4
Installation Manual
PART 2: GENERAL INFORMATION
(CONT’D)
coil to monitor the heat input, this is the best location for a water heater with a differential tempera-
ture controller.
The system components should carry temperature and pressure ratings equivalent to the design of
the solar collector. The ratings for the solar collectors should be verified against the solar collector
manufacturers specifications, depending on the climate where the system is installed. The system
temperatures for the collector and storage tank can be read from the system controllers. Typical tank
operating temperatures can range from the cold supply of 40-80F up to 175F which represents the
high limit of the tank. This will vary depending on the climate where the system is installed. The col-
lector temperature sensor should be 5-20 F above the tank sensor during normal charging opera-
tion. During idle periods, when there is no sun, the collector will read the ambient temperature and
when there is full sun upward to 250° F. The system can be operated down to ambient temperatures
of –60°F using proper concentrations of glycol. Freeze tolerance limits are based upon an assumed
set of environmental conditions. Refer to the DOWFROST Specification sheet in the back of this man-
ual for recommended concentrations.
The differential controller uses 10k ohm thermistors or 1k RTDs, depending on the contoller model,
to monitor the temperature difference between the collector and the SuperStor Contender Solar
Water Heater The controller turns on when the collector is 12–20° F above tank temperature and
turns off when the differential drops to 4° F.
GENERAL SOLAR PANEL ORIENTATION
Part of the performance of your solar water heater for optimal efficiency is based on the correct ori-
entation of the solar panels. The collector should be mounted as close to the storage tank as possi-
ble to minimize heat loss in the piping runs. In North America, collectors should be oriented due
south, however may be within 40–60 degrees of due south. Optimal tilt is +/ – 10° from the latitude
of the site. The
solar collector
must be locat-
ed in an area
of the roof that
will be und-
shaded for the
majority of the
d a y ( f r o m
9:00–3:00) all
y e a r r o u n d .
A d j a c e n t
buildings and
trees should
be checked for
possible win-
ter shading.
You must con-
sult your solar
panel installa-
t i o n m a n u a l
f o r r e c o m -
m e n d e d
mounting and
positioning of
the panels.
N
W
S
E
LON
G A
XIS O
F RO
OF F
ACE
S DU
E SO
UTH
LP-199-O
REV. 8/20/07
Fig. 2-1
