FAFCO has been one of the most recognized names in solar pool heating for decades, and their panels, the Solar Bear, Baby Bear, and Solar Cub, are installed on thousands of pools across Florida and beyond. Whether you need a full set of FAFCO solar pool heater panels for a new installation or replacement panels for an aging system, finding a reliable source at a fair price matters. Not every online seller is equal when it comes to product authenticity, pricing, and technical support.
At Advance Solar & Spa, we’ve been installing and servicing solar pool heating systems across Florida since 1983, over 50,000 installations and counting. We work with FAFCO equipment regularly, so we know these panels inside and out. That hands-on experience is exactly why we put together this guide: to help you find the right place to buy without overpaying or ending up with the wrong part.
Below, we break down five of the best online sources for FAFCO solar pool heater panels, covering what each seller offers, shipping considerations, and which option makes the most sense depending on whether you’re doing a full install or a simple panel replacement on an existing system.
1. Advance Solar & Spa
Advance Solar & Spa is a Florida-based solar installer with over 40 years of hands-on experience and more than 50,000 installations completed since 1983. Unlike most online retailers, they bring direct installation expertise to every sale, which means you get accurate guidance on which panels fit your specific system before you spend a dollar.
Best for
Florida homeowners who want expert guidance alongside their purchase. If you are unsure which panel model your roof can support or how many panels your pool actually needs, this is the right starting point. They are also a strong fit for replacement and repair jobs where compatibility with your existing equipment matters most.
What you can buy
Advance Solar & Spa carries FAFCO solar pool heater panels along with system components including headers, hoses, and mounting hardware. You can source panels for a brand-new installation or track down specific replacement parts for an existing FAFCO setup that needs attention.
How ordering works
You reach out by phone or through their website to request a quote. A licensed solar consultant then walks you through your system requirements and builds a package around your pool size, roof layout, and current equipment configuration.
Getting a quote from a licensed installer before buying panels elsewhere can prevent you from ordering the wrong size or quantity for your roof.
What to have ready before you call or request a quote
Before you reach out, gather your pool size in square feet and the details of your current system. If you are replacing panels, note the model name and part number from your existing FAFCO equipment. A photo of your roof and existing plumbing connections also speeds up the quoting process significantly.
Typical pricing and what affects it
Your total cost depends on panel quantity, system size, and whether installation is included in the package. Full system installations are priced per project. If you are buying panels only, the final number reflects the panel count and any additional hardware your specific roof and pool configuration requires.
2. FAFCO Surplus
FAFCO Surplus is a specialized online retailer focused exclusively on FAFCO products. Because they deal only in FAFCO equipment, their inventory tends to run deeper than general pool supply stores when it comes to specific models and discontinued components.
Best for
Buyers hunting for hard-to-find or discontinued FAFCO parts. If your system is older and the component you need has disappeared from mainstream retailers, FAFCO Surplus is worth checking before you look anywhere else.
What you can buy
You will find FAFCO solar pool heater panels, headers, fittings, and repair kits specific to FAFCO systems. Their catalog includes older model parts that larger retailers stopped stocking years ago.
How ordering works
You browse their online catalog, select the correct model and quantity, and complete your purchase through their website. Most orders ship directly to your address without requiring a phone consultation.
Compatibility checks to avoid wrong parts
Before you add anything to your cart, confirm the panel model and header size on your existing system. FAFCO panels from different production generations do not always share the same header dimensions, which can create a plumbing mismatch once your order arrives.
Always cross-reference your existing panel part number against the listing description before placing your order.
Typical pricing and what affects it
Prices vary based on panel size and part type. Replacement components generally cost less than full panels, and shipping costs depend on order weight and your delivery location.
3. PoolSupplies.com
PoolSupplies.com is a general pool supply retailer that stocks a wide range of equipment, including solar heating components from multiple brands. Their catalog includes FAFCO products alongside other brands, making it a workable option if you want to compare options or bundle additional supplies into a single order.
Best for
Buyers who want a familiar online shopping experience with standard e-commerce features like product reviews and easy checkout. It works well for those who already know exactly which FAFCO panel model they need and just want to place a quick, uncomplicated order.
What you can buy
You will find FAFCO solar pool heater panels and select replacement components listed alongside competing pool heating brands. Availability shifts over time, so check the site directly for current stock on the specific model you need before assuming it is ready to ship.
How ordering works
You search by panel model or part number, add items to your cart, and check out online. Shipping timelines and costs appear during checkout based on your delivery address and order size.
Confirm stock levels before finalizing your order, since online inventory listings do not always reflect real-time availability.
What to verify on listings
Before purchasing, confirm the listed panel dimensions and header specifications match your existing system. Product descriptions on general retail sites can be brief, so look for a linked spec sheet or product manual to verify compatibility before you buy.
Typical pricing and what affects it
Prices generally align with standard retail rates for FAFCO components. Your final total depends on panel size, quantity ordered, and shipping costs to your location.
4. Family Pool Fun
Family Pool Fun is an online pool supply retailer with a catalog that includes solar heating products alongside a broad selection of pool and spa equipment. They carry select FAFCO inventory, making them a reasonable option for buyers who want a dedicated pool retail experience rather than a general marketplace.
Best for
Buyers looking for a focused pool equipment retailer who want more product context than a general marketplace provides. It suits customers replacing a single panel or a small component on an existing FAFCO system.
What you can buy
Their inventory includes FAFCO solar pool heater panels and related components. Stock levels vary by season, so confirm availability on your specific model before committing to an order.
How ordering works
You shop online through their website, select your panel model and quantity, and check out directly. Customer service is available if you need help confirming a part number before purchasing.
Verify panel dimensions and connector type directly with their support team if the product listing does not include a full specification sheet.
Install and plumbing considerations to plan for
Before your panels arrive, confirm your existing header size and inlet/outlet diameter match the new panels. FAFCO systems across different production years can vary in plumbing connection specs, so a mismatch can stall your install.
Typical pricing and what affects it
Your cost depends on panel size and quantity ordered. Shipping fees vary based on your delivery location and total order weight.
5. Amazon
Amazon carries FAFCO solar pool heater panels through third-party sellers, making it a convenient option if you need fast shipping or want to use existing store credit. Listings vary in quality and accuracy, so you need to read carefully before buying.
Best for
Buyers who already know their exact part number and want quick delivery. Amazon Prime timelines can work in your favor if you need a replacement panel fast and have already confirmed your specifications.
What you can buy
You will find Solar Bear, Baby Bear, and Solar Cub panels listed through multiple third-party sellers. Availability shifts frequently, so confirm the listing is in stock and ships from a verified seller before completing your purchase.
How ordering works
Search by model name or part number, review the seller’s ratings and return policy, then complete checkout through Amazon’s standard process. Shipping speed depends on the seller and whether the item qualifies for Prime.
How to spot mismatches and risky listings
Check the listed panel dimensions and header type against your system specs before buying. Avoid listings with generic photos, missing spec details, or seller ratings below 90%, as these are common signs the product may not match what you need.
Always read the Q&A and reviews sections on Amazon listings to catch compatibility issues other buyers have flagged.
Typical pricing and what affects it
Panel prices on Amazon vary by seller. You may find competitive rates, but factor in return shipping if the part turns out to be incompatible.
Next Steps
Each source on this list serves a different type of buyer. If you need a specific replacement part fast and already know your exact model number, FAFCO Surplus or Amazon can get you moving quickly. If you are doing a full installation or are unsure which FAFCO solar pool heater panels fit your roof and pool size, working with a licensed installer from the start saves you from costly ordering mistakes.
For Florida homeowners, the smartest next step is getting a professional assessment before you spend anything. Advance Solar & Spa has handled more than 50,000 solar installations across the state, and their team can confirm the right panel count, system size, and compatible hardware for your specific setup. They also carry FAFCO components directly, so you are not piecing together parts from multiple sources. Skip the guesswork and request a solar pool heating consultation from Advance Solar & Spa before you place any order.