3 replies to this topic

[stangage70]

I am currently planning to have solar heating installed for my current in-ground pool.
Last year, the pool was too cool (about 78-80F) most of the summer, which I attribute to being well shaded.

I probably should have pursued this last month, as these solar companies seem quite busy now.

So far I have gotten two quotes...

Suntrek - cheaper. I like the horizontal approach, which will reduce the number of collectors. However I am not as fond of the screws attaching to roof tiles at the panel junctions or hose-clamped junctions... Their rated efficiency is quite high, warranty on panels is 15 years (non-prorated), and pressure drop seems reasonable for my application.

Aztek - I like their o-ring couplers and the roof attachment mechanism seems superior not drilling holes, but they want 50% more for less surface area. I suspect they are somewhat more expensive than the others to support their marketing. Also I felt the estimator didn't have as much understanding of my intent to have automation with the rest of the pool equipment.

I contacted a few others, but so far have been to have return calls...

Any opinions? Anyone using Suntrek panels?

[MikeinFolsom]

You want your feeder pipes running vertical to your roof. Anything running parallel with the roof peak is just begging for high pressures and popped o-rings. Try Sierra Solar......they are quite decent.

[stangage70]

You want your feeder pipes running vertical to your roof. Anything running parallel with the roof peak is just begging for high pressures and popped o-rings. Try Sierra Solar......they are quite decent.

Thank you for your reply...

Feeder pipes do run vertical (base to peak) in both cases. Perhaps I misunderstand?
Most have manifolds running horizontally. Suntrek also goes vertical.
I don't expect to have high pressures at the roof - that would not be a well designed system in my mind.

Looked at the sierra solar site - they seem to be interested in things other than pools.
http://www.sierrasolar.com/
I will contact none-the-less...

[Devdave]

I used Sierra Pacific Solar out of Rancho Cordova for our install - they did a great job and I haven't had any issues in the last three years with my Solar.

It was installed when we were building the pool.

SIERRA PACIFIC SOLAR
2550 MERCANTILE DRIVE
SUITE D
RANCHO CORDOVA
95742
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tel: 916-638-0543
Fax: 916-635-9568

I am currently planning to have solar heating installed for my current in-ground pool.
Last year, the pool was too cool (about 78-80F) most of the summer, which I attribute to being well shaded.

I probably should have pursued this last month, as these solar companies seem quite busy now.

So far I have gotten two quotes...

Suntrek - cheaper. I like the horizontal approach, which will reduce the number of collectors. However I am not as fond of the screws attaching to roof tiles at the panel junctions or hose-clamped junctions... Their rated efficiency is quite high, warranty on panels is 15 years (non-prorated), and pressure drop seems reasonable for my application.

Aztek - I like their o-ring couplers and the roof attachment mechanism seems superior not drilling holes, but they want 50% more for less surface area. I suspect they are somewhat more expensive than the others to support their marketing. Also I felt the estimator didn't have as much understanding of my intent to have automation with the rest of the pool equipment.

I contacted a few others, but so far have been to have return calls...

Any opinions? Anyone using Suntrek panels?