W W W . S O L A R P O W E R . N E T . A U
Page 8 of 20
Revision: 9h Issued: 01 August 2008
Revision: 9h Issued: 01 August 2008
•
Connect the “Solar Cold” pipe to the nipple on the outlet side of the pump using the compression
nut and copper olive provided. This pipe will run to the bottom of the collector array.
•
The “Solar Cold” Pipe will carry water from the tank up to the panels for heating. It is very
important that this pipe runs continuously upwards or horizontally from the outlet of the pump to
the inlet of the panels. If the pipe runs downwards, water will sit in the gooseneck formed by the
pipe and cause extra resistance to the pump – as shown in the diagram below, this may cause the
solar water to not circulate to the panels.
Figure 3 Solar Pipe Installation
To connect the solar hot pipe to the solar storage tank:
•
Connect the “Solar Hot” pipe to the heater using the compression elbow supplied. This pipe will
run from the top of the collector array (diagonally opposite the panel inlet fitting) down to the
tank. A compression fitting and brass or copper olive is recommended. Pay attention to Fit the
“Flow Control Disc” at the tank.
•
The “Solar Hot” Pipe must run continuously downwards or horizontally from the panels to the
tank – the reason for this is given in the section above and figure 6.
2 Storey Homes
in some installations may require the fitting of a non return valve in the solar line
after the pump. SolarPower recommends the installation of a
½
inch swing check valve in the solar
pump line to prevent the backflow of air from the panels into the pump which can cause cavitation of
the pump the next time it starts. Dual spring check valves are not to be installed as the pump does not
have enough force to flow through the valve. Note that the fitment of the incorrect valve in frost prone
areas can cause damage to the panels. Please call SolarPower if you have any questions 07 3274 0774.
NOTES ON PLUMBING
•
Flush out all piping after installation
•
DO NOT use thread tape on compression fittings.
•
Copper olives must be used on all compression fittings.
•
DO NOT use plastic pipe work between the tank and collectors.
SOLAR CONTROL UNIT
The solar control unit is mounted on the side of the solar storage tank, behind the lower of the two
covers and is powered internally from the solar water heater.
3.
CONNECTIONS – PLUMBING
CONNECTION SIZES
§
Hot water outlet:
½
” Copper compression fitting with copper olive.
§
Cold water inlet:
½
” Compression fitting (supplied) with copper olive.
§
Solar hot (from collectors) connection:
½
” Compression fitting (supplied)
§
Solar cold (to collectors) connection:
½
” Compression fitting (supplied)
§
Overflow outlet:
¾
” Copper
§
Vent pipe:
½
” Copper
§
Pump Inlet and Outlet Fittings: 1
¼
” BSP (connections already supplied)
§
Solar Panel Fittings: 3/4” BSP Barrel Unions (connections already supplied)
