Melville-based Sunshine Solar Technologies has been busy installing solar panels that keep hundreds of Long Island pools warm, even during cooler weather. We talked with the firm's president about how this sector of the solar market is heating up.

Why do you think Long Island is a good market for solar pool heaters?

JAMIE DeLUCA won't swim in the free-form in-ground pool at her family's home here unless the water is close to 80 degrees, warm enough "to just be able to walk in," said Ms. DeLuca, 21, a junior at Stony Brook University.

"I'm spoiled," she admitted.

Left to the whims of the weather, outdoor pools in the New York metropolitan area are slow to warm up, typically not reaching the high 70s, what most people consider a minimum temperature for swimming, before mid-June or even July.

Expanding your business' footprint can be tricky. After all, what works in one geographic area may not succeed in another. That's why it pays to be extra careful when entering new markets, say small business experts. The wrong move could spell disaster.

"You have to be careful because bigger isn't always better," explains Lucille Wesnofske of the Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale State College. "The wrong choice could drain the existing resources of your business."

Each year, pool owners face a tough choice: a disappointingly short swim season or big bills from an energy wasting pool heater. Owners in the northern United States may only enjoy a few weeks of comfortable temperatures from their large swimming pool investment unless a heater is used. Fortunately, advances in solar technology offer a clean, cost-effective solution. Pool owners can now employ a solar pool heating system to enjoy an extended season friendly to both the environment and their budget.

Q: How long will it take to install?

Answer

Our solar hot water systems are generally installed in one day.

Q: Do you have financing available?

Answer

Yes! Sunshine can offer low or no interest financing to qualified customers. The process takes a few minutes and can be done at the time you receive your quote. Just ask our sales technician about the program during the on site inspection.

Q: How big will the system be?

Answer

A good rule of thumb is two-thirds of your pool’s surface area. We recommend you adhere to this sizing to ensure maximum performance from the system.

Q: Do I need two water tanks?

Answer

No, but that is often the best system to ensure you always have adequate hot water. Depending on your current set-up (including the amount of available space), it may make more sense to install a tank with dual heat exchangers or install a tankless heater to supply your backup heating needs. Schedule an appointment today for one of our courteous sales technicians to help determine the layout that will work best for you.