40
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 the maximum length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and
the solar collectors. Refer to
on page 42 and to
“Maximum Height to Collectors”
on page 43.
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 and all local codes and regulatory
authority requirements. Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the collector kit for details on the
installation of the solar collectors.
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 weigh approximately 34 kg (L
– 2.0 m
2
collector) or 36 kg (LCS
– 2.0 m
2
collector) or 41 kg (CSA2007
– 2.0 m
2
collector) when full of water.
ROOF AREA FOR INSTALLATION
Roof area required for 2.0m
2
solar collectors:
•
4 solar collectors
– 4.5 m wide x 2.0 m deep
Weight (full) 156 kg approx.
•
3 solar collectors
– 3.4 m wide x 2.0 m deep
Weight (full) up to 123 kg approx.
•
2 solar collectors
– 2.3 m wide x 2.0 m deep
Weight (full) up to 82 kg approx.
•
1 solar collector
– 1.2 m wide x 2.0 m deep
Weight (full) up to 41 kg approx.
In addition to this area, a minimum one (1) metre clearance is recommended on all four sides of the solar
collectors for safe service access.
Maximum Number of Collectors
The maximum number of solar collectors for each tank size as part of an open circuit system is:
Non-Selective Surface 2.0m
2
Collectors
– L collector
•
410 tank
– 4 x collectors
•
270, 320 tanks
– 3 x collectors
Selective Surface 2.0m
2
Collectors
– LCS, CSA2007 collectors
•
410 tank
– 3 x collectors
•
270, 320 tanks
– 2 x collectors
ORIENTATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS
The optimum orientation of solar collectors, to maximise system performance, is facing true north (in the
southern hemisphere) or true south (in the northern hemisphere).
However, the optimum orientation of solar collectors is not always practical or achievable. If it is not possible
to achieve the optimum orientation, then it is recommended to install the solar collectors as close to the
optimum orientation as possible.
The total solar radiation received by solar collectors will reduce by approximately 4% to 5% when facing 45°
from the optimum orientation and approximately 10% to 15% when facing 90° from the optimum orientation.
