9
Basics Collector & Roof Plumbing Configurations
The preferred system configuration is a
“Bottom Feed Solar System”
, where the supply and return pipes are
plumbed from below the collector (refer below). This configuration provides:
• With the solar pump switched
ON
– swift air expulsion and hydraulic equilibrium and water flow throughout
the collector.
• With the solar pump switched
OFF
– swift and efficient drain down back to the pool.
For certain installations, it may be necessary to plumb the system from above such as over a ridge capping.
Plumbing the supply and return pipes from above the collector is generally referred to as a “Top Feed Solar System”
(refer below). Top Feed systems have certain limitations and may result in long tern operational issues – and
therefore are not the preferred plumbing configuration.
This plumbing configuration provides:
• With the pump switched
ON
- swift air expulsion and hydraulic equilibrium and water flow throughout the
collector.
• With the pump switched
OFF
- poor and inefficient drain down back to the pool and possible water stagnation
within the collector tubes.
NOTE:
All top feed solar systems should be installed with the
VacRel
(VRV) at the highest point of the system, ideally
on the return line.
