SUNGRABBER

SunGrabber panels for pools are a newer FAFCO line of solar pool heating products.  As a company, we chose not to handle this product  Frankly, it is sold through some internet sites and some retailers and is meant to compete only with other low-end solar products on the market.  We don't offer it because we feel it has too many limitations especially on in-ground pools.  Here are some of them as listed by the factory relative to their standard IGP panels that have 2" headers, 12 & 15 year FULL warranties, are designed for permanent installation, and qualify for solar incentives is some states:

• Has 1.5" headers (OD) and very small panel body tubing
  • the total system has higher pressure drop
  • significant increase in back pressure on the pool filtration system
• Intended for smaller pools with 1.5" plumbing
• Not FSEC and SRCC approved yet
  • Florida Solar Energy Center (www.fsec.ucf.edu)
• No spin-weld reinforced headers
  • Potential for coupler leaks
• 10 year limited warranty on parts only
  • Goes down 10% every year
  • no labor allowance
• Two foot wide headers
  • Most IGP panels have four foot wide headers (51")
  • Less collector surface area due to the lost surface area where the header connections are located
    • Less performance
  • Nearly twice as many coupler connections as standard four foot wide panels
    • Potential for more leaks
• Panels typically mounted horizontally if more than 12' long.
  • Performance is compromised
  • roof space is poorly utilized
  • drainage is problematic
    • Need to be removed every fall and reinstalled every spring in cooler climates
• Unsatisfactory mounting hardware

• Modified SunGrabber panels used in the SDHW systems are an excellent design option in this two or four 2x12' panel configuration at a much lower flow rate.