31
INSTALLATION
–
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
Consideration must be given to the position of the solar collectors in relation to the solar storage tank. There
are limitations on the maximum length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank
and the solar collectors. Refer to
“Solar Storage Tank Location”
on page 21 and to
“Pipe Lengths”
on
page 32.
The solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position.
The surrounding vicinity should be checked for higher buildings or trees which may cause shade at other
times of the year and for small trees which may grow and shade the solar collectors in the future.
For optimum performance, solar collectors should be
installed facing towards the equator (i.e. north facing in
the southern hemisphere and south facing in the
northern hemisphere). ALWAYS CHECK ORIENTATION
WITH A COMPASS. Where this orientation is not
practical, solar collectors facing up to 45° from the
equator will receive about 4% less total solar radiation.
For optimum performance, inclination of the solar
collectors should be approximately equal to 90% of the
local latitude angle. The
latitude of some Australian cities
are listed on page 32. Solar collectors may be installed
at the roof angle for simplicity of installation and
appearance, but must never be flat. If the roof angle
varies by 15° from the optimum angle, the solar
collectors will receive about 10% less total solar
radiation.
The collector kit is suitable for installations with an inclination of up to 30°. Where the solar collectors are
installed at inclinations greater than 30°, a With Pitch frame is necessary. Refer to your local Solar
Distributor for details.
For an installation on a roof with a pitch less than 10°, a Variable Pitch frame should be used. Refer to
your local Solar Distributor for details.
For an installation of collectors on a pitched roof in a cyclonic or high wind area, a suitable With Pitch
frame is required. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for details.
The installation of these solar collectors on a suitable frame, subject to the frame‟s design criteria not
being exceeded:
is suitable for installation in geographic locations up to and within Wind Region D (With Pitch frame)
or up to and within Wind Region C (Variable Pitch frame), as defined in the Building Code of
Australia, Australian / New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 and the Australian Standard
AS 4055-2006, and
provides an acceptable method of installation where it is necessary to satisfy the requirements of
the Building Code of Australia and AS/NZS 3500.4 Clause 6.5.3.4 for high wind areas.
The installer must ensure the structural integrity of the building is not compromised by the solar water
heater installation and the roof structure is suitable to carry the full weight of the solar collector(s). If in
doubt the roof structure should be suitably strengthened. Consult a structural engineer.
Each solar collector and its fittings weighs approximately 43 kg when full of water.
The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and regulatory
authority requirements.
Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the collector kit for details on the installation of the
solar collectors.
