I’m looking into a hybrid panel rooftop system, such as “CoolPV” (http://coolpvsolar.com/09629cpvbenefits/), and would appreciate feedback from anyone that has this type of system. There doesn’t seem to be much info or ratings on the web from end users. I’m curious to find out how well these panels perform, for both pool heating and solar electric power generation. Thanks!
Hybrid solar panel systems?
- Thread starter Hilly
- Start date
I am a huge supporter of solar heating. I know that PV solar systems are very expensive, I would question this ones availabilty to match a true PV system.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,681
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Well, that's an interesting concept. These would be my questions:
What is the warranty? PV and solar heaters offer 20-25 year warranties.
What is the warranty on the inverter? A sometimes hidden future replacement cost.
How is the system sized without wasted cost? Both PV and solar heaters need to be sized for a specific use, resulting in an optimized cost/benefit ratio. It might be that you get too much or too little of one or the other system, which would be money out of your pocket, one way or another. Have this system estimates for you use, and have several other "traditional" systems estimated, too (separate PV and solar heater). See how they compare, in both output and cost.
They claim the PV is enhanced because of the water cooling. OK. What is the PV doing to the heat output? First of all, in your area you'll only be running water through it 5 or maybe 6 months out of the year. What happens to PV production the other half of the year? And this is what I would need to research: both PV and heat production are based on square footage of the system, as in: how much sun energy is striking the panel. Can one "combo" panel compete in energy production (electricity and heat) with two equal-sized separate panels? There is only so much sun energy to go around. Can a combo panel "divide" that energy into two separate systems without compromising both? I suppose that's possible, but it'd be a red flag for me.
How many of these are installed? What are the results of their use?
Are there any statistics about needed repairs? As with all combo systems, when one of the components goes down, you stand to lose all of them. How does that work with this product? If the PV panel stops working, do you have to replace the solar component too? Maybe this is a non-issue under warranty, but it's something to be clear on before purchasing.
So sorry, I don't have any direct experience with these panels, just a lot of questions. Do you have limited roof space? So are in need of this type of solution? Otherwise, I'd want to make sure of this technology before I became a test subject for it. PV and solar heaters are well developed, and have track records. I'd be nervous to spend the kind of money this system will cost unless I had a lot of proof of concept...
Keep us posted on what you find out, and what you do.
What is the warranty? PV and solar heaters offer 20-25 year warranties.
What is the warranty on the inverter? A sometimes hidden future replacement cost.
How is the system sized without wasted cost? Both PV and solar heaters need to be sized for a specific use, resulting in an optimized cost/benefit ratio. It might be that you get too much or too little of one or the other system, which would be money out of your pocket, one way or another. Have this system estimates for you use, and have several other "traditional" systems estimated, too (separate PV and solar heater). See how they compare, in both output and cost.
They claim the PV is enhanced because of the water cooling. OK. What is the PV doing to the heat output? First of all, in your area you'll only be running water through it 5 or maybe 6 months out of the year. What happens to PV production the other half of the year? And this is what I would need to research: both PV and heat production are based on square footage of the system, as in: how much sun energy is striking the panel. Can one "combo" panel compete in energy production (electricity and heat) with two equal-sized separate panels? There is only so much sun energy to go around. Can a combo panel "divide" that energy into two separate systems without compromising both? I suppose that's possible, but it'd be a red flag for me.
How many of these are installed? What are the results of their use?
Are there any statistics about needed repairs? As with all combo systems, when one of the components goes down, you stand to lose all of them. How does that work with this product? If the PV panel stops working, do you have to replace the solar component too? Maybe this is a non-issue under warranty, but it's something to be clear on before purchasing.
So sorry, I don't have any direct experience with these panels, just a lot of questions. Do you have limited roof space? So are in need of this type of solution? Otherwise, I'd want to make sure of this technology before I became a test subject for it. PV and solar heaters are well developed, and have track records. I'd be nervous to spend the kind of money this system will cost unless I had a lot of proof of concept...
Keep us posted on what you find out, and what you do.
Great questions Dirk. Hoping someone can provide answers. I should have mentioned that we are definitely planning to install a pool solar system of some type (haven’t decided on one just yet). Once we do the available roof space will be totally consumed, thus no opportunity to install a PV power solar system later on if we want to. This hybrid system could in effect kill two birds, IF it performs both functions well enough. Thanks.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,681
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I didn't have room for both my PV and heater systems on what is in essence the perfect solar roof, angled and pointed in near-perfect position. So I saved it for PV and put the heater on the north side. It works OK there. I could probably use a few more panels. I later installed PV and I get my PG&E true up bill soon. Early indications are no bill. A year of "free" energy for house and pool. And much nicer pool temps, too.
If you're out of roof, you're out of roof, but you don't necessarily need the best side of your roof for the pool heater.
If you're out of roof, you're out of roof, but you don't necessarily need the best side of your roof for the pool heater.