Solar Installation Guide
Installation of Solar collector
Choose a roof space which receives as much direct sunlight throughout the day as possible. Also consider the distance that the roof is from the pool and filtration equipment as the solar flow and return pipes need to be installed to carry pool water from the pool to the roof and back.
- For long and narrow roofs where the solar collector array will be greater than twelve (12) metres from end to end we recommend that the header pipes be installed at opposite ends of the collector array, (refer diagram #2).
- Where the solar collector array is to be twelve metres or less from end to end the header pipes can both be at the same end. This arrangement is easier to install, and less pipe is required, (see diagram #1).
NOTE- The ideal length is ten (10) metres as the rolls are 40 metres in length, thus no additional joins will be required and a good flow of water will be easily achieved.
Start at the top of the roof area to be used and work down. Roll the collector out along the roof to the chosen length then either; (a) turn the collector and roll back along to the beginning, (if header pipes are to be at one end, (diagram #1) or (b) cut the collector if header pipes are to be at opposite ends, (diagram #2). Continue until all the collector is laid out on the roof.
Fixing the Solar Collector to the roof
Metal Roof
Start at the top and work down. Straps should be placed approximately 1800mm apart on a standard roof pitch of 25 degrees. On a low pitch roof the straps can be placed further apart, or on a steeper roof pitch the straps should be placed closer together, (thus more straps will be required).
After strapping use adhesive to glue the collector to the roof between the straps. It is recommended that this glueing be done at the end of the job after all other work is completed as you cannot walk on the collector for 24 hours until the adhesive has set.
Concrete Tile Roof
Start at the top row of tiles to be used and work down. Starting at one end of the collector array run a bead of adhesive down the centre ridge of every 3rd tile. It is recommended that this glueing be done at the end of the job after all other work is completed as you cannot walk on the collector for 24 hours until the adhesive has set
Joining the collector
To join the collector belts together, (i.e. once one roll of collector had been rolled out the next roll can be joined on) use the Long Tube Joiners with turpentine as a lubricant for EPDM collector, and type-P PVC glue for PVCn collector.
Turning the Collector Belts
If the solar collector is installed with both the inlet and outlet headers at one end of the roof, (diagram #1) then the collector belts will be turned at the far end. To achieve a neat turn, slice about 500mm in length through the webbing between every second tube, (into pairs). Then place the pairs into loops one inside the other.
Header Pipes
Once the Solar Collector has been installed on the roof the header pipes can be fitted, (see below) and any excess not required cut off and disposed.
Fitting the Short-Long joiners to the Solar Collector
EPDM Collector- use mineral turpentine as a lubricant on the long end of the joiners and push the long end of the joiner into the solar collector tubing. PVCn Collector- brush type-P PVC glue around the long end of the joiner then push the long end of the joiner into the solar collector tubing.
Fitting Solar Collector to the Header Pipes
Use mineral turpentine as a lubricant on the short end of the long/short joiners and brush a small amount of turpentine across the grommets of the header pipe. The joiners will then be relatively easy to push into the grommets of the header pipes.
Also cutting the webbing between the solar collector tubing by 100mm will make installing the joiners into the grommets of the header pipes easier.
Header Pipes
Once the Solar Collector has been installed on the roof the header pipes can be fitted, (see below) and any excess not required cut off and disposed.
