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Solar Collectors - APOLLON
In the present manual you will find all necessary instructions with regard to the installation, operation and
maintenance of the product.
The company is active in the Solar Energy with high-tech equipment, ultra-modern facilities and certified products
of high quality. Our experience and know-how support our co operations, before and after sales, both in Europe and
internationally. Nowadays, the necessity for production and saving of energy without at the same time polluting the
environment has become common knowledge. The planetʼs conventional energy resources are diminishing to a
threatening level as our societyʼs energy requirements are increasing, generating pollutants that affect the climateʼs
balance. Renewable energy sources promise a solution to the energy problem as well as to pollution. Gradually, the
international legislation is changing and encouraging - or even imposing - the use of alternative energy products, with
the aim to satisfy energy requirements without endangering the environment.
DOMESTIC HOT WATER CONSUMPTION
Statistically, it is estimated that the mean family consumption is 35 to 50 litres daily per person. If we add the
consumption of a washing machine and a dishwasher, when these are connected to the solar water storage tank, then
each requires 20 litres per day (per wash). Thus, a family of four, for example, with a mean hot water consumption
of 40 litres per person, needs an 160 litres solar water heater. If household appliances connected to the solar water
heater are added, then the demand increases by at least 40 litres daily. In order to take full advantage of the solar
water heater, maximum use of hot water should be made during daytime, so that the system can continuously
produce hot water during the daylight hours, maintaining thus its maximum efficiency.
The collecting surface absorbs solar energy and heats the liquid (water or antifreeze mixture) that circulates in
the water element. The factors that affect the temperature of the water supplied by a solar system are many and
their values vary according to the season, the time of day and the location. Keeping in mind that the solar system
is a system that is exposed to the weather conditions, basic parameters affecting its performance are the mains
water temperature, the available solar energy and the ambient temperature. The mains water does not have a
constant temperature throughout the year, being much colder in winter compared to summer. Considering 45°C as
a satisfactory temperature for the domestic hot water (in order to fulfil the needs of a home) and based on statistic
values, in winter the temperature of the mains water has to be increased by approximately 35°C, whereas during the
summer the increase is 20°C.
Similarly, the available solar energy does not remain the same throughout the year, being much less in the winter
months than in the summer months. During periods of reduced sunlight and low ambient temperatures, the solar
water storage tank assures the preheating of the water and can be assisted by an optional electrical heating element.
As far as night-time temperature losses are concerned, these are limited as much as possible by the solar system’s
powerful thermal insulation. They are nevertheless affected by ambient temperatures, which vary depending on the
location and the weather.
