Quezi

Photo by titlap - CC-BY

There are several ways in which a swimming pool can be solar powered. Not only can the water be heated by solar power, but you can also use free energy from the sun to light the pool and to operate the pool’s filter pump.

In this Quezi guest post, Rickey Juneau answers some questions about swimming pools and solar energy.

Can I get a tax credit for domestic solar energy?

Yes. The U.S Department of Energy is offering several tax incentives to get consumers to adopt more environmentally friendly energy options. The incentives include a 30% tax credit for consumers who install residential solar energy systems by Dec. 31, 2016. Green energy systems that qualify for the tax credit include solar water heating and solar electric systems, small wind systems and geothermal heat pumps.

Further incentives are available in most US states. These are summarised in a very informative website maintained by NC State University: the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. Despite the website’s title, it also provides information about Federal incentives for renewable energy and for energy efficiency.

How long do solar pool lights last?

Solar lights work by converting sunlight to electricity during the day using photovoltaic cells. The energy is stored in rechargeable batteries, and is then be used to power energy efficient light fixtures at night. Most solar pool lights use LED lamps that are designed to last for 100,000 hours or more. In practice, LED bulbs never need to be changed.

Solar pool lights can stay lit for between 8 and 10 hours after being fully charged. The nickel-metal hydride NiMH batteries that store the electricity typically last for 1000 recharge cycles, which is just under three years of daily use.

How does the performance of a solar pool heater vary according to location?

Since solar heaters work by capturing sunlight and converting it into heat, they perform best in areas where there is abundant sunshine and warmth. In the U.S, solar pool heaters can be used year-around in areas such as Florida and much of the south to raise the temperature of an indoor or outdoor pool by 10 to 20 degrees. But the performance diminishes the further North one goes. In areas such as Seattle, Minnesota, Illinois and the North East, solar heaters can be used for only about three months every year.

What problems are experienced with solar pool heaters?

Like any other item, solar heaters are vulnerable to deterioration and damage. The performance of the solar panels or the solar mats that are used to harness sunlight could get degraded over time by issues such as dirt accumulation, loose support structures and worn out seals. Changes in the immediate surrounding could also affect the solar collector’s ability to take in heat. Other problems include heater leaks, a failure for the heater to turn on or off, erratic heater cycles and an inability to achieve desired temperatures because of a malfunctioning component or combustion chamber.

Why is a swimming pool filter pump an efficient use of solar power?

A backyard pool pump can consume a lot of electricity and put a big load on an electric bill. A solar powered pump runs by tapping sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. Typically, solar powered pumps consume only half the energy that a conventional pump requires and are easier to set up and maintain. They also run at their peak in summer, which is when pools get their maximum use. Some states, such as Arizona for instance, offer a tax credit for installing solar powered filter pumps.

About the Author

Rickey Juneau writes for poolsolarpanels.org, a website about the use of Swimming Pool Solar Heaters to save energy.