CAUTION: The solar loop piping from the collector(s) to
the drainback tank must be no less than 3/4” T-M cop-
per tube to allow air to migrate up the tube ensuring
full draining of the collector(s) and tubes.
It may be necessary to increase the pipe size for longer
pipe runs or reduce the pipe size for shorter runs or
higher efficiency pumps. The pipe must be large
enough that the velocity of the water in the pipe does
not exceed 4 ft/s. Hot water flowing at over 4 ft/s in a
pipe will erode the pipe and reduce system life.
When more than one collector is used in the system,
the collectors should be plumbed in a reverse return
piping arrangement in order to maintain equal flows
through all collectors in the array during normal opera-
tion.
To ensure proper drainage of the collector array and
solar loop piping the lines must be adequately sloped
to drain back to the drainback reservoir.
CRITICAL: The required slope is 1/4” vertical drop per
foot of horizontal run (2% slope). Failure to properly
orient the collector and solar loop piping to allow ade-
quate drainage may result in freeze damage. SunEarth
solar collectors are not warranted against freeze dam-
age.
Figure 11 illustrates correct and incorrect methods of
plumbing the solar collector array. Note that water will
trap in the “U” section of piping as illustrated in the
drawing marked incorrect thus making it susceptible to
freeze damage.
Piping in new solar installations can be covered with
dirt, grease, solder flux or other impurities that may
affect the system performance. A thorough cleaning is
required before charging. A Water soluble flux should
be used when soldering pipe joints in the collector loop
in order to facilitate system flushing. Carefully review
the cleaning procedures in “Charging the System” out-
lined below.
All vertical piping between the storage tank and the
collector shall be supported at each story or at maxi-
mum intervals of ten feet (10’). Horizontal runs shall
be sloped to drain (minimum 2% slope) and supported
every five feet (5’) to prevent sagging. Roof runs shall
be secured and supported providing at least 1-1/2
inches clearance from roof. Pipe supports shall be con-
structed from a material that will not rot, compress or
degrade over time as this may lead to pipe sagging and
failure to drain. Standard best piping practices shall be
followed as described in the Uniform Plumbing Code,
International Plumbing Code or other recognized code
or standard. Copper plumbers tape or tube strap is
required. The pipe insulation should not be com-
pressed or crimped by the strapping material.
Allowance should be made for expansion and contrac-
tion of piping due to changes in temperature of the wa-
ter and piping. Use flexible pipe supports and avoid
long straight piping runs. Include bends and elbows to
allow for expansion such as swing joints at the collector
inlet & outlet.
The installation of all horizontal and vertical piping may
not reduce the performance or rating of any structural
member or fire rated assembly. Adhere to all applicable
local codes and ordinances.
4.5 Pipe Insulation
WARNING: HOT PIPES MAY CAUSE BURNS IF
TOUCHED. ENSURE THAT ALL PIPES AND FIT-
TINGS ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC ARE WELL IN-
SULATED. COMPONENTS ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC
TRAFFIC MUST BE KEPT BELOW 140
°
F OR CLEAR-
LY LABELLED WITH AN APPROPRIATE WARNING.
The collector loop piping, plus any interconnecting hot
water piping shall be well insulated with high quality
flexible closed cell insulation to minimize heat loss. The
COLLECTOR PLUMBING—SLOPED
TO DRAIN
Fig.10
1” CC CAP
1” x
3
/
4
” CC 90
°
ELBOW OR COUPLING
1” CC CAP
1” x
3
/
4
” CC 90
°
ELBOW OR COUPLING
SU
PPL
Y
LIN
E
1” CC COUPLING
1” CC COUPLING
R
E
TUR
N
L
IN
E
CORRECT
INCORRECT
COLLECTOR PLUMBING
WILL TRAP FLUID
Fig.11
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