Rheem 12104793, Installation Instructions Manual

Page: 9 / 40

9
INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
Consideration must be given to the position of the solar collectors in relation to
the solar storage tank. There are limitations on both the maximum length of the
solar hot and solar cold pipes and the maximum height between the solar storage
tank and the solar collectors. Refer to
“Solar Storage Tank Location”
on page 8,
to
“Pipe Lengths”
on page 13 and to
“Maximum Height to Collectors”
on page 16.
The solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position. The surrounds
should be checked for higher buildings or trees which may cause shade at other
times of the year and for small trees which may grow and shade the solar
collectors in the future.
The installation must comply with the requirements of either AS/NZS 3500.4 or
AS/NZS 3500.5:2012 Section 3 (for a Class 1a or Class 10 building) as
applicable under the Plumbing Code of Australia, and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
ROOF STRENGTH
The installer must ensure the structural integrity of the building is not
compromised by the solar water heater installation and the roof structure is
suitable to carry the full weight of the solar collectors and frame (if one is
installed). If in any doubt of the construction or the condition of the roof, the roof
should be suitably strengthened. Consult a structural engineer. Each solar
collector and its fittings weighs approximately 41 kg when full of water.
ROOF AREA FOR INSTALLATION
Roof area required for solar collectors:
3 solar collectors
– 3.4 m wide x 2.0 m deep. Weight (full) 123 kg approx.
2 solar collectors
– 2.3 m wide x 2.0 m deep. Weight (full) 82 kg approx.
1 solar collector
– 1.2 m wide x 2.0 m deep. Weight (full) 41 kg approx.
In addition to this area, a minimum of one (1) metre clearance is recommended
to be left around the solar collectors on all four sides of the solar collectors for
safe service access.
Maximum Number of Collectors
The maximum number of these selective surface collectors for each tank size as
part of an open circuit system is:

410 tank
– 3 x collectors

270, 320, 325 tanks
– 2 x collectors

160 tank
– 1 x collector (2 in Victoria only)