Mac's Solar

Mac's Solar, located in Santa Barbara, California, sells, installs, and provides thermal solar heating services for swimming pool and domestic hot water solar systems throughout the tri-counties. Mac's Solar works collaboratively with the top photovoltaic energy providers as well as leading swimming pool and general contractors in the area. Mac's Solar also offers water heater services and attic fan installations as ways to assist in residential energy conservation. Established in 1975, Mac's Solar maintains high levels of customer satisfaction, promotes environmentally sound energy solutions, and continues to be a leader in the local solar energy industry.

Mac's Solar is a local, family owned business operated by Michael McRae. Mike and Cheryl have lived in Santa Barbara for over 58 years and have raised their third-generation children here. Established in 1975, Mac's Solar celebrates 35 years of providing the Santa Barbara area with quality solar installations and service and appreciates the continued support from the community.

Solar hot water systems are made up of collectors, storage tanks, piping, controls, and in some cases, pumps. Active systems use pumps to circulate water through the system. Passive systems have no pumps or controls and rely on street pressure to provide flow through the solar panel. The most commonly used collector is the flat-plate collector. It is an insulated, weatherproofed box, made of metal, containing a dark absorber plate beneath a translucent cover (typically tempered, low-iron glass).

Solar panels are often the most economical way to heat a swimming pool. Compared to conventional pool heaters using propane or gas, solar pool heating systems can pay for themselves in four years or less. If you currently don't heat your pool, a solar heating system can provide an economical way to extend your pool season, starting earlier in the spring and extending later into the fall. The systems are simple and relatively inexpensive. Pool systems usually use a poly propylene panel. The pool itself is the thermal storage for the system, and the pump you already use for filtering pool water will also circulate water through the solar collectors.