PV Gap

Beth Said:

water doesn't go to my solar panels for my pool?

We Answered:

If you have just had this system installed, you might check to see that the pump is capable of pumping water up to your roof (head). Many solar pool heaters are designed to have the panels installed on or near the ground.

If this system worked in the past in it's current layout, your pump is likely worn out.

Good Luck!

Danielle Said:

Can you submerge solar panels in water?

We Answered:

Yep,

I recommend a thin coat of clear coat epoxy:
http://www.shopmaninc.com/kk121.html

I have used it for some of my own fish tank electronic ambitions :)

Good luck!

Cecil Said:

Why do solar hot water panels have a shiny silver inner surface?

We Answered:

The pipes are black to absorb the heat.
The inner surface is reflective to focus the suns rays that miss the black pipes on the way in back on to the pipe.
A similar but opposite arrangement is seen on sunbeds where the light from the tube is reflected outwards onto the body of the person on the sunbed

Wendy Said:

Is white stains from water going to prevent my solar panels to work properly?

We Answered:

I think the white will reflect the sunlight causing them to under perform, re site the panels or sprinklers

Morris Said:

Are solar panels a quick way to have hot water and are worth the expense?

We Answered:

You are probably right for your location. They give hot water, but of course that is only when the sun is shining on them and you can put them in a location that "see's" the sun (no trees or tall buildings) and mount them at the right angle (not ugly looking).
In cooler climates, the box needs to be double glazed and insulated on the sides and back.
In cold climates, you have to either drain the units to prevent freezing or use a heat exchanger and antifreeze in the coils. Which adds complications.
Solar water heating in many locations is best used as a booster to preheat the cold water to reduce energy usage, with the pump both bringing in the hot water and draining in cold weather.
The best places for solar water heating are where there is a lot of sun and a lot of water is used (the fire stations in Dallas are ideal) or where there are a lot of cool nights and warm days and the water can be heated during the day, stored and circulated at hinight (which can be an addon where passive solar using large wwindows and massive stone can not.)