Some homeowners and business operators hear the word “solar” and assume it all works the same way. They see solar panels on the roof of a house, and they figure the panels produce electricity for the house and heat for the pool at the same time. In reality, solar pool heating and solar electric panels operate in two very different ways. Here’s an explanation of the difference between photovoltaic panels and solar pool heating panels.
Two Solar Systems, Two Very Different Jobs
Solar electric panels, called photovoltaic or PV panels, convert sunlight into electricity. That electricity powers lights, appliances, electronics, and other parts of the home. Photovoltaic panels can provide the power for your pool pump, and they could run an electric heating system for the pool, but these panels do not directly heat your swimming pool.
Solar pool heaters operate very differently than solar electric panels. They capture the sun’s natural heat by circulating water through solar collectors typically placed on the roof of your home. After it is heated by the sun, the water inside the solar collectors is circulated back into your pool.
This difference matters. A solar electric system focuses on powering your home. A solar pool heating system focuses on extending your swim season and making the pool more comfortable. Both systems significantly lower your utility bill.
It is understandable why some homeowners confuse the systems. Both types of systems sit on top of the roof. Both use sunlight. Both are classified as solar systems. They can even appear similar when viewed from the ground.
Which System for Pool Heating?
As mentioned, PV panels can indirectly heat your pool, but you need to purchase an electric pool heater too. For most pool owners, installing a solar pool heating system will provide a more practical solution when the primary goal is to make their swimming pool more comfortable early and late in the swim season. A solar pool heating system only performs one job, and it does that job well. It collects heat from the sun and transfers that heat into the water in your pool. There isn’t any additional conversion process, so it’s more efficient. It’s a straightforward method to elevate your water temperatures naturally.
Also, a solar pool heating system can act in reverse when pool temperatures are too hot. Turn the system on at night, when the air temperatures are cool, and circulating water gets colder. This can be very handy when summer temperatures have turned your swimming pool into the Aegean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico. Thermostat controls can manage all of this for you. All you need to do is input your preferred temperature.
Solar electric panels still have value, of course. Many property owners choose them for the energy savings. If you have enough roof space, there’s no reason why you can’t choose both. Nevertheless, if your priority is pool comfort, solar pool heating deserves a first look.
Define Your Goal
Choosing the best solar solution begins with identifying the purpose of using solar energy. Before purchasing any solar equipment, it always helps to ask yourself a simple question: What do I want my solar solution to do?
- If you want to spend less money on household energy bills, begin with solar electric panels.
- If you want controlled pool temperatures without exorbitant expense, begin with solar pool heating.
The answer to this one question can direct your planning efforts. If you want a clearer idea of what works best for your pool and property, reach out to Solaron, a trusted solar pool heating installer in Northern California. We provide free solar analysis and are happy to answer any questions that you have. Contact us today to set up an appointment.