Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
About Solar Energy Systems

 I. Solar Pool Heating

Why Should I Install a Solar Heating System for My Pool?

Millions of people worldwide have been enjoying solar heated swimming pools for over two decades. Heating swimming pools is today the largest use of solar energy in the world and there are good reasons for this.

Savings: While the initial costs of a FAFCO Solar System for an in-ground pool may equal or somewhat exceed those of other heaters, they return the cost difference in fuel savings in the second or third year. So you always save money with a solar heated pool.

Reliability and safety: Solar heating systems have no heat exchangers that fail from corrosion, no fan motors or compressors to break down. Your investment in a FAFCO solar heating system is protected by a 12-year warranty. FAFCO systems have been in use for over 30 years. Solar systems have no flames or fans, they just keep heating your pool quietly, safely and reliably, year after year.

Protect the environment: You can enjoy the comfort of your solar heated pool, knowing that you are using an environmentally friendly energy source, while you conserve our natural resources.

Remember: Solar heat is FREE HEAT!

How Does it Work?

A typical FAFCO system consists of solar collectors, easily mounted on your roof, and an optional solar sensor and automatic control unit. You simply set the automatic control unit (see photo at right) for the desired water temperature.

Sensors detect changes in the water temperature and direct the FAFCO automatic control unit to close the control valve so as to route water through the solar heat exchangers. Warm, solar-heated water flows back to the pool, continuously circulating through the collectors until it reaches pre-set temperature levels.

The controller pictured at right is set to approximately 84°. When the sensors detect that the water entering the collectors is already the desired temperature, the control unit causes the valve to open and water then bypasses the solar system and goes directly back into your pool from the filtration system.

How efficiently will solar heat my pool?

If you follow our recommended solar heater sizes and have a proper exposure to the sun, your pool should be ten to fifteen degrees warmer than it was before you heated it, under the same weather conditions. Evaporation of water from the surface of the pool causes most of the cooling of the water. The larger the solar collector area, the more of the sun’s energy it will collect and send to the pool. Therefore, the larger the solar collector area is in relation to the surface area of the pool, the warmer the pool water will be. If in the future you decide you want an even warmer pool or you would like a longer pool season, you can add solar collectors to your Fafco system.



How about maintenance?
No special periodic maintenance is needed. If you close your pool at the end of the season the solar system will automatically drain down if you have followed the installation instructions.

II. Solar Electric / Photovoltaic Energy

Why should I install a PV system for my home?

PG&E's rates are increasing at an average of over 6% per year. Buying a Diablo Solar PV system locks in the rate you pay for electricity for the next 40-50 years.

You can greatly reduce the amount of green house gasses and pollutants released into the atmosphere. An average sized PV system can offset the release of hundreds of tons of harmful toxins into the air.

What are the major benefits of installing solar electric system?

• Save money by reducing or eliminating your electrical bills.
  
  
• Lock in the rate you pay for electricity now before the next PG&E increase.
  
  
• Systems are maintenance free. There are no moving parts and the systems are completely self sufficient.
  
  
• Have PG&E credit you for the excess power you send into the grid.
  
  
• Generate pollutant free power for the next 40-50 years. Save the earth tons of unnecessary gasses and pollutants. Average systems are the equivalent of planting three acres of trees. Do your part to lower green house effects.

How much money will a solar electric system save?

1. Typical systems take an average of 6-12 years to pay for themselves. That leaves over 30 years of "free" electricity.
   
   
2. Many Diablo Solar PV customers will save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of their system.
   
   
3. According to the Appraisal Institute, energy saving improvements will increase your home's value by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual energy usage.
   
   
4. Renewable solar energy system improvements significantly add to the value of your home without any increase in the assessed value in most municipalities.

What type of warranty does Diablo Solar solar electric system have?

1. All Diablo Solar PV systems are warrantied for ten years. The main component in any system is the PV module. All of our modules are covered by an unprecedented 25 year manufacturer warranty.
   
   
2. Diablo Solar Services has fully staffed Service Department to help you with any of your warranty or re-roofing needs.