Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a solar water heating system. It is
one of the most effective and trouble-free systems available
today. In addition to reducing your water-heating bills, it
will help preserve precious natural resources by using free
energy from the sun.
As with an electric or gas water heater, your new solar water
heating system operates automatically to ensure you will
always have an ample supply of hot water. However, there
are simple steps you can take to increase both its efficiency
and service life.
This manual provides the manufacturers recommended
procedures for solar water-heating systems. The procedures
are essential for correct installation, troubleshooting and
maintenance.
Read each section of this manual thoroughly before
beginning work on the system.
!
CAUTION: Changes to the design or intended
use of the Solar Water Heating System will void the
manufacturers warranty. Installation,
troubleshooting, and maintenance must be
performed by a qualified technician.
This manual will help you get the most out of your solar
water heating system. Please read it carefully when the
installation is complete, and review it from time to time to
refresh your memory about the service requirements and
safety measures.
The Operation section of the manual contains important
information regarding the system procedures as well as
safety measures pertaining to the system. It is important
that you follow these guidelines to ensure safe, efficient and
trouble-free operation.
While the system requires very little maintenance, there
will be a periodic need for some upkeep. The Maintenance
section outlines those requirements for service, which you
may do yourself, as well as those procedures best performed
by a qualified service technician.
The Troubleshooting section contains steps you can take if
the system is not performing, as it should.
The solar energy system described by this manual, when
properly installed and maintained, meets the minimum
standards established by the Solar Rating and Certification
Corporation (SRCC). This certification does not imply
endorsement or warranty of this product by the SRCC.
The solar energy system described by this manual, when
properly installed and maintained, meets the minimum
standards established by the Florida Solar Energy Center,
in accordance with Section 377.705, Florida Statutes. This
certification does not imply endorsement or warranty of this
product by the Florida Solar Energy Center or the state of
Florida.
The components of the system include a water storage tank,
solar collector panels, expansion tank, pump valves and
fittings.
In locations which are subject to temperatures below 41°F,
a mixture of heat transfer fluid and water circulates through
the solar collector panels. This fluid is heated by the sun,
then circulated through a heat exchange, heating the potable
(drinking) water inside the storage tank. The heat transfer
fluid is a non-toxic, food-grade liquid, which provides freeze
protection for the closed loop heat transfer loop. It is colored
to differentiate the closed system fluid from the potable
water supply.
This circulation of the heat transfer fluid is accomplished by
a pump and sensors. These solar water heaters are referred
to as closed loop systems.
Your hot water is stored in a steel tank lined with porcelain
enamel and thickly insulated to help maintain the water
temperature throughout the day and night.
To ensure your hot water supply is never depleted, the
system is equipped with a backup thermostactic gas valve.
When there may be insufficient solar energy, you are still
assured of all the hot water you will need.
While your system is one of the most efficient available,
there are two simple steps you can take to increase your
water-heating cost savings.
Keep the use of the Backup Heater to a Minimum
You can save the most money on your water-heating bills by
using the backup thermostactic gas valve on your system as
little as possible. If the sun shines brightly between 10 am
and 3 pm, enough heat will normally be generated to keep
the water hot throughout the rest of the day and night.
However, on days when the sky is cloudy or when large
quantities of hot water are being used, we suggest that the
backup thermostactic gas valve be left “ON” overnight to
ensure adequate hot water the next morning
.
Try to use Hot Water during Daylight Hours
When possible, schedule heavy hot water use, such as dish
washing, laundry and showers, in the middle of the day. If
hot water usage occurs while the sun is
up, the fresh (cold)
water added to the storage tank is heated more quickly.
When water is used late in the day or at night, the fresh
water entering the tank will be heated by the thermostactic
gas valve so hot water is available in the morning
.
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