Selecting The Right Solar Panels
There are several types of swimming pool solar panels available. Different types of panels are made to suit different installation applications. The panels come much more versatile these days and can be used in a broad range of scenarios. Some panels work better on the roof than on the ground and the solar manufacturers have gotten really innovative with the latest panels. Some are made of flexible rubber tubing so that they can flex to follow any grade. Others are made from a more stiff plastic tubing which makes them lighter and carry less wind load. These are the main two types of panels available. There are many manufacturers and even more variations on these two types of panels but for the most part they are all very similar.
The Soft Rubber panels come in mats. Each mat is about 6 inches thick and has 10 inner tubes for carrying the water. The mats attach to headers, which come in varying lengths to accommodate any number of mats. This makes up one solar panel. These panels are a little on the heavy side and since the mats themselves are solid they do carry a wind load. Their flexibility makes it possible to install them in places that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It is important though that great care be taken in securing these panels, especially if using them on a roof. One nice thing about these also, is that you can glue the panels right to your roof with construction adhesive, in addition to using the standard strap or bolt securing method. While I have seen these systems set up on the ground or in a rack, I would mainly recoomend them for a rooftop setting where you really need the flexible panels. These panels are highly durable and easy to winterize.
The other option Is the panels made from the stiff plastic tubing. These panels are much lighter and don’t carry any windload. They are a breeze to install and work great on the ground or a rack. When flexibility is not an issue, these panels can be used on the roof as well. They are clamped to the roof and sometimes strapped as well. Gluing is not an option, but once again since they don’t catch any wind, this shouldnt be an issue. I love the way these panels go together and while they require a little more care when winterizing they are still very simple to assemble and maintain.
Whichever panel you choose, you are sure to be happy. The heat output is pretty well even between the two types of solar panels. They both perform wonderfully, so it is really more a matter of choosing the one that is most feasible to your situation. After you have your mind made up, its time to choose a solar controller. Once again, we have you covered, read on for more information.