10
082809
have collectors sloped at optimal tilt for winter performance. Install a collector rack for tilt angle support
whenever necessary.
Integrating with Building Architecture
Maintaining a pleasing appearance to the
building’s architecture is important for adding solar collectors to a roof or on the ground. Most homes are
not oriented well for solar gain, so getting the collectors at just the right orientation and tilt may not integrate
well with the roof lines.
With domestic hot water systems, there may be greater variations to tilt and orientation without large annual
losses, and in some cases may justify fl ush-mounting collectors. Space heating systems must have a
steep slope and be oriented within 30° of true south. For these larger space heating systems, the layout
should integrate into the roofl ine. For new construction, integrating OVSOL collectors into the building’s
roof system should be addressed by the solar designer to the architect.
Shedding Snow
A tilt angle of 50° or more is necessary in regions of heavy snowfall and accumulation. Tilt angles of 50°
and above will shed snow from OVSOL evacuated tube collectors even after severe storms. It is critical in
heavy snow areas that the collectors be sloped to at least a 50° tilt angle. If collectors are installed on a fl at
roof in an area which receives heavy snowfalls, the lower end of the units should be at least 18” above the
roof level to minimize chances of snow build-up on the bottom end of the collectors.
Shading
To avoid shading by collectors on each other, the front to front dimension must be 2.5 times the highest
point of the front collector.
Roof Pitch
Tilt Angle
4/12
18°
6/12
26°
10/12
39°
Roof Pitch
Tilt Angle
12/12
45°
14/12
49°
22/12
61°