Performance Building Consulting / Byrd Energy

In typical residential settings, solar pool heating is generally considered the most cost effective application of solar energy. Solar pool heaters are large black plastic mats installed on the roof and connected into the plumbing of your pool pump.

As a rule of thumb, the area of collectors installed on the roof should equal 50 to 75% of the surface area of the pool. Most solar pool heating systems have an automated controller installed on the main pool actuator valve and controlled by temperature sensors on the roof and water line near the pump.

Solar pool heating systems typically run between $6,000 and $7,000 and with the Louisiana tax credit can have payback periods of less than two years, depending on usage.