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2. About your Suntrap Solarius Solar Hot Water System
Congratulations
for choosing a Suntrap Solar Hot Water System. All the systems are designed to have the Solar Collectors
mounted on the roof, and the Solar tank installed at ground level. Two sizes of Everlast Stainless steel solar hot water tanks are
used and have either an electric or gas boost as supplementary heating sources. Tanks have capacities of 250 litres or 315
litres with either a 3.6 KW heater, or a Bosch 26e gas heater.
The Solar Tanks are suitable for installations either inside or outdoors. Tanks installed inside need to sit in a ‘Safe Tray’. If the area
in which the system is to be installed is subject to freezing conditions, then the hot and cold solar copper pipes must be fully
insulated with closed cell polymer insulation to offer protection against freeze damage.
All electrically boosted Suntrap Solar Hot Water systems are certified to be connected to a dedicated continuous electrical supply.
Risk of scalding
Be aware that the solar hot water temperature can cause scalding. Check the temperature before use. A temperature limiting device
(Tempering Valve) is provided with all Suntrap Solar Hot Water kits and must be fitted to avoid very hot water from the hot taps
(bathrooms, showers etc.)
Temperature adjustment
On electrically boosted systems, the solar tank thermostat maintains the tank temperature during boosting and may be adjusted by a
licensed tradesperson if required. The Solar hot water tank thermostat temperature has been factory set and should not require
adjustment. The Solar hot water tank is also supplied with a Pressure and Temperature Relief valve (PTR 850 Valve) which
must not be tampered with.
The Tempering Valve is required to prevent scalding as solar hot water can be much hotter than just electrically heated water.
The Solar Control Unit will switch the solar pump on to circulate the water when there is a water temperature difference of 8 degrees
centigrade or more between the tank water temperature and the solar collector outlet water temperature (on the roof) and will
switch the pump off when the water temperature difference is 5 degrees centigrade. In the event of cold weather, the pump will
also run to ensure that a minimum water temperature of 4 degrees centigrade is maintained within the solar collectors (to
prevent the water within the solar collectors from freezing).
Safety
The tank is supplied with a Pressure and Temperature Relief valve, a Pressure Limiting Valve, and a thermostat. These devices
must be kept in working order at all times. High temperatures can exist in the solar pipes and precautions must be taken to
avoid young children touching them.
If any power cords or plugs are damaged, then these must be replaced by a licensed electrician.
To turn off the hot water
The water heater boost should remain on unless you plan to be away from home for length of time.
If you need to switch the system off (system close down), switch off the electrical water heater isolating switch (electric element
boost heating), switch off the power to the Solar Control Unit (solar heating), Shut off the cold water-in to the DuoValve (point C)
and close the Shut-off ball valve (point D) on the Solar control kit.
To turn on the water heater
Open the DuoValve (point C),- this allows cold water to enter the solar tank, switch on the Solar Control Unit and open the Shut-
off ball valve (point D) on the Solar Control kit, If the solar collectors have been drained then follow the instructions in section 14
of this document (14. Priming and filling the system).
Heater Boost control
Under ideal conditions, your solar hot water will be kept up to temperature by the solar collectors. However on cloudy and
overcast days and during the winter months, the boost heating element inside the solar water tank (electric boost systems) may
be activated to maintain your water temperature. The heating element (immersion heater), must have its own dedicated electrical
supply and must remain connected to the electrical supply at all times.
Water pressure
The water pressure used with this Solar Hot Water system must be a minimum of 200kpa.
Tank Sizes
250 litre 1.62m(h) x 620mm dia. 315 litre 1.98m(h) x 620mm dia.
Solar collector roof space required
2 collectors 2.4m(w) x 1.8m(h) 3 collectors 3.6m(w) x 1.8m(h)
Installers:
All installations must be carried out by licensed plumbers or other authorised persons in accordance with the National
Plumbing and Drainage Code AS3500, and in addition, with any specific requirements of local water authorities.
Please familiarise yourself with all the diagrams and pictures before starting to connect the system together.
Installation instructions begin at section 10.
Some diagrams/pictures are representative only and some pictures are shown before pipe insulation has been fitted for
clarity. To comply with AS2712 certification, the plumbing between the solar hot water tank and the solar collectors
must be installed using 12mm internal pipe diameter with insulation thickness of 19mm on the inlet pipe and 12mm
internal pipe diameter with insulation thickness of 19mm on the outlet pipe, both pipes using insulation material to
ISOpipe insulation standards. For Gas Boosted systems the pipe between the Solar preheat tank and Gas Booster
must use Armaflex 19mm thickness insulation.
