New Solar Panel design questions
- Thread starter Billiam
- Start date
I had intended to. But then I read an article that advises against it. Was still half considering it for aesthetics, but then I got up on the roof for three days installing the system...in June, in Florida. My handy laser temp doodad says the reason it burnt my butt to sit on the shingles is the shingles were over 150 degrees. I decided against the paint. At least for now. Here is the article I read:
Black or White Pipe for Solar Pool Heaters?
Thanks for all the help guys! I literally couldn't have done it without you and the search function in here. Everything from installing and programming the easytouch to adjusting the cams on the three way valve, it's all in here.
Thats an interesting write up, but it ignores the potential for UV degradation and focuses primarily on heat absorption. Most sources suggest latex paint to shield from UV. I don't think the color matters much, so you could always go with a lighter color. Even unpainted it will probably last for a long time and will only have issues with becoming brittle.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,076
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I had black pipes on a two story roof for over 10 years and they never collapsed.
The reason pipes collapse is not because of the color of the pipe but because water was left in the panels when solar was shut off so it heated the water to extreme temperatures and with the VRV installed at a low height, once the pump shuts off, a very high vacuum is create which collapses the pipes.
However, they are right about one thing, the black does fade over time.
The reason pipes collapse is not because of the color of the pipe but because water was left in the panels when solar was shut off so it heated the water to extreme temperatures and with the VRV installed at a low height, once the pump shuts off, a very high vacuum is create which collapses the pipes.
However, they are right about one thing, the black does fade over time.