PV panels to run a pool heat pump

Here are a few examples of installing PV panels to run a pool heat pump.

Is it a good idea to use PV panels to run your pool heat pump. The simple answer is no and there is a better way to invest your money to get a better outcome. 

32sqm pool, 28 degree average, covered pool 4mm heat guard thermal blanket

Here are some basic facts:

• Heat pump for 32sqm pool ie 24-28KW heat pump will consume about 25k - 40k KWH per season 
• Heat pump will last 7.5 year average, then replacement cost
• You need a blanket when running a heat pump
• PV panels have a limited life span and the performance has a bell curve. Usually generating around 25% 
• PV solar batteries can store energy. The typically have a life span and have a performance bell curve
• PV panels 10kw estimate cost $16-20k installed and battery $10-15k (Variable install cost). 
• PV panels require regular maintenance
• Heat pumps require regular  maintenance

 

PV panels, with battery and a pool heat pump is an expensive way to heat your pool. It is not an efficient way to heat water as the heat pump requires warm ambient air. A blanket is always required on the pool, as you are having to generate energy using PV panels. Water energy vs heating air ratio is 1:3500. Lots of energy for a large thermal mass.

Here are some installations we have done where where PV panels could not drive enough energy to run pool heat pump. Owners upgraded to PSH pool solar heating system for around 1500KWH, that is to run a solar circulation pump. 

If its cold the pool will be cooler and you will not want to swim. Once the sun is out Pool solar heating will heat the pool up fast and you don't need a blanket. 

So if you dont need a blanket when you heat your pool using a PSH pool solar system. Then this simply shows that pool solar heating and the sun is a powerful way to heat water. 

Pool builders and pool installers will say, if you are not using a blanket then install pool solar. This also tells you that pool solar is better than a pool heat pump to heat a pool. If you add a great quality 4mm heat guard thermal blanket, that is your heating solution.

A very efficient, sustainable and resilient way to heat pool water. 

Pool solar heating is the hands down the best way to heat water, not to mention a sustainable way that is kind on the climate.

For more details email justin@poolsolarheating.co.nz

19kw solar array, 28kw heat pump - Upgrade to PSH solar system

Customers told heat pump would not cost much to run each season. So we split the roof and integrated with PSH solar heating