DIY Solar Heating – There’s An Art To This Stuff

Posted: September 17th, 2008


As a recognized leader in the Lancaster PA green building circuit and the only Realtor in the region focusing on green items in real estate, I happen to know quite a few people in the industry. One of my friends is Steve Mellinger of Blue Moon Enterprises over in Leola. He humors me…He agreed to help me with my installation (he also agreed to help me paint my house a couple of years ago – sick, twisted freak).

Since I had used the same system the last time around the mounting points were very close, but I continue to be unhappy with their strap tie-down system – the webbing straps are junk and degrade over a couple of seasons (hence my flyaway experience this winter). I would recommend researching another tie-down material.

Steve made some very nice upgrades to the setup I had used before, and secured the piping much better. You can see from the picture the web strapping that comes with the system. I had already upgraded my pump to a 1.5 hp unit and have had no trouble pushing the water through the filter and up to the garage roof.

The finished installation took about 3 hours and worked immediately. Love that 100 degree water coming out the jets!

The finished product looks good and has functioned well this summer. I will probably try to take the panels down this winter to avoid damage and unnecessary wear. Total cost? About $700. Nothing else in solar even comes close. Other than the winter maintenance issue I’m pretty stafisfied with the Sunheeter Solar Pool heater system. If you’re interested in solar pool heating or any kind of Lancaster PA solar applications drop Steve an email at steve@bluemoonenterprises.com. Don’t be afraid to educate yourself and discover the joy of DIY! Remember, that’s how most green contractors get started anyway…

The finished product looks good and has functioned well this summer. I will probably try to take the panels down this winter to avoid damage and unnecessary wear. Total cost? About $700. Nothing else in solar even comes close. Other than the winter maintenance issue I’m pretty stafisfied with the Sunheeter Solar Pool heater system. If you’re interested in solar pool heating or any kind of Lancaster PA solar applications drop Steve an email at steve@bluemoonenterprises.com. Don’t be afraid to educate yourself and discover the joy of DIY! Remember, that’s how most green contractors get started anyway…

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