One of the most common dilemma’s people face when they decide to “go solar” is how to use their roof space in a way that allows solar pool heating and still take advantage of the benefits of PV Solar panels. Cool PV is the “energy perfected” solution. What does this mean? Solar pool heating is becoming more popular, with different options to accomplish your goal. CoolPV is the one solar panel that works as a water heater like a thermal solar system but doubles as a traditional PV panel allowing homeowners to warm their pool water and create their own energy.
Solar Pool Heating: What Is The Big Deal?
Although the installation process of a CoolPV panel is slightly different than that of a standard PV panel, the intricacies are invisible to the customer experience. However, the outcome of the panel install is exciting.
How Does It Work?
CoolPV, or hybrid thermal-PV panels are aspects of an enhanced solar electric system that generates electricity and heats waters using the same panel on the same roof space. The front of the panel collects sun and converts it into energy, just as a traditional panel would. However, there is also a thermal collector on the back of the panel. When the panel heats up, the water in the thermal collector heats up – creating warm water to be distributed into a pool, and cooling the panels, to increase their solar energy production.
In fact, because the solar electric panel is cooled with the water pushing through it, it generates more power than a stand-alone solar electric panel. FAFCO reports that CoolPV can generate up to 4X the energy of a standalone energy system while providing warmed water for a home or business owner’s pool.
Why Doesn’t Everyone Have It?
There are three simple reasons why everyone who has a need for both PV solar and Themal Solar have not taken advantage of Cool PV.
- There is a lack of knowledge.
- Cost can be prohibitive in some cases. CoolPV panels do cost more than a standalone solar thermal panel or a standalone PV panel. This is because a CoolPV panel is doing the work of both!
- CoolPV can only be installed by an authorized dealer. As most other manufacturers of PV and thermal panels market their panels through many distribution path, CoolPV is only found at limited, authorized distributors and installers.
Is There Really A Benefit?
There is a definite benefit to CoolPV for many homes and business. Outside of the peace of mind a company with nearly 50 years of solar innovation provides, CoolPV panels can generate excess energy, reduce utility bills, and they take up less space on your roof. CoolPV panels are tested, certified, class A fire-rated and locally code compliant. Additionally, solar power produced by CoolPV panels produced no harmful emissions into the environment. Finally, the panels are a proven, durable technology that are nearly maintenance free. The list of benefits is extensive and exciting.
Where Do I Get It?
Del Sol Energy is a proud and dealer installer of FAFCO’s CoolPV technology. To learn if CoolPV technology is the right fit for your home or business, reach out to our team of Energy Advisers for an individual’s energy assessment and to discuss CoolPV options.
About Fafco
CoolPV panels are manufactured by FAFCO, a company based in Chico, California. The technology was developed over a 10-year period with the U.S. Navy and the National Renewable Energy Lab. The hybrid technology is truly state of the art. FAFCO is a company that has been around since 1969 focused on solar water heating systems and eventually became the largest purveyor of solar pool hearing systems in the U.S.
In 1998, the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory approached FAFCO with a challenge to develop a dual solar panel that provided thermal and PV solar energy production. FAFCO took the challenge head on and in 2007 introduced a solar hot water system capable of reducing water heating bills up to 50%. In 2015 they introduced CoolPV which is slowly on the path to revolutionizing aspects of the solar industry.
CEO, Josh Aldrich has worked in the solar industry for over a decade. His experience spans from launching and managing solar integration businesses that have successfully served residential and commercial clients.
CEO, Josh Aldrich has worked in the solar industry for over a decade. His experience spans from launching and managing solar integration businesses that have successfully served residential and commercial clients.Leave a Question or Comment below or feel free to contact us for any solar questions or needs.
Is there a solar glass panels that will work to heat swimming pool and home ?