®
18
The Diverter Valve is the “on switch” for the solar sys-
tem. It should be set to both allow and prevent flow
into the solar system (shown in
Figure 12
) and installs
in the pool plumbing as detailed in
Figures 26-29
of
Appendix E
.
An actuator will be needed when automating a solar
system. Follow the procedure specified by the manu-
facturer of your actuator. By positioning the valve as in
Figure
12,
the actuator cams can be left 180° apart, as
provided by the manufacturer.
See
Appendix E
for detailed alternate Diverter Valve
placements and types.
The 2877 Jandy Pro Series non-positive diverter valve,
or equivalent is recommended along with a pool auto-
mation system of choice.
When installed as specified by FAFCO
®
Inc. no mod-
ification of diverter valves or actuators is neces-
sary.
Diverter Valve
Install a Vacuum Relief Valve (VRV) by plumbing up
with a “TEE” fitting on the return line from the highest
bank. See the Collector to VRV section of
Figure
4
for
an assembly schematic. Only one is necessary for each
roof pitch in a typical system and should be installed
on the highest bank. Note that it’s permissible to install
the VRV so that it functions as an end cap for the op-
VRV & End Caps
PHASE II
—
System Installation Detail Cont’d
obstacle. Gaps can be filled by connecting PVC runs to
Pipe Adapters and Couplers as depicted in
Figure 10
.
Regardless of the type of gap needed in a bank, the
procedure will be as following:
1. Begin by laying the collectors as intended in the
layout. Start with the collector(s) which pose the
most limitations on mounting. As each collector is
placed, ensure there is proper obstacle avoidance
by allowing a 2” clearance.
2.
If less than 2” clearance is available, consult
Table
3
in
Appendix C
to determine an absolute mini-
mum gap size needed for the obstacle.
Note: Narrow collectors (2ft wide) can be
useful on roofs where there are multiple obsta-
cles to avoid and standard size collectors don’t
fit.
3. Once all collectors have been positioned with
clearance, finish plumbing the collectors as de-
scribed in
Phase I
—
Mounting Collectors
and
Con-
nect Supply and Return Lines.
4. After turning on the system, ensure the banks
have not moved too close to obstacles and address
as needed.
5. Once fitment is verified, finish mounting by adding
mid-bank roof penetrations by centering with the
system running.
6. The collectors may then be strapped down with
collector body straps. Do so by starting on one
side of the bank, tightening down the strap with
the Cap to the Base and work through the bank
one strap at a time.
Note: Collector straps
should be installed with a mild amount of ten-
sion so as to not be exceptionally loose. If nec-
essary, let slack into the series and repeat. Do
not install strapping around lower headers.
Panels need to move up and down the roof with
temperature fluctuations.
Diverter Valves should be set to allow two flow options. One design option is
depicted. Alternate methods are outlined in
Appendix E
.
A)
System Off, Leaving all three paths open
B)
System On, closing the path on
the To Pool side. (In some cases, plumbing the Diverter with a Neutral flow
position (depicted) can allow partial flow to the solar and overheat the pool.
Consult your local install department or FAFCO
®
for further details.)
Figure 12 | Diverter Flow
B
A
posing corner of the bank and that there are fewer
parts involved if doing so this way. The primary rea-
son for “Teeing” up the VRV is that it will likely be less
prone to failure from sediment buildup during opera-
tion. Systems with rows on multiple roofs require an
additional VRV for each pitch.
Install End Caps to seal headers opposite the supply
and return connections by assembling a 3.5” couplers
and hose clamps onto the inserts which aren’t being
used for plumbing. All Hose Clamps should be tight-
ened by a torque wrench to
35-42 in-lbs
.
