lp-220 Rev. 000 Rel. 007 Date 2.12.18
6
I. Snow Load
In areas prone to heavy snowfall, the solar collectors should ideally be
installed at an angle of 50
o
or greater to help promote snow sliding
off the tubes. In addition, it is advisable to raise the lower collector
frame off the roof surface 6 – 8 inches or higher. Doing this places the
collector above moderate snowfall accumulation and allows drifting
snow to more easily slide out from under the collector, which helps
ensure that snow does not cover the collector array. A front track
extension can be used for this purpose.
Please refer to local regulations regarding snow loading precautions.
J. Storage Tanks
It is recommended that the lever on the pressure and temperature
relief valves (PTRV) on main pressure hot water storage tanks be
operated once every 6 months to ensure reliable operation. It is
important to raise and lower the lever gently, and be careful as the
water released will be HOT. Failure to operate the PTRV on a regular
basis could lead to failure of the component and the possibility of the
storage tank exploding.
It is recommended, and may also be a local regulation, that, in order to
expel water safely, the PTRV have a copper pipe connected and run to
an appropriate drainage location. The PTRV and drain outlet pipe must
not be sealed or blocked.
NOTE:
If the water heater is left in an operating condition and not used
for two weeks or more, a quantity of highly flammable hydrogen may
accumulate in the top of the water cylinder.
To dissipate hydrogen safely, it is recommended to turn on a hot
water tap for several minutes at a sink, basin, or bath, but not a
dishwasher, clothes washer, or other electrical or heat producing
appliance. During this process, there must be no smoking,
open flame, or electrical appliance operating nearby. Hydrogen
discharged through the tap will sound like air escaping. Failure
to dissipate hydrogen properly could result in explosion and fire,
serious property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
K. Hail Resistance
Glass evacuated tubes are surprisingly strong and able to handle
significant impact stresses once installed. Testing and impact stress
modelling proves that evacuated tubes, when installed at an angle of
40
o
or greater, are able to withstand impact from hail larger than 1” in
diameter. The ability of evacuated tubes to withstand hail impact is
greatly influenced by the angle of impact, so installing the collectors
at low angles does reduce their impact resistance.
It is recommended that in areas prone to large hail (> 3/4”) the solar
collector should be installed at an angle of 40
o
or greater to provide
optimum protection. This is generally a common installation angle, as
many populated areas in the world fall within 30-70
o
latitude.
Part 3 - Installation Information
A. Transport, Unpacking, and Inspection
When possible, transport the boxes of evacuated tubes standing
upright, taking notice of the THIS WAY UP arrows. If the boxes
can only be laid down, always place on a flat, firm surface such as
compressed wooden board. If stacking the boxes, do not exceed
3 layers and strap in place to avoid movement. Straps should be
padded with thick cardboard or similar padding at corners to avoid
cutting into the boxes.
Component List
Please familiarize yourself with the components listed on the
packing list. If any components are missing, and/or additional part(s)
are required, please contact your supplier.
Part A: Manifold Legs - (3) Three Pieces
Shorter than Part D
Part B: Back Brace - (4) Four Pieces
Longer than Part C
Part C: Horizontal Support Brace - (3) Three Pieces
Shorter than Part B
Part D: Manifold Arm - (3) Three Pieces
Shorter than Part A
Part E: Clamp - (6) Six Pieces
Part F: Triangle Plate - (3) Three Pieces
Part G: Feet - (6) Six Pieces
If a tube should break, it can easily be replaced. Though a reduction
in heat output will result, the solar collector can still function
properly with one or more broken tubes (heat reduction depends
upon how many tubes are broken). A broken tube should be
replaced by authorized persons only.
resistance and the resultant stress on attachment points. Adhere to
relevant building codes/regulations regarding installation of such
objects.
For flush mounting on a pitched roof, a minimum of two attachment
points per front track must be made, each with minimum pull strength
of 220 lbs. If this cannot be achieved, additional attachment points
must be made to achieve minimum strength levels.
If installing the low, mid, high or fixed angle roof frames, a minimum
of two attachment points per front track must be made, each with a
minimum pull strength of 330 lbs. If this cannot be achieved, additional
attachment points must be made to achieve minimum strength levels.
It is the responsibility of the installation contractor to ensure that the
frame mounting is of suitable strength. Where applicable, inspection
by building department officer or equivalent should be completed to
ensure the installation is in accordance with relevant regulations.
