SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
9
WARNING: Plumber
– Be Aware
The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and
the solar collectors
MUST BE
of copper. All compression fittings must
use brass or copper olives.
The full length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes
MUST BE
insulated.
The insulation must:
be of a closed cell type or equivalent, suitable for a solar water
heating application and capable of withstanding temperatures of up to
150°C, which may be generated by the solar collectors under
stagnation conditions
The specification of the chosen insulation material should be checked
with the insulation manufacturer prior to installation as different
materials may vary in temperature tolerance.
be at least 13 mm thick, however thicker insulation may be required to
comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4
be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed
extend through any penetrations in the eaves, ceiling and roof
cover valves and fittings in the solar hot and solar cold pipe work
be fitted up to and cover the connections on both the solar storage
tank and the solar collectors.
The insulation will offer corrosion protection to a metal roof against water
runoff over the copper pipe, assist in avoiding accidental contact with the
solar pipe work as high temperature water can flow from the solar
collectors to the solar storage tank and also reduce pipe heat losses.
The highest point of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must be where
they connect to the solar collector. There MUST BE a continuous fall of a
minimum 5° (1 in 10 grade) in the pipe work between the solar collector
and solar storage tank for efficient and effective drain back to occur.
The system has NO WARRANTY for freeze damage if there is not a
continuous fall in the solar hot and solar cold pipes, or they are not
insulated in accordance with the installation instructions, or the closed
circuit fluid has been incorrectly mixed.
