35
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
page 37.
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.
Sufficient space should be left around the solar collectors to allow for safe service access.
The installation must comply with the requirements of 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 weighs approximately 38 kg
when full of water.
ORIENTATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS
To help maximise system performance, solar collectors should be installed with an optimum orientation
facing true north (in the southern hemisphere) or true south (in the northern hemisphere). Always check for
true north or true south using a compass or other suitable device.
The solar performance of a system reduces as the orientation of the collectors moves away from the
optimum orientation, resulting in the need for increased boosting to supply the same hot water load. Solar
collectors facing up to 45° from the optimum orientation will receive about 4% to 5% less total solar radiation.
However, the optimum orientation of solar collectors is not always practical or achievable. Solar collectors
may be installed up to 90° from the optimum orientation. Where the orientation is greater than 60° from the
optimum, either an additional solar collector or selective surface collectors in lieu of non selective surface
collectors may be installed to make up for the reduction in solar performance. Each of these options should
be discussed with the system owner. If neither of these options is possible nor acceptable to the system
owner, then the system owner needs to be made aware of, understand and accept that increased boosting
may be required to meet their hot water requirements.
Refer to
on page 24 for additional information on the selection of type of solar collectors for
this system.
