SOLAR PANEL & LAYOUT HYDRAULICS.
-
10
PUMP HORSEPOWER
- The horsepower of your swimming pool filtration pump must be adequate to supply the
solar system with enough water to provide the recommended flow rate necessary for the panels being installed. These
recommended rates in gallons per minute (GPM) are
(0.1gal/ft2).
PLUMBING
- It is important that you use the proper size PVC pipe for the size of the solar array. Under sizing the pipe will
produce too much restriction to the water flow and unnecessarily reduce the flow rate to the panels. Use the following
as a guide:
For example: If you are installing (10) HC-40 panels, your pump must be able to deliver 40 GPM to the solar array. These
flow rates may be exceeded by as much as 100% without any detrimental impact on the performance of the system. The
existing pool recirculation pump is typically adequate for recirculating the water through the solar system. Generally,
a 1 horsepower pump is sufficient for a standard pool solar system unless there is an unusually long pipe run, a high
roof, or a large number of panels.
If you are not sure what your pump flow rate is, consult your Heliocol representative
or pump manufacturer for the pump’s flow characteristics.
For larger flow rates, consult your Heliocol representative for the proper pipe size or alternative series plumbing
techniques, which will reduce the necessary flow rates on larger systems.
Plumbing runs should be as short as possible and the “hot return” pipe should have the shortest run to reduce potential
heat loss in this pipe. Pipes should be supported with pipe clamps or “G” clamps at least every 4 feet to prevent sagging.
(Check wit plumbing code in local jurisdiction.) The pipe clamp used on pipe returns across a roof should be ½” larger
than the pipe diameter to allow for expansion and contraction. The pipe clamp used a on vertical or horizontal runs
on the same side of the building should be the same size as the pipe diameter to prevent movement and to assure a
professional looking installation.
Since 90-degree elbow fittings produce a high restriction to flow, you will want to use as few as possible; keep this in
mind when planning your plumbing runs. Their use cannot be avoided, but with careful forethought, you will use the
least number possible. Occasionally, the use of (2) 45-degree fittings will eliminate a 90, but it is not necessary to always
use them as this will run up the expense of your materials.
6. Solar Panel layouts & Hydraulics.
- Cont.
MODEL #
MINIMUM FLOW
HC-10.5
1 GPM
HC-12.5
1 GPM
HC-30
3 GPM
HC-40
4 GPM
HC-50
5 GPM
FLOW RATE
MINIMUM PIPE SIZE
0 to 30 GPM
1½”
31 to 50 GPM
2”
51 to 70 GPM
2½”
INSTALLATION MANUAL HELIOCOL
®
SOLAR POOL HEATER
©
2014 UMA Solar
