason heat pumps are becoming so popular is that they are efficient and effective, offering very significant operating cost savings compared to fossil fuel heaters.

Solar has been used for pumps by several groups. Farmers who need electrical power in regions far from the power grid have found PV pumps convenient for many years. There are also small decorative water pumps available for urban gardens.

With over 30 years of heat pump pool heater design experience, Rome Heat Pumps are built to outperform the competition. Advanced micro-computer technology and exclusive design features result in 25% more heating performance than other leading heat pumps. Unlike most other heat pump pool heaters, which use off-the-shelf components, Rome Industries uses components specifically designed for optimum performance. This means higher efficiency and lower operating costs than competitive heat pumps.

FSEC publishes a directory of solar contractors, which may be obtained from the Public Information Office, or simply click here.

A heat pump allows you to heat your pool or spa economically. Depending on energy costs, an AquaCal heat pump can save you up to 80% over propane gas, 50% to 70% over natural gas, and over 600% against electrical resistance heaters found on most spas. This is the reason why thousands of customers choose a heat pump to heat their pool, rather than alternative types of heaters.

The short answer is yes. However, since PV systems produce electricity (which can in turn be used to heat water), we recommend that you look into a solar hot water system if heating water is your main concern. Using electricity to heat water is inefficient, particularly since the payback on a solar hot water system is typically less than half that of a PV system.

If you live in a region that has long cloudy spells, a backup heater will be needed. The system could still be economically practical if it is reasonable in price. A quality solar heating system will pay for itself many times in energy savings and tax credits may apply. A solar system must not detract from the architecture of the building or it will lower real estate value. Click here for more information.

middot; It has been engineered as a completely integrated system to exacting specifications and quality control to provide you with extended trouble-free performance. middot; The Solar Industries solar pool heating system has been tested and its performance certified by accredited independent laboratories and approval agencies.

That's easy! Click on www.thesolarenergycompany.com and fill out the "Contact Us" Form and email it to us today for more information. Are you thinking about generating your own electricity? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that can help you decide if investing in a solar electric system is right for you.

A pool cover prevents evaporation loss, particularly at night. The cover traps the solar heat that has been added during the day. This is very complementary to the solar system. The solar system can be viewed as actively adding heat. The cover retains that heat passively. [Top]

Of course! Depending on your weather and climatic conditions, you can expect your FAFCO solar pool heater to: raise your pool temperature 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit each time the water passes through the system, and raise your pool's temperature 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of several days of good weather. A solar blanket will help hold in this heat at night or when it's windy, and can help the system be even more effective. [Top]

All units transfer solar energy from the ground into a building, where a compressor converts that energy into warm air or warm water. Options on various models include two-speed compressors, demand water heaters, quad functions and electronic diagnostics, among others. Units should be certified to ISO performance levels (formerly CSA or ARI rating), to make the COP the key variable among different manufacturers.

Although heat pumps normally cost more to install over conventional systems, the increased comfort, lower energy and maintenance costs result in customer satisfaction.