16
LP-200 REV. 1.6.15
Wire Stripper or Knife
Aluminum Flashing Sheet
Wire Cutters
Black Latex Outdoor Paint
Adjustable Wrenches 8” & 10”
7/8” x ¾” and 1 1/8” x ¾” pipe insulation
Solder Flux
Emory Paper
B. SOLAR WATER HEATER LOCATION
To minimize expense and heat loss, locate the solar water
heater as centrally to the domestic piping system and near the
solar collectors as possible. The water heater must also be
located in an area where it will not be exposed to freezing
temperatures. All piping should be insulated to protect against
freezing and heat loss.
In addition, the solar water heater and all related solar system
components should be installed with plenty of clearance for
inspection and service. If minimum clearances are not met, it
may not be possible to service the solar system without
removing component parts from installation locations.
The solar water heater should also be installed in a place where
T&P discharge or a leak will not result in damage to the
surrounding area. Install a 2” high catch pan with a minimum of
¾” drain line to prevent water damage if leakage should occur
(see Figure 5).
Filled hot water storage tanks are very heavy, and should be
located in areas that can structurally support such weight.
Failure to properly locate water storage tanks could result in
property damage, personal injury, or death.
PART 6 – PIPING
The design and installation of the solar water heating system
should be done by qualified individuals. It is important that good
design and installation practice be followed to assure that your
system will operate properly. Failure to follow installation
guidelines for you solar water heater system could cause
component failure and possible safety issues.
A. POTABLE WATER PIPING
It is very important that you do the potable piping before you pipe into your solar system. Failure to do so may damage your water
heater.
Do not introduce HTF into any fittings on the heater except those clearly marked for that purpose.
It is mandatory that all plumbing be done in accordance with local and state codes or warranty will be void. It is also necessary to use
both thread tape and pipe dope on all mechanical connections. The potable water piping is located on the side of your solar water
heater and marked Hot and Cold. It is recommended that unions or flexible copper connectors be used so heater can be easily
serviced. Install a shut-off valve on the cold feed near the solar water heater to isolate the tank for future service.
Provide clear access to the storage tank, pump, expansion tank, mixing valve, time clock and other key components. The components
on the potable side of the system may require future service or maintenance, so it is recommended that the connections be made with
brass unions. You must use copper and brass fittings in plumbing the solar storage tank and expansion tank. The use of galvanized
fittings, nipples, dielectric unions, CPVC, PVC, or other plastic pipe is prohibited.
Hard copper connections to the city cold water supply line and home hot water feed lines are recommended.
Figure 5
– Catch Pan Installation and Recommended Service
Clearances
