OUR STORY
The Engineering Mind Behind Eco Solar
From the early days of solar innovation to building a better future, our journey has always been about one thing – creating smarter, more efficient solar pool heating solutions.
CHAPTER 1
WHERE SOLAR POOL HEATING BEGAN
Before Eco Solar
The first solar pool heating panel available to the public was the Fafco panel, introduced in 1972 by the Freeman A. Ford Company. When Doug joined the Walnut Creek S.E.S. office in 1980, the company had seven offices, 17 trucks, and approximately $50 million in sales.
After S.E.S. closed in 1983, two experienced employees opened Diablo Solar in 1984. The industry continued to evolve, with new panels and companies emerging over the years. Though many eventually went out of business, this period of change shaped the future – and set the stage for Eco Solar.
CHAPTER 2
Tulsa
Where Solar Became Engineering
When S.E.S. closed in 1984, Doug was invited to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to help Gary Fuller sell Fafco systems. After three months, the company closed, leading Doug to meet K and M Shillingford, an engineering firm.
This is where he learned the science of energy conservation – heating and cooling degree days, BTU content, COPS, SEERS, and the hydraulics needed to understand pool systems. He also realized that a solar pool heating expert must understand the pool filtration system, as it circulates the water through the panels.
CHAPTER 3
FIFTEEN YEARS OF WATER
Learning What the Pump Is Really Doing
For the next 15 years, Doug collected swimming pool pump and filter performance curves and learned to read and understand them. He gained hands-on experience with SRCC and FSEC testing, and even worked for a company plumbing equipment rooms for new commercial pools – often finding 20 unmarked pipes with no instructions.
He quickly became skilled at pump, filter, and heater installations, and learned how every component affects what the pump has to do.
CHAPTER 4
Diablo Solar
More Than 20,000 Systems
In 2001, the owners of Diablo Solar contacted Doug. By then, the company had more than 20,000 systems installed. He joined as manager of the R&R department, working on roofs with Fafco panels from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He saw panels lasting more than 20 years, and watched top salespeople achieve extraordinary results. But he noticed something was missing – proper attention to efficient water pumping. That experience stayed with him.
CHAPTER 5
2007
The Birth of Eco Solar
Eco Solar was conceived from everything Doug had learned. He started the company in 2007 after completing a 12-week course with the Small Business Administration.
The name was chosen thoughtfully and purposefully. The goal wasn’t just to put solar panels on a roof – it was to understand the entire system and design the most efficient, long-lasting solution for every customer.
A Legacy of Knowledge. A Future of Better Solutions.
Our story is built on decades of experience, hands-on learning, and a passion for clean energy – and it continues with every system we design.