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Solar System Installation Guide
System Plumbing
The only piping which should be used with a solar installation is copper pipe, continuous flexible stainless steel or mild
steel. A minimum slope of ¼” per foot of piping is required in order to allow for the system to be drained. Hangers
should not compress the insulation on the piping. PEX / PLASTIC / PEX-ALU-PEX or GALVANIZED TUBING OR
FITTINGS SHOULD
NOT BE USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Make certain to insulate all hot water piping with a minimum of R2.6 insulation in the system. For piping that is
exposed to the solar loop, or before the thermostatic mixing valve, make sure that the temperature rating is sufficient for
this application. In addition, the last 5 feet of the cold water piping going into the tank must be insulated as well. The
flexible stainless steel piping comes pre insulated with R4 insulation that has a UV and weather barrier on it. Any other
piping outside must be insulated with insulation that can withstand the weather conditions and UV radiation.
Stainless Steel Flexible Piping
Kingspan Solar flexible stainless steel tubing is used to connect the key components of a solar thermal system together –
the collector, pump station and storage tank – in a secure and timely manner. The tubing allows for a quick and
professional installation, significantly reducing labor time. This solution eliminates the need for any additional fittings
or adaptors. The piping for the system is sized for up to 2 – 30 tube collectors with a maximum length of 50 feet of
piping.
The Kingspan stainless steel tubing solution includes the following fittings that connect to the tubing:
2 x manifold connections (22mm smooth pipe)
4 x pump station connections (BSPP 3/4" female)
2 x tank connections (NPT 3/4")
2 x tank couplings (NPT female coupling)
Product Information
Splitable twin tubes
Includes integrated sensor cable
No special tools are needed
Protective polyurethane foil, UV-resistant to protect the thermal insulation
Thermal insulation is weather resistant, UV-stable and PVC-free
Insulation value of R4/ft.
5/8” diameter
Available in 35ft and 50ft
Installation Notes
Always cut the corrugated stainless steel tube cleanly. Protruding burrs can cause injuries and may not seal
properly.
Do not bend the corrugated stainless steel tube more often than is necessary.
Do not fit the corrugated stainless steel tube when twisted.
Do not lay bare corrugated stainless steel tubing under plaster or similar materials due to stress corrosion
cracking.
A bending radius of up to 90° can be achieved without any difficulty with the flexible corrugated tube, whereby
the corrugated tube does not spring back.
Ensure the brass connections make that little "click" sound when you pushed the tube in. If this doesn’t happen,
it may be that internal copper ring has been already pushed out of his position and has to be pulled back. This
can be done with a screw driver.
Please refer to instruction manual on the following page for how to work with the flexible piping.
