C
HAPTER
1:
M
OUNTING THE
S
OLAR
C
OLLECTORS
Overview
When mounting the collectors, always make provisions for inlet connections at the bottom header and outlet
connections at the top.
The outlet headers must be pitched a vertical distance of at least 1/8” per foot
above the inlet headers to assure uniform flow and proper drainage to prevent freezing.
Plan the
collector location to allow at least one foot on all sides of the row(s) of collectors for mounting brackets and
piping.
Roof obstructions, if present, should now be taken into consideration to determine the exact collector location.
Collectors can be installed over or around different diameter roof vent pipes or other obstructions. After
snapping the top chalk lines but before marking and pre-drilling for your outlet header brackets, refer to the
following instructions:
• With roof vents up to 2”(50mm) in diameter the collectors can be installed directly over these vents. Locate
the seam in the panel nearest to where the vent pipe is to come through. Separate by pulling up on top plate,
and pushing down on the lower plate. Should the vent pipe protrude near a sonic tack weld, it will have to be
cut apart. Using a sharp utility knife, cut through the weld while pulling the two plates apart. Lay the
collector over the vent pipe, keeping the vent pipe at least 12 inches (30cm) away from a header. It will be
easier to complete an installation by mounting this panel first and then working away from it.
• For a roof vent pipe over 3”(80mm) in diameter, the collectors can be positioned on either side of the vent.
Two 7” (18cm) System Connector Hoses (Part #60691-1 for 1 1/2” or #60691-2 for 2”) can be employed to
couple the collectors together for vent pipes or other obstacles up to 7” (18cm) in diameter. Mark your
51” (128cm) centers wherever the outlet header brackets ‘fall’ on the upper chalk line. With obstructions of
over 7”(18cm), such as attic fans and skylights, lay out the panels on either side of the obstructions using a
Row Spacer Kit
(Part #12017-1 for 1 1/2”; #12017-2 for 2”) or
Header Blanks
.
• Refer to
Figure 2
throughout this section.
2
