27
INSTALLATION
–
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
The solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position.
The surrounding vicinity 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.
For optimum performance, the solar collectors should be
installed facing towards the equator (i.e. north facing in
the southern hemisphere and south facing in the
northern hemisphere). ALWAYS CHECK ORIENTATION
WITH A COMPASS. Where this orientation is not
practical, a system facing up to 45° from the equator will
receive about 4% less total solar radiation.
For optimum performance, inclination of the solar
collectors should be approximately equal to 90% of the
local latitude angle. The
latitudes of some Australian
cities
are listed on page 28. The thermosiphon solar
water heater may be installed at the roof angle for
simplicity of installation and appearance, but must never
be less than 10° from the horizontal. If the roof angle
varies by 15° from the optimum angle, the solar
collectors will receive about 10% less total solar
radiation.
The water heater is suitable for installations with an inclination of up to 30°. Where the solar water
heater is installed at inclinations greater than 30°, a With Pitch frame is necessary. Refer to your local
Solar Distributor for details.
For a solar Hiline installation on a roof with a pitch less than 10°, a Fixed Pitch frame is required. Refer
to your local Solar Distributor for details.
For an installation of a thermosiphon solar water heater on a pitched roof in a cyclonic or high wind area,
a suitable With Pitch frame is required. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for details.
The installation of this solar water heater on a suitable frame, subject to the frame‟s design criteria not
being exceeded:
is suitable for installation in geographic locations up to and within Wind Region D (With Pitch frame)
or up to and within Wind Region C (Fixed Pitch frame), as defined in the Building Code of Australia,
Australian / New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 and the Australian Standard AS 4055-
2006, and
also provides an acceptable method of installation where it is necessary to satisfy the requirements
of the Building Code of Australia and AS/NZS 3500.4 Clause 6.5.3.4 for high wind areas.
The installer must ensure the structural integrity of the building is not compromised by the installation of
the solar water heater and the roof structure is suitable to carry the full weight of the solar storage tank
and the solar collector(s). If in doubt the roof structure should be suitably strengthened. Consult a
structural engineer.
The storage tanks, when full of water, weigh approximately 400 kg (300 litre) and 230 kg (160 litre).
Each solar collector and its fittings weighs approximately 45 kg when full of water.
The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and regulatory
authority requirements.
