angle that is +/- 10
o
the desired installation angle.
4.7. Roof Attachment Strength
a) Frame attachment to the roof should be completed with
∅
8mm / 5/16” or larger stainless steel bolts.
b) Ensure the mounting surface or ballast is solid and able to withstand in excess of 150kg / 330lbs of pull force that
may be encountered during high winds. Refer to Apricus document [AP_Collector_Wind_Loading_Calculator.xls]
for wind loading estimates.
⚠
WARNING
ALWAYS CONSULT BUILDING ENGINEER FOR APPROVAL OF INSTALLATIONS IN HIGH
WIND REGIONS.
4.8. Wall Mounting
a) The collector may be mounted on a wall with the bottom of the tubes angled away from the wall. The maximum
collector installation angle for this format is 80o.
b) Ideally use a 30o angle frame kit with the rear legs attached to the bottom of the front tracks rather than the top.
For aluminium frames additional holes can be drilled in the front track to accommodate the triangle shaped
attachment plates.
c) The method used for attachment to the wall will depend on the wall material.
• For brick or concrete walls use expansion bolts.
• For wood or metal framing use screws of suitable strength.
d) Ensure the wall attachment points are able to withstand the weight the wind loading that the collector will apply to
the attachment points.
e) When installing on a wall consider the possible shading from eves, particularly in the summer.
f) If installing on a wall so the collector is above a walkway, please consider the danger associated with broken glass
that could fall if the tubes were ever damaged. It may be necessary for a barrier of to be installed below the
collector to catch any such falling materials.
5. Piping Connection
5.1. Collector Connection to Plumbing
a) Once the frame has been mounted and the manifold attached, the manifold header may be connected to the
system plumbing. The plumbing connection must be completed before evacuated tubes are installed.
a) Two header configuration are produced by Apricus, but only one will be available in your market:
• 22mm OD copper header pipe: Use 22mm copper olive compression fittings (#BF-ST-CO22x3/4”MBSP) or
soldered connection.
• Flared Nut: If the collector is provided with a loose nut on the header pipes, use Apricus standard brass
adapters. These adapters will provide a
¾
” M BSP thread (#BF-ST-FL19x3/4”MBSP).
c) Brazing/Sweating/Soldering to the header is acceptable, but care must be taken to avoid exposing the manifold
casing to the torch flame. Use a wet cotton cloth around the base of the header pipe to reduce the temperature of
the copper pipe in contact with the silicone rubber seal.
5.2. Temperature Sensors
a) Ensure that sensors used on the collector are high temperature rated (up to 200
o
C / 395
o
F), including the cable.
b) The temperature sensor port is located beside the header ports. Always insert the sensor port in the outlet port.
If multiple collectors are installed in series, install in the outlet of the last collector.
c) Do not allow the sensor cable to come in direct contact with the solar flow or return lines, as the heat may
damage the cable. The sensor cable should run along the outside of the insulation pipe, wrapped with aluminium
foil to secure in place and protect from UV exposure.
Apricus Solar Collector Installation and Operation Manual - International Edition
Copyright ©
2013 – Apricus Solar Co., Ltd A11-01.1.1-PB-V16 Page 16 of 27
