Pool Solar Heating

Utility-scale solar photovoltaics installs quadrupled in US

July 5, 2011 -- Strong consumer demand and federal and local financial incentives are propelling growth in the U.S. solar market, according to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's Solar Market Trends report for 2010.

The report includes 2010 installation data for solar electric (photovoltaic) , solar heating and cooling, and concentrating solar technologies.

Overall, installed capacity in 2010 was "double what it was in 2009," said Larry Sherwood, chief author of the annual report. The biggest growth sector was photovoltaic utilities , with quadrupled installed capacity, based largely on state-level renewable energy goals, said Sherwood. Residential and commercial solar PV installs grew by more than 60%, fueled by state and federal incentives.

Sherwood adds that more than 124,000 new solar heating, cooling and solar electric installations took place in 2010, with very uneven distribution across various states. California is still the largest US solar market (28% of installed capacity completed in 2010 was installed there), but Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Texas made huge strides, at least doubling their installed photovoltaic capacity since 2009.

Two new concentrating solar power (CSP) plants were connected to the grid in 2010, with a combined capacity of 76MW (75MW of this at one FL plant). Information on other solar technologies (solar pool heating, etc.) can be found in the report.

Given the long-term extension of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), Sherwood is optimistic about solar's continued growth. On top of the ITC, 2011 will see a federal cash grant program deadline, which should "spur market growth" even more, he said.

Several companies have announced plans for large solar electric projects (PV and CSP) in the US, with on-line dates from 2011 to 2014.

You can read the full report on the IREC website: http://irecusa.org/

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Solar Swimming Pool Blanket Cover Review

Now that you’ve made the decision to check out solar power, you’ve still got more decisions to make. When selecting a solar pool cover, there are various brands, types, and retailers out there. It can be confusing and timely to look all over the internet for the right solar pool cover. With all of the available options, it can be challenging to decide what will work best with your needs. Reading testimonials, solar provider websites, and consumer reports are a great place to begin.

Most of the solar pool covers on the market today will last under two years with normal use. This is generally due to cheap materials, poor craftsmanship, and thickness of the product. The 16-Mil. Solar Heating Blanket from In the Swim is definitely an exception to the norm. This solar blanket will heat your pool for years with proper care and storage. Some consumers are concerned with the 16. Mil. lasting only four years, but this is twice as long as the industry average. These unsatisfied consumers have been few and far between. However, if for whatever reason your solar pool blanket does experience issues during the first eight years of use, In the Swim offers a warranty, so you are fully covered. By far the most often heard complaint with this product is the size and weight. This is a heavy duty solar pool blanket; it can be hard to maneuver manually. The maker suggests the addition of a solar pool cover reel to simply resolve this problem. Solar pool reels are inexpensive, aesthetically appealing, and can do the heavy lifting for you.

Many owners of this device like the ultra clear model, as opposed to the blue cover. They advise that the fabric and also the thickness of the solar pool blanket will truly matter when it comes to heating your pool . Those who own the product have raved about water temperatures into the high eighties, even during cold spring nights. Additional benefits include; reduced chemicals, less algae, and durability. The 16-Mil. by In the Swim can be used by pool owners from all over the country who, even during summer months, report less evaporation and the reduced need to adjust chemical levels. Because of this the 16-Mil. is doing its job protecting the water from the harsh UV rays from the sun and loose debris. Algae are also no longer a concern when utilizing a solar pool blanket. The solar pool blanket uses the rays of the sun to fend off the unwanted organisms brought on by algae leaving your pool sparkling clean.

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