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Roark Solar & Pool Equipment

Solar Panels, Pool and Spa Service, Water Heaters

About us

Our primary business is helping homeowners, commercial businesses and institutions make the switch to environmentally friendly, clean and free solar energy along with high efficiency and money saving pool equipment. We have provided, installed and serviced high quality solar heating systems throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties for over 35 years. Roark Solar is a division of Environmental Equipment, a Florida state-certified contractor. Owner Jim Roark, has over three decades of solar industry experience and a university degree in physics. He and his team of solar professionals will insure that your system is sized and installed correctly. We use no sub-contractors. In a relationship that dates back to 1978, Roark Solar enjoys a position as the world’s oldest continuous dealer for Aquatherm solar pool heaters. Since 1976, Aquatherm Industries has led the solar pool heating industry with countless product design and manufacturing innovations. Roark Solar has been installing Aquatherm's Solar Industries brand of solar collectors, the industry's most field-tested solar pool heating systems. Our business has expanded into other products. Today, we also sell, service and install heat pumps, gas pool heaters, as well as swimming pool automation, pool sanitation solutions, and energy efficient swimming pool pumps. Roark Solar & Pool Equipment has the experience to handle all your solar heating projects of any scope or complexity. The best evidence of satisfying our customers is the longstanding contractor and vendor relationships we have.

Business highlights

47 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

We sell, install and service solar pool heating, solar hot water and solar electric systems. We also install pool heating, including solar pool heating, electric swimming pool heat pumps and gas heaters, salt machines, pool automation and high efficiency variable speed pumps. We are a authorized Aquatherm & Hayward warranty service centers.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check
Financing Available

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.927 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
81%
4
4%
3
0%
2
11%
1
4%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.7
professionalism
4.8
responsiveness
4.7
punctuality
4.7
Showing 1-25 of 27 reviews

Dennis N.
09/2020
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Very responsive. Very pleased with the results and their professionalism
Description of Work: Solar panes for our new pool

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,150

John D.
07/2018
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
Thoroughly impressed by every aspect, from the bid through the final installation. I liked them so much they were my go-to a few weeks later when I decided to upgrade my pool pump and controller. Always responsive regarding follow-up questions or issues.
Description of Work: Solar heating system

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000

Dennis T.
10/2017
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Very good installation. Neat, tidy, on time. System works like a charm.
Description of Work: Solar Panels for pool heating

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,400

Phil W.
04/2017
1.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Talked with the owner via phone. Mentioned that my solar panels were about 10 years old, purchased elsewhere. They were in great condition but one of the connectors had a leak. He said, "no problem" we can fix it. Instead of sending a service crew to repair this visible leak, the owner sent his sales manager. The sales manager made it clear he was sent to sell a new system and not to repair. He went on to say that they only repair their own installs. This was a total waste of time.
Description of Work: repair of a leak

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0


Susan E.
11/2016
2.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
The quote itself was much higher and the person who did it was very unprofessional. All he did was bash the other companies we were looking at. What they were providing for the quoted amount was less than what the other company provided. Their sales people need to be professional and they need to have a more competitive quote. I would not use this provider again for a quote.
Description of Work: Received quote for installation of solar panels.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
4.0

$3,450

Mark B.
04/2016
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
unknown
Description of Work: Installed pool solar panels. Very professional. Installers were on time and considerate. We were very pleased.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000

JAMES M.
02/2016
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: .
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro

Seth S.
06/2015
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
They indicated they were going to be able to fix the leak within a week to 10 days, however, they were able to come out earlier. They were able to fix the leak while I was at work. I came home and the leak was fixed.
Description of Work: Fixed a leaking solar panel still under warranty.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Mary K.
05/2015
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: took awhile for them to make an appointmnent

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Ryan C.
03/2015
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
I contacted Jim on Monday and he collected all of my information. Jim was very thorough and helpful on the phone. He told me that a tech would contact me later in the week to come out for a service call at $120. The tech called me the next morning and told me he had an open slot and would come by by 10:00 a.m! How great! They inspected, repaired, and kept me in the loop the entire time. Since it was an easy repair, it was covered in the $120 service call and did not require any additional cost. I appreciate the fact that they recognized it was an easy fix and did not attempt to sell me on pricey repairs or replacements. It is great to know we have a reliable, trustworthy company in the area. Thanks!!
Description of Work: Repair leaking solar panel on roof for pool heater

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$120

Paul D.
12/2014
4.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Contacted them through Angies List for repair service. I received a return mail that they were a couple of weeks behind; but never heard any more. Contacted them again this week 12/15/14 and service handled the call professionally and gave me hope for a call after the first of the year.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

William K.
09/2014
2.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Company did not follow up after initial meeting and did not get answers to questions raised.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
1.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Response from Roark Solar & Pool Equipment
We did no work for this individual. He was never a customer of ours. He wanted us to repair panels installed improperly (would not drain for freeze protection) by another contractor. We refused to do the work as he desired, as his problem would continue to persist. Since that time he has removed his solar system completely.

Jorge M.
06/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Jim came out to view the situation with our pool (32' x '16' and 10' deep at one end) then spent a reasonable amount of time explaining the quality of the components, the installation and functioning of the system and answering all the questions we had. We agreed to a day and time to start the installation. A problem with the roof caused a delay but Eric and colleague showed up as soon as the roof problem was fixed and competently installed the complete system. We exercised the system for about a week before we left Sarasota and we have been traveling and have not had many opportunities to try out the system since then. We will soon be back in Sarasota and will update this report if there are any significant changes.
Description of Work: Examined the layout of our pool and roof exposure and estimated the number of solar panels required. The crew came out on the day and time promised and efficiently installed the system.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,300

Dot B.
03/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
It was a bit difficult to get them scheduled and when he did show up at 6:30 in the evening we were just going out for the evening. He went ahead and repaired it in our absence, but I would have preferred to be here. Price was reasonable. Repair seems to be working fine. I will use them again.
Description of Work: Repaired a leak in the solar tubing on the roof which is used to heat the pool.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
2.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$125

Response from Roark Solar & Pool Equipment
Our response time & punctuality were weather, both rain & wind related. Our determination was to get "caught up" as demonstrated by the late time we did the repair.

Wendy P.
03/2014
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Punctual, courteous, efficient workers. They cleaned up after themselves. Job completed in 2 days.
Description of Work: Installed solar collectors for pool. Panels not visible from front or rear of house and they colormatched piping to house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000

Lori S.
10/2013
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
Jim is one of the most consumer-oriented business owners around. He really looks out for you. Jim saved us thousands of dollars.
Description of Work: Jim assessed our needs, contacted the manufacturer, and learned that our malfunctioning solar panel was indeed covered by the warranty. He went the extra mile to get the facts before trying to sell us something new.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Tom S.
10/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
I am happy with the work, how it was done, and what I was sold. My roof faces north, which is not optimal for solar, but I did not want the expense of installing a frame, along with the worry of having panels literally "hanging out" in the wind. Roark's solution was to increase the number of collectors. They were also able to put two of them facing west. They did a great job of plumbing, including the connection to my existing gas water heater (which I definitely won't be using as much anymore). The pool blanket cuts way down on heat loss during the night.. Instead of losing 10F overnight, now it's only 4 F. Regarding the automatic control Roark recommended -- best thing ever. It controls the flow of water to the panels, using them when they can actually do some heating, and turning off the water when they can't, in accord with the temperature you want. My pool was at 80, and now it is at 90F, just what I wanted. Thanks, Roark!
Description of Work: Installed 8 solar panels, an automatic controller, and solar blankets for the pool and spa.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000

Dianne R.
09/2013
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
Came when scheduled, right on time, job completed same day, everything seems to be doing GREAT!! (only 1 week old just now) Pool heated up to 90 degrees within 1 day!
Description of Work: New Solar Heating system for swimming pool installed

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,595

Michelle R.
05/2013
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels
  + 0 more
Roark Solar just installed a solar pool heater for my husband and me. I called Jim two weeks ago and he was at my house the next day. Jim was so thorough in explaining the process. My husband and I thought we had done our homework on solar but shortly after Jim arrived, we realized that we did not know the process or what it would take. However, Jim got us up to speed quickly. After Jim left, we decided not to go with anyone else (we cancelled our next appointments). His knowledge, experience, and caring was all we needed. Eric came out the following week. He was so respectful, conscientious, clean, and kind. After he left, you would never know that we had anything done to our house other than the new panels on our roof. We believe he left it in better shape than how he found it.Thank you, Jim & Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Description of Work: Installed Solar Pool Heating.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500

William C.
05/2013
2.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Never heard back despite attempts to contact them. Went with Miralsol Fafco- work completed on fixing what we had, not a new system as rec. by Roark
Description of Work: Looked at our solar hot water heating problem. Promised me a quote on an alternative system and never called back

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
2.0


Response from Roark Solar & Pool Equipment
About three months ago, [member name removed] contacted us regarding his leaking solar system. We responded immediately, visited his home, and assessed the damage. We determined it was damaged by freezing this past winter due to a faulty check valve. It is important to note, we did not install this solar system or do any repairs to it ever. We recommended replacing the system with a new solar panel, plumbing, and a drain-back tank connected to his existing solar hot water tank to eliminate any future freezing issues. [member name removed] was not interested in replacing the system and wanted it repaired, which we refused to do. We pride ourselves on our customers’ long term satisfaction. We have tried in the past to repair damaged direct solar systems similar to his, with unsuccessful long term results. We gave him a verbal estimate as to what this would cost. [member name removed] made it clear that he wanted to simply repair the existing system which we refused to do. We referred him to Mirasol. This is a first for me to receive such a negative review for work I refused to do. A check of my other reviews will show how we go out of our way to perform quality work.

Vernon B.
03/2013
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Roark Solar Co. did an excellent job, the workers were very friendly and professional, arrived on the day and time they had told us. I would certainly hire them again in the future for other needs.
Description of Work: Roark Solar company installed a complete new solar system for our swimming pool, including new solar panels, new heat pump, new filter and new pool pump.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,000

Tom T.
09/2012
5.0
solar panels
  + -1 more
Outstanding. I had called Harriman's of Venice several days ago and had not been able to get them here to do the work even though they indicated that they would come. No telling when they would have finally gotten around to doing the work. I joined Angie's List and then proceeded to find another company to repair the leaks assocated with my solar panels. I had a very pleasant conversation with Jim Rorark and explained the situation and asked him when he could come to my home and do the repairs. He indicated that he may be able to get someone get to my home today but would let me know. He carefully explained the potential costs and I provided him with information on my location, my contact details etc. Approximately 15 minutes after we had completed the initial phone call, he called back and told me that they would be able to come today between 11am and 12 noon. They arrived approximately 11:45am. They found the leaks, confirmed the repairs necessary and indicated the costs for repairs. I approved the cost and they proceeded to do the repairs. The repairmen were courteous, professional and knowledgeable in their understanding of the necessary repairs. The repairs were completed, I paid and they left. This was truly an outstanding experience. I would recommend them very highly. It is an absolute fact that Rorark Solar will be the one to do my repair and/or installation work on solar panels in the future. It certainly will NOT be Harriman's.
Description of Work: Had two leaks in the pipe associated with the solar panels. They determined where the leaks were located and then repaired them by replacing the pipe with the leaks.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$145

paul F.
06/2012
5.0
pool cleaners
  + -1 more
mr. roark immediately was back in touch after my inial call to roark solar. he diagnosed the problem(new pump needed for the pool) and performed the work promptly at a price that was in line with and lower than most other estimates i received. he is very experienced, knows his stuff and a straight shooter. i'd definitely use roark solar again.
Description of Work: pool pump replaced

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$875

Linda R.
02/2012
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels, water heater repair
  + 1 more
We chose Roark out of three estimates based on their knowledge of the product and their competitive price. Owner came to my house to give me an estimate. He was thorough and fully explained how it works and how work is performed. Installers were punctual, pleasant and very knowledgable. When the work was completed, they explained the operation in terms I could understand. I was very pleased with how they cleaned up, including construction debris that wasn't even theirs. I would definitely recommend them.
Description of Work: Installed variable speed pump and solar system for my pool.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,200

Chris S.
09/2011
5.0
pool cleaners, solar panels, water heater repair
  + 1 more
We had a local company install solar heating for our pool, then the following year we had solar panels installed to heat the water. This job did not go well so we inquired with this company to find out what they did wrong.
Description of Work: He fixed up the solar hot water and the solar for the pool.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000
    • 1(current)
    • 2

Contact information

5681 Derek Ave. Unit 6, Sarasota, FL 34231

www.roarksolar.com

Service hours

Sunday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed

Licensing

Insured

Licensed*

Trade License Number
CVC57019
Trade License Locale
FL
Trade License Authority
Florida Department of Building & Professional Regulation
Trade License Expiration
08/31/2024

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
No
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Solar Panels,
Pool and Spa Service,
Water Heaters

FAQ

Roark Solar & Pool Equipment is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Saturday: Closed

Roark Solar & Pool Equipment accepts the following forms of payment: Check,Financing Available
Yes, Roark Solar & Pool Equipment offers free project estimates.
Yes, Roark Solar & Pool Equipment offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Roark Solar & Pool Equipment does not offer a senior discount.
No, Roark Solar & Pool Equipment does not offer emergency services.
Yes, Roark Solar & Pool Equipment offers warranties.
Roark Solar & Pool Equipment offers the following services: We sell, install and service solar pool heating, solar hot water and solar electric systems. We also install pool heating, including solar pool heating, electric swimming pool heat pumps and gas heaters, salt machines, pool automation and high efficiency variable speed pumps. We are a authorized Aquatherm & Hayward warranty service centers.

Contact information

5681 Derek Ave. Unit 6, Sarasota, FL 34231

www.roarksolar.com

Service hours

Sunday:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday:
Closed