Solex Roofing Installation Manual 34
Solex Energy Ltd +44(0)1305 837223 www.solexenergy.co.uk
Plumbing Installation – pool heating systems
Where a solar roof heats a pool, spa or
hot tub, the heat usually is input via a
pool heat exchanger. This is fitted
after the pool pump and filter, and
before the boiler supplied heat
exchanger, if fitted.
Where hot water is also required from
the system, the solar flow may be
diverted with a three port valve as for
the space heating systems above.
The heat exchangers supplied by us
are cylindrical, with pool water
connections via 1½” female
connections on the ends. One end has
a pocket for a thermosensor, and this
should go at the pool inlet end – the
cold end. Connections for the solar
flow are via ¾” female connections on
the top. Note that the heat exchangers
are resistant to chlorine in the water, as
long as water chemistry (pH) is correct.
Incorrect chemistry will cause corrosion
of the exchanger.
If the system will be dedicated to pool heating, with no hot water or other heating
requirement, then it is possible to pass pool water directly through the roof, subject to
using a suitable pump, and stainless steel absorber manifolds.
Plumbing Installation – thermal stores
Solar stores do the same job as a hot water cylinder, but they are generally larger, ranging
upwards of 300 litres. The major difference is that the body of water in the store is heating
system water. This has several benefits:
•
Many inputs and outputs can be connected without having to
use separate coils for each.
•
There is little risk of legionella in the hot water circuit, as only the contents of the coil
is heated at any one time.
Location –
these stores are usually located on the ground floor, as they are heavy when
full. They stand about 150mm off the floor on 3 metal feet. Typically they are located in a
garage or plant room, although for best efficiency the store should be located within the
thermally insulated envelope of the building so that any inevitable heat losses from the
store and pipework are not lost.
Thermal stores are large so provision must be made for physically getting them to the
intended location. They are optionally available with detachable insulation reducing the
