How do I buy an Enersol System?
1. How big is the Pool?
Multiply the pool length by the width to get the surface area of the pool.
Divide that number in half. This is your solar requirement number. This is the minimum amount of square feet of solar required to heat your pool, 50% of the area of the pool. If you are heating an indoor pool, you will need to have 100% coverage.
2. How big is your roof?
The panels come in standard 10’ or 8’ lengths. They should be installed vertically.
It is advisable to leave 6” around the perimeter of the panels. (For example: if your roof measurement from eave to peak is 9’, you can fit 8’ panels on your roof.) Measure the length to determine how many boxes will fit on the roof. The width of the panels is 51” ( total header length.) and 48” ( width of panels.) We recommend that the panels face south, southwest, or west.
3. How many boxes do you need?
Divide your solar requirement number by: 40 for 10’ panels or 32 for 8’ panels. This number will be the number of boxes of panels you require. (For example: if you require 400 sq ft of solar and you are using 10 foot panels, you will need 10 boxes of 10’ panels) *If your roof faces east, more panels will be required.*
We do not recommend installing only one panel, as pressure problems can occur.
If your roof will not accommodate our standard sizes, ENERSOL can provide custom panels. Measure your roof, from eave to peak, and the width of your roof. Subtract 6” in both directions. (This is to leave room for expansion and plumbing.) Panels are ordered by sections with the specific length required. (For example: if your roof is 21’ across and 7' from eave to peak, you will require 20 6’ sections.)
6. Installation requirements:
Along with the panels, you will need a System Kit, which is sold separately. This kit includes: an installation manual and DVD, installation tool, extra 0-rings, 0-ring lubricant, roof sealant, 2 end caps, 2 header end connectors, 2 clips, and warranty card. You will also need a valve to divert the water to the panels, either a 3 port manual valve, or an auto controller.
7. Pump size:
A well running ¾ or 1 horsepower pump can reliable pump water 100 feet run and a 2 storey rise. Above ground pool pumps are less efficient, can get air locks, and can only pump 50 feet. In ground pool pumps are generally much more efficient and can pump longer distances.
8. Special roof types:
Installation on a metal roof: attach 1X6 lumber, with lag bolts (not included) to the roof and then attach the headers
(top and bottom) to the lumber with straps and supplied lag bolts.
Installation on a tile roof: Attach 1X6 lumber with liquid nails (not included) to the roof and then attach the headers (top and bottom) to the lumber with straps and supplied lag bolts. Or, lift the appropriate tiles and secure the straps to the wood below.
Installation on a cement tile roof: Drill a hole bigger than the lag bolt to go down through the cement into the wood below. The supplied lag bolts may not be long enough as they must go down through the cement to pick up the wood below. The provided roof cement will not attach to your cement, but to the wood. Be sure to seal the penetrations in your roof with the roof sealant in the system kit.
** If you are unsure about your type of roof, please contact your roofer for suggestions on installing the system**
9. Other Installations :
If your roof is not large enough, or in the correct exposure, you may want to consider an
alternate method of mounting the panels. Panels may be set on the ground with proper insulation (see installation guide), or on a rack built to support the panels at an angle of 45% or less, facing south, south-west or west.
Plumbing: ENERSOL suggests the use of 1 ½” PVC piping to complete your project, available at plumbing or hardware stores. ABS pipe does not have UV inhibitors, and will break down when exposed to the sun. When glue is required, a heavy-bodied PVC solvent-cement is recommended.
Tools: Variable speed dril, 3/8" socket driver, chalk line, lever, tape measure, hacksaw, utility knife, ladder, safety equipment.
11. Installing your system:
Instructions, including a DVD, are included in your system kit. Installation tips are available at our website: www.enersol.com
Go to FAQ for more tips, resources, DIY guide for the installation booklet