Benefits & Savings with Solar Technology
By Nina Giordana
The current and escalating awareness of global warming, depletion of the earth's natural resources, greenhouse gas consequences and other environmental hazards have become a top concern for most people today. Recycling even the smallest scrap of plastic or shred of paper, turning off lights sooner and considering a hybrid car are some ways to answer the call.
Pool industry professionals care about these issues, too. Companies that deal in the design and development of products used in backyard environments are not slacking in their efforts to use available technology to meet or exceed environmentally beneficial goods.
What is a solar product?
Jeffrey Fausett, Aquatech Corp.: A solar product is one that utilizes the sun's rays as an alternative power source to those that function by using natural resources, such as fuel, electricity, oil or coal. Any item, from a coffee pot to an automobile, that operates by these means can potentially-and eventually-be replaced by solar energy.
Solar energy is used in a number of applications, including heating buildings and water desalination systems, pumps used in a wide variety of ways, and even small appliances. Research is taking place at an ongoing and aggressive rate. The same is true in the pool and spa industry: manufacturers are scurrying to find new ways to use alternative energy to operate pool-related products. We are at the threshold of observing solar technology change the landscape of America's backyards.
How does your solar product benefit homeowners in usage and in cost savings?
Denis Ruzsa, Solar-Breeze, LLC: Our solar skimmer uses power only from the sun's direct rays. It fulfills the role of a full-time pool-cleaning robot. While skimming, the unit also distributes chlorine continuously and evenly throughout the pool. It will pay for itself in the first swimming season by allowing a two-thirds reduction in pool pump operating time.
Fausett: Solar panels provide homeowners with a warm pool water experience without utilizing fossil fuels, which are expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Oil, electric and other means of heating water are extremely costly in comparison to solar heat. These solar panels can reduce energy bills by as much as 80 percent over traditional methods.
Another important benefit for pool owners who live in seasonal climates is how well this system extends their pool use-by as much as four months, two months each in the spring and fall. This means that people who live in the northern areas of the country can use their pools for 10 months, as compared to an average of six months.
The payback for the cost of a solar panel system and installation can be seen in as quickly as five years, depending on the amount of time it is used each year.
Since solar products are relatively new to the poolscape industry, what research is the technology based on?
Fausett: New solar panel technology for home and pool use was developed and originally introduced in Europe, where energy costs are much higher than in the US. Our company is importing this technology. Its application abroad has already been proven through its extensive use and growing popularity. The system has a 35-year life expectancy.
In the pool and spa industry, how is the solar product category evolving?
Ruzsa: Current research is being conducted to develop a solar skimming unit with added features, including a pool intruder alarm for pets and small children. We are also working on a remote control function for the skimmer that will provide consumers with the option of directing the skimmer to specific areas of the pool from poolside.
Fausett: Environmental issues motivate people, but saving money also inspires them. The government already offers a tax credit to those who install solar panels on their homes. Some states also offer substantial tax credits, and it is anticipated that all states will offer them within the next year. This will encourage manufacturers to explore technologies and develop new products.
We also believe that variable speed pumps with changeable flow rate capabilities that control every water feature will eventually become the norm for poolscape use. The energy savings will be tremendous with such systems. Manufacturers are working hard today to bring such products to market as soon as possible.
Solar products for the poolscape are expanding to serve many purposes, including heating the pool water, LED and landscape lighting, pumps, skimmers, insulated pool covers and safety-related products.
Experts' Bios
Jeffrey Fausett
President and CEO, Aquatech Corp.
Jeff Fausett graduated from Brigham Young University with a master's degree in accounting and started his career as a certified public accountant. He moved to the aerospace industry in 1981, and in 1999 he joined Aquatech Corp., as president and CEO. A member of APSP, Mr. Fausett has initiated a variety of programs that keep Aquatech member/builders on the cutting edge.
Denis Ruzsa
CEO and General Manager, Solar-Breeze, LLC
Denis L. Ruzsa has over 25 years of experience in research and development. Over the years, Mr. Ruzsa has designed, built and installed solar heating systems, water heating systems and pool heating systems in a number of communities. Mr. Ruzsa has also brought a variety of inventions to the marketplace, including the Solar-Breeze.