An effective solar pool heating system can be installed for almost any pool. Your FAFCO dealer is the best resource to determine the ideal installation for your individual home and pool configuration.
In addition to where you live, there are a number of factors that are considered when optimizing a solar pool heating system.
| Go? | Orientation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
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South | The ideal orientation for your solar panels is a south-facing pitched roof, near the pool, with enough space for mounting the required number of panels. |
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West | An installation on a west-facing roof works well for summer heating, in some installations the panel area may need to be increased. |
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East | Eastern exposures tend to be less effective and, therefore, less economical. Increasing the panel area is the recommended approach for an eastern orientation. |
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North | Northern exposures are not usually recommended, except in certain areas of the country. |
Fortunately, the modular nature of the solar panel makes it easy to tailor the system to a specific site. Be certain that the orientation you select is not shaded by trees or other structures. Remember, the effectiveness of a solar system is directly dependent on the amount of direct sunlight that the panels receive.
Your FAFCO dealer can work with you to identify the ideal orientation and location for your solar pool heating system.
| Season | Inclination |
|---|---|
| Year-Round | Equal to the latitude of installation. For example, the panels for an installation in Tampa, Florida would be at 27 degrees of an angle since Tampa is located at 27 degrees latitude. |
| Summer | Equal to the latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. |
| Winter | Equal to the latitude plus 10 to 15 degrees. |
The inclination of the solar panels is less important than their orientation. However, the inclination should always exceed 10 degrees to ensure proper drainage.
| The "rule of thumb" for sizing a swimming pool solar heating system 50% to 100% of the pool's surface area in solar panels. For example, a 480 square foot pool (32 feet by 15 feet) needs 240 to 480 square feet of solar panel area. |
