FAQ
SOLCO Solar Pool Heating FAQ:
Solco’s design is very simplistic. There are no moving parts and no maintenance is required. The panels are “hollow” on the inside. Water is pumped via the pool pump through the “channels” in the panels. The panels absorb heat from the sun and transfer the heat into water as it flows through the panels.
A Solco Fully wetted pool heating panel is a fresh new look at heating swimming pools, yet our CoruSol© design is proven over decades to deliver astonishing results.
Solco’s Fully Wetted panels have no gaps between water channels. The water channels are inside the panels.
Each panel works like a giant heat producing assembly line. As water flows through each panel, heat captured from the sun, is transferred from one channel to the next in a smooth motion, giving you heated water so comfortable, your pool will be begging you to swim.
Depending on the difficulty – Ie: Trenches, paving, roof height an average installation can vary anywhere from 3-7 hours. Normally an installation is done in one day.
Depending on the weather the average pool with a SOLCO SOLAR pool heating system takes between 3-5 days to reach optimum comfort levels.
REMEMBER, Solco Solar uses “FULLY WETTED” Solar panels – so the ratio is apporximately 1 panel for evey 10,000 to 12,000 liters of water.
The following table should help you to gauge approximately how many SOLID FULLY WETTED PANELS are required to get the pool comfortable. (we do recommend calling us for a free consultation)
| Pool Size | Volume | Panels |
|---|---|---|
| 3 x 5 | 22,500 | 2 |
| 4 x 6 | 36,000 | 3 |
| 4 x 8 | 48,000 | 4 |
| 5 x 8 | 60,000 | 5 |
| 5 x 9 | 67,000 | 6 |
| 5 x 10 | 75,000 | 7 |
Yes, we supply you with the following when you purchase a DIY pool heating system
- Solco Superheat Panels
- The system pack (clamps, connectors, glue, PVC fittings, roof strapping, valves….etc)
- Piping, if required
The majority of pumps are strong enough to cope with the extra pressure of a solar pool heating system. There may be cases when Solco will recommend an upgrade of the current pump. This can be established by one of our consultants.
Solco’s solar pool heating panels are made from Polyproylene, SOLCO can fit panels on THATCH, CONCRETE, METAL, TILE, SLATE, SHINGLES and just about most other surfaces.
Because Solco has been installing pool heating systems for over 25 years, we are able to base our water heating solutions on experience as well as technical know-how. A SOLCO pool heating system has no moving parts and is designed to do only one thing – HEAT WATER. If, however you wish to increase the temperature of the water, there a two ways of achieving this:
- Simply adding more panels to the existing system – it is best to consult with one of our representatives when you decide to increase the water temperature.
- Installing a pool blanket – generally this is the route to go if there is no roof space of it the thermal loss during the evening is greater than 5 degrees Celsius.
Solco’s panels are designed to work without any external aid to compensate for inefficiency, but there may be cases where this is necessary. A pool cover does however, save on the use of chemicals as well as aid in the retention of heat during the evening.
SOLCO Solar installation FAQ:
Most solar installations will require little maintenance during the life of the system, and some proactive care may help you maximize the value of your investment. For example, if you live in a dusty environment, periodic washing of the panels may help increase electricity production, and inverters may need replacing, which normally occurs after the 10+ year warranty term.
The lifespan of a solar installation depends on the local environment and the durability of the system you purchase.
The products we use carry 25 year guarantees.
Solar systems produce less electricity on cloudy days. The great majority of homes with solar still connect to the electric grid, drawing power from the grid when needed.
The best solar roofs have large areas with North exposure, little shade, and a roof in good condition.
Typically you'll have the option to transfer a financed system to the new homeowner (with their consent), or buy out the rest of the contract and leave the system with the new homeowner or even bring it with you for installation in your next home. If you purchase the solar system, it's yours to handle how you would like.
Roof orientation matters. In South Africa, north-facing roof faces get more sun than south-facing roofs. Shading also plays a big role, whether from trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings.
The panels we use are rated as the best in the world.
Tier 1 panels are produced by the top 2% manufacturers in the world and are vertically integrated - meaning every aspect of the manufacturing process is handled in-house. And also make use advanced robotics, eliminating human error.
Our suppliers have more than 5 years market experience and are leaders in research and development into solar technologies.
Our suppliers have their own engineering teams that do assessments through the use of data loggers and site assessments!
Nothing is done if it is not done accurately, the clients needs are paramount to our services and to the success of this journey we undertake with you!
The goal is to save you time, effort and money!
Our suppliers accurately assess how the panels are to be installed, drilling is a rare occurrence and almost never gets used as an option
If you can stand on the roof, the panels can be installed, distributed weight as opposed to point weight varies greatly, the panels and their frames are as lightweight as possible, and are properly secured to ensure they do not move or get blown off by excessive wind!.
Solar requires UV, thus they will work during cloudy or rainy conditions but obviously their efficiency will be reduced, night time the panels do not obtain UV and thus do not generate energy but this can be mitigated with backup battery storage systems.
Our suppliers are Tier 1 only.
It also costs you nothing for us to generate proposals for you and there is a one year maintenance plan included during which time we educate you on self maintenance!.
We are also not a manufacturer and therefore do not have our own production facility, we are a brokerage!.
Initially savings will be small but this increases over time, the question we have for you is... do you want to save or just keep shelling out money you could have saved?
There are no catches, and if you wish to move the installation there are moving costs involved, much the same as relocating when buying a new house, you can also have the contract bought out by the new occupant should you vacate your premises!.
Last but not the least, it is possible for you to go off grid and induce better brand awareness to your company by stating that you use greener and cleaner energy.
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