Just put up a 4x20 fafco panel for my 2000 gallon ABP in California. I have the panel mounted on a rack with the inlet at 9 feet high. The pump/filter is the Intex 1/2 HP 1600 GPH.
I was worried the pump would not support the panel especially 9 feet high. All seems to be working great. I know there is at a minimum 700 GPH flow as the SWCG will not support less.
As this is my first experience with a solar panel I was curious if it was operating at peak efficiency. According to what I have heard each panel needs needs 4 to 8 gallons per minute or a maximum of 480 GPH flow. I estimated my flow around 1000 GPH.
I understand the concept that a cool panel equates to peak efficieny. yesterday my panel was not completely cool anthough the pool water flowing through the panel was 92 and ambient air was 98 with the panel in full sun.
I was just curious how cool the panel should feel in the heat of the summer. With the water off you could cook an egg on the panel. Also is it possible to have to much flow. I have the "flex flow" bipass valve. If the solar is wide open will it compensate for too much flow?
I was worried the pump would not support the panel especially 9 feet high. All seems to be working great. I know there is at a minimum 700 GPH flow as the SWCG will not support less.
As this is my first experience with a solar panel I was curious if it was operating at peak efficiency. According to what I have heard each panel needs needs 4 to 8 gallons per minute or a maximum of 480 GPH flow. I estimated my flow around 1000 GPH.
I understand the concept that a cool panel equates to peak efficieny. yesterday my panel was not completely cool anthough the pool water flowing through the panel was 92 and ambient air was 98 with the panel in full sun.
I was just curious how cool the panel should feel in the heat of the summer. With the water off you could cook an egg on the panel. Also is it possible to have to much flow. I have the "flex flow" bipass valve. If the solar is wide open will it compensate for too much flow?