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Solar Pool Heater Payback Calculator
Solar pool heaters replace or supplement gas/electric heating with sunshine.
Payback years
5.7
Annual savings
$4,200
Lifetime value
$60,000
How the math works
Savings = heating × offset %. Payback = net / savings.
$6k × 70% = $4,200/yr. $25k − $1k = $24k net. 5.7 yr payback.
How to Use
- Enter solar system cost.
- Enter annual pool heating cost.
- Enter solar offset %.
- Enter rebates.
- Enter lifespan years.
- Read payback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar thermal for pools?
Roof-mounted solar thermal collectors: use sunshine to heat pool water. Cost: $3-8k residential, $15-50k for larger commercial pools. System: panels, pump, controller, piping. Works 6-8 months in most climates (not freeze-rated). Can extend pool season 2-4 weeks each shoulder. Best in sunny locations (FL, TX, AZ, CA).
Savings?
Replaces 50-80% of conventional heating cost. $3,000 annual gas heating → $1,500-2,400 savings. Payback 2-5 years residential, 3-7 years commercial. Combined with pool cover: 80-95% of heating eliminated during solar season. 20+ year solar thermal life. Low maintenance.
Rebates?
Federal: solar thermal for pools NOT eligible for ITC under IRA (exclusion). State: some (Hawaii $1k, Florida limited, California sporadic). Utility: case-by-case. HOA restrictions: solar access laws in many states now prohibit HOA blocking. Property tax: may qualify as renewable energy for exemption. Tax situation worse than solar PV — but paybacks still compelling.
Solar thermal vs PV + heat pump pool heater?
Modern alternative: solar PV (eligible for 30% ITC) + electric heat pump pool heater (COP 3-6). Capital: $12-30k PV + $3-8k heat pump. Covers same load as solar thermal $15-25k. Net cost after ITC: competitive or better. PV also offsets building electric usage beyond pool. Modern trend favors PV + heat pump over solar thermal.
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