Split by moderator from HERE as it was not really on topic. jblizzle
For less than one panel, you could build your own. I have 5 100' 1/2" black poly water pipe coils connected to two 1&1/2" headers and this was around $200 for the materials. My raised platform is within a few feet of the pool so I did not need to spend much on PVC pipe. I held my hand near the return yesterday afternoon and there was a considerable difference between the pool water temp and the return water temp!!! I know that is not scientific, but it sure felt good to know it was working well. I should mention that part of the cost of materials was some "clear" plastic that I used to cover the whole solar array so that I could pick up some extra heat from a solar oven effect. It gets to around 150 degrees inside!!! I put an oven thermometer in it and it actually starts reading at 150, but I can tell from the needle position that I am at or near 150 because the needle drops well below the point. Next will be to automate it!!!
For less than one panel, you could build your own. I have 5 100' 1/2" black poly water pipe coils connected to two 1&1/2" headers and this was around $200 for the materials. My raised platform is within a few feet of the pool so I did not need to spend much on PVC pipe. I held my hand near the return yesterday afternoon and there was a considerable difference between the pool water temp and the return water temp!!! I know that is not scientific, but it sure felt good to know it was working well. I should mention that part of the cost of materials was some "clear" plastic that I used to cover the whole solar array so that I could pick up some extra heat from a solar oven effect. It gets to around 150 degrees inside!!! I put an oven thermometer in it and it actually starts reading at 150, but I can tell from the needle position that I am at or near 150 because the needle drops well below the point. Next will be to automate it!!!