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Thermostat setting (Electric Boost)
– Higher tank temperatures during boost times may be obtained by the adjustment of the
tank thermostat (by a qualified electrician/tradesperson). Please also note that all hot water will be tempered through the
Tempering Valve to prevent scalding from the solar hot water.
Holidays
– When away for a period of time, close the system down. Switch off and unplug the solar controller and move the Shut
off ball-valve at point E to the off position, turn off the ‘mains water in’ at the DuoValve at point C, switch off the ‘off peak’ booster
supply. If freezing conditions are expected while away, leave the solar controller switched on and the Shut off ball-valve (point E)
switched on, so the Solar Hot water system will automatically defrost the Solar collectors as required, otherwise drain the solar
collectors and close the system down as above.
Installation Notes
In the Sydney area the ideal orientation and angle to mount the solar collectors for the winter sun (best for all round
performance) is for the solar collectors to face True North (approx 11 degrees West of Magnetic North) at an angle of 33
degrees. Suntrap U Tube collectors will also work horizontally at an efficiency of 84%, Standard roofs of 26 degrees will provide
an efficiency of approx 97%.
The system is designed to operate with the solar collectors installed on a roof at a height greater than the top of the solar hot
water tank, with the solar hot water tank installed at ground level. Insulated copper pipes to and from the solar collectors must be
direct, and each direction (flow and return) must always run in a continuous rise and fall situation.
The solar collector should be mounted so the Manifold is at the top (higher) level than the bottom of the collector.
The tank must be located onto a firm base and sufficient space must be provided around the solar hot water tank for servicing.
The Solar Hot Water system uses a different number of solar collectors depending on the system model being installed and the
maximum pipe lengths to and from the solar collectors should not exceed 40 meters. Keep the number of 90 degree bends in the
pipe work to the minimum. The system must be installed with all copper piping (with insulation thickness of 40mm all the way to
the solar collectors and back to the solar hot water tank, and for Gas Boosted systems use insulation thickness of 32mm on the
pipe between the Solar Preheat Tank and Gas Booster), brass fittings, W62 and W63 brass fittings, Conetite unions, and/or
brass fittings with copper olives.
Warning - Roof assembly and installation of the solar collectors should be undertaken in cool conditions (early
morning) as the fittings can get too hot to handle and could cause injury if touched.
Warning – When purging the system using the purge valve at point G, extreme caution must be taken as water expelled
at this point can be extremely hot. This is best carried out when the solar collectors are cool.
The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3500.4.
If the tank is to be installed inside a property, then it must be installed in a ‘safe tray’, so that in the event of a leak, the property
will not be damaged by water (AS/NZS 3500.4). Draining of the ‘safe tray’ must also comply with AS/NZS 3500.4.
Caring for your system
At the top of the Solar hot water tank there is an 850kpa Pressure and Temperature Relief valve, and it is possible from time to time
that a small amount of water will escape from this valve when the water inside the tank expands during heating periods. This is quite
normal. Every 6 months this valve should be manually operated to ensure that it is in working order. If at any time you believe that
your Suntrap Solar Hot Water system is not functioning correctly, then please give us a call.
Regular Care:
Pressure and Temperature Relief (PTR) Valve: This valve is next to the top pipe of the solar tank at point J. The valve
should be checked at regular intervals and replaced every 5 years. To check that the valve is working properly,
gently
lift the lever
until water flows, then
gently
let the lever return to its original position.
(See Loosing water from the Expansion Control Valve below)
Collector Glass:
To assure that maximum efficiency is gained from the Hot water solar system, ensure that the solar collector glass
is kept free of dirt. Hose down the collectors with water and use a soft brush from time to time to keep clean.
Water not hot enough:
This may be caused by the following:
Insufficient sunlight
– due to cloudy weather, or cool temperatures during winter – check that the booster heater is working in these
circumstances.
Booster heating not working
– check that it is switched on at the electrical distribution panel.
Solar water not hot enough when conditions are good
– Check that the solar pump indicator is illuminated on the Solar Control Unit:
Check that the pump is plugged into the Solar Control Unit: Check that the Solar Control Unit is plugged into the electrical supply,
and switched on . Also check that the collectors have unrestricted access to the sun. 2 x solar collectors for a 315 litre tank, with a
3.6 KW boost heater (or a gas booster) is an ideal combination and will provide the solar water temperatures required, under normal
working conditions, if the system is working correctly.
Air in system
– Proper circulation of water is not being maintained – Ensure that the air vent is open (point K), then remove (purge)
any air from the system as described in sections 9 and 14. (9. Connections to the middle and bottom of the Solar Tank and (14.
Priming and filling the system)
Excessive use of water
– The different Suntrap Solar Hot water System models are designed to cover the requirements of a small to
large number of users, each having their own demand on hot water. A greater demand will cause the water to cool, and longer use of
the booster will be required.
Loosing water from the Expansion Control Valve (Point L)
– Arrangements other than Off Peak 1 electrical boosting, especially in
Summer, can result in excessive use of electrical boost heating, leaving the solar heating little to do. This can lead to extremely high
temperatures and water expansion in the solar collectors, resulting in excessive water exit from the Expansion Control
Valve and/or the PTR Valve. Off Peak 1 secondary boosting ensures minimal hours of electrical boosting and maximises the benefits
and efficiency of solar heating obtained from the sun. Suntrap systems are certified to use Off Peak 1 electrical boosting.
