Principle of Operation ----------------------------------------- 1

Standard Hot Water Piping Schematic ----------------- 2

Dimensions --------------------------------------------------------- 3

Orientation --------------------------------------------------------- 4

Inclination ---------------------------------------------------------- 5

The Insulated Hot Water Storage Tank ------------------ 6 - 7

Anatomy of Solar Collector --------------------------------- 8

The Solar Collector --------------------------------------------- 9

The Elements ----------------------------------------------------- 10

Assembling The System --------------------------------------- 11 - 15

Commissioning The System --------------------------------- 16

Pitch Roof Installation ----------------------------------------- 17

The Straps ---------------------------------------------------------- 18

Flat Roof Installation ------------------------------------------- 19

Concealed Tank Installation ------------------------------- 20 - 21

Multiple Installation -------------------------------------------- 22

Series Parallel Installation ------------------------------------ 23

Specification ----------------------------------------------------- 24

Frequently Asked Questions -------------------------------- 25 - 26

 

1. Water supply is connected to the system. 2. The water then fills up the riser pipes and storage tank. 3. When solar radiation is absorbed, water becomes hot and rises.

This is called the Thermosyphon principle. 4. The hot water then rises and stores in the insulated hot water

storage tank. 5. Hot water supply outlet.

PAGE 1 of 26

 

 

 

 

 

1. Recommended hot water pipes such as copper, stainless steel or any other approved hot water pipes.

2. Schematic and pipe dimensions shown are for a standard domestic dwelling.

Sunseeker

Kitchen  

-------- HOT WATER _____ COLD WATER

PAGE 2 of 26

 

PAGE 3 of 26

 

1. Maximum solar radiation 2. North or south

Ideal Orientation (Facing North or South)

lf North or South not available. Face East

Facing West not recommended

PAGE 4 of 26

 

1. Minimum inclination is 7 degrees 2. Maximum inclination is 40 degrees

PAGE 5 of 26

 

• Storage Tank

The storage cylinder is made of 1.5mm stainless steel is to withstand higher operating pressures and water temperatures.

• Insulation The hot water storage insulation is pressure injected CFC Free polyurethane foam which is a combination of polyol, isocynate and a blowing agent. This insulation keeps hot water temperatures hotter for longer periods of time.

• Casing Made of aluminium stucco, it is corrosion and rust proof to withstand all sorts of weather conditions and rainfall. A wash after a few years will give it a brand new look.

• Hot Water Enhancer This feature reduces the inertia of water going into the system so that hot water temperatures are not drastically reduced.

• Electric Element & Thermostat This electric element combined with a thermostat is provided in the event of continuous rainy days or when more hot water is required. If switched-on, water temperature will reach the pre-set temperature of 60 Degrees Celsius before cut-off.

• Pressure & Temperature Relief Valve This safety valve is provided to protect the storage tank from extreme water pressures and water temperature. It will release in the form of steam or water.

PAGE 6 of 26

 

• End Caps 15A 380V~ TYPE RTM WATER HEATER

PAGE 7 of 26

 

PAGE 8 of 26

 

• Tempered Glass

The solar glass cover is made of 4.0mm tempered glass for durability and higher transmittance of solar radiation.

• Absorber Plate The absorber plate is made of 0.3mm aluminium and coated matt black polyester to absorb more heat from the solar radiation. It comes in a complete piece for maximum heat transfer and minimal heat loss.

• Copper Risers There are six copper risers per solar collector and these copper risers are bonded to the absorber plate for maximum heat transfer.

• Collector Insulation The collector insulation ensures that heat trapped by the solar collector through solar radiation is maximized and not lost through inferior collector insulation.

• Header Pipe There are two header pipes per collector, one for the cold water entry and the other for hot water exit from the solar collector. These header pipes link all copper risers together and are inter-connected during installation by brass fittings.

• Collector Casing The collector casing is made of marine grade aluminium for longer lifespan and to ensure that the heat absorbed during solar radiation is kept to a maximum.

PAGE 9 of 26

 

1. 22mm Elbow 2. 22mm Socket 3. 22mm End Cap 4. I /2" x 3/4" S/S Nipper 5. I/2" x l /2" S/S T-Connector 6. PT Valve 7. One Way Valve

PAGE 10 of 26

 

• First connect the two collector sockets at the solar collector as

shown in the diagram but do not tighten as yet.

• Then push the other solar collector to connect with the collector unions and tighten all collector union plugs.

PAGE 11 of 26

 

• Now connect the end - plugs as shown and tighten.

• Place storage tank as shown

PAGE 12 of 26

 

• Connect (1) Long Arm and (2) Short Arm and tighten

• Connect 'T' Connector & Brass Reducer (Nipper)

PAGE 13 of 26

 

• Connect the 'T' Connector and Brass Reducer to the outlet at the top of the storage tank as shown

• Once that is in place connect the pressure & temperature relief valve at the 'T' Connector as shown

PAGE 14 of 26

 

PAGE 15 of 26

 

• Now that you have successfully assembled the system, all you need to do is connect the water supply, cold water inlet and hot water outlet.

• First ensure that all connector and end plugs are tightened. Secondly, please ensure that electric element is also tightened. Never switch-on the electricity before the system is completely filled with water.

• Now connect cold water supply inlet to the end-fill nut on the long-arm. Just before cold water connection to the end fill nut, a non-return valve must be installed to prevent back-flow. Hot water outlet connection is at the 'T' Connection (see previous page).

PAGE 16 of 26

 

• If it is a pitch roof, the solar hot water system should sit on at least two rafters and at least 7-8 batons.

• Pitch inclination should not be more than 45 degrees

• Remove tiles to expose rafters and batons where location has been identified.

Nail Stainless Steel Straps on rafters Replace roof tiles back to original position

PAGE 17 of 26

 

• The first thing to do is to strap the solar collector.

• Then strap the storage tank.

PAGE 18 of 26

 

• For flat roof installations, a bracket is required. Normally the bracket is made of aluminium as it will not rust or corrode. If a galvanized iron bracket is made, then it should be coated with red-oxide or any anti-rust solution.

Bracket dimensions should fit the solar hot water system. Please check complete system dimension before fabricating bracket.

PAGE 19 of 26

 

• For concealed tank installations, the ideal conditions would be, 1. The pitch of the roof should be steep but not more than 45 degrees, 2. The distance between the solar collector and the storage tank should not be too far apart and 3. The storage tank must be higher than the solar collectors.

• For concealed tank installation, a service tray should be made to fit the entire storage tank in the event of servicing.

• The inter-connecting pipes from the solar collector to the storage tank should be insulated.

• The drain pipe for the pressure and temperature relief valve must be fitted and the drainage to a reliable drain source.

PAGE 20 of 26

 

• Storage Tank Must Always Be Higher Than Solar Collectors

PAGE 21 of 26

 

• Two units in Series Connection

• For series connection, the maximum number of units per series is 6. If the total number of units is 8 or more, then you need to divide them into two groups of 4 each (see next page).

• It is strongly recommended, if the total numbers of units exceed 6 units, try to accommodate for even number of units for maximum efficiency and reduction of sleeping units.

PAGE 22 of 26

 

• Eight units in Series Parallel Connection

• First in last out rule must be observed at all times

PAGE 23 of 26

 

Solar Collector

Glass 4.0 mm Tempered Glass

Absorber Plate Aluminium

Absorber Coating Matt Black

Risers Copper (6 per panel)

Casing Aluminium

Fittings Brass

Collector Clamp & Strap Stainless Steel

PAGE 24 of 26

Storage Tank

Capacity 300 Litres

Cylinder 1.5 mm Stainless Steel

End Dome 2.0 mm Stainless Steel

Hot Water Enhancer Stainless Steel

Electric Booster 2.0 kW

Thermostat 420to 800C

Safety Valve RMC 700 kPa

Casing Aluminium Stucco

End Cap Electro-deposition Coating

Tank Foot Stainless Steel

Tank Clamp & Strap 1.5 mm Stainless Steel

 

• Can my roof take the weight of the solar hot water system?

Yes. The weight of the solar hot water system is spread over an area approximately 8 ft. by 8 ft. and sits on about 64 standard roof tiles. Nevertheless, if required it is recommended that an inspection of the roof and roof thrust is done.

• Where the solar hot water system should be installed?

Ideally the solar hot water system should be installed facing north or south. However, if this is not possible then the ideal option would be to face east.

• What happens if it rains?

If the rain continues for days and there is insufficient solar radiation, the back-up booster can be switched-on. REMEMBER to switched-off after use as the electric booster will work again if the temperature drops below 60 degrees.

• What if there is no cold water supply from the mains?

There will be no hot water coming from the solar hot water system if there is no cold water supply as the solar hot water system is a pressurized system and therefore requires water pressure to push the hot water out.

• How many systems do I need?

This depends on the number of people you have at home and also the type of hot water facilities you have in your bathrooms. For a basic family of about 6 - 8 people and an average sized home, a 300 litres system would be sufficient for 2 showers per day.

PAGE 25 of 27

 

• When is the best time to install the solar hot water system?

The best time to install the solar hot water system is when the plumbers have laid the hot water pipes and before the plastering begins. This will allow your plumbers to test the pipes with cold and hot water and if there are no leaks, the plastering can begin.

• How long does the solar hot water system takes to heat up?

In tropical climates the solar hot water system takes about 2 and a half hours if the correct inclination and orientation has been adhered to. This also depends on others weather condition such as wind, insolation from clouds, trees etc.

• What if the cold water pressure in my house is not good?

If this low water pressure problem exists, then it is better to consider an automatic water pressure pump as it will help you to increase the water pressure in your home.

• What sort of maintenance is required?

Basically there is no maintenance required as the only moving part is water. However, if you live near an area where there is quite a lot of pollution, like near an industrial estate, then a good wash every 12 months would be good. The pressure and temperature relief valve, although it lasts more than 10 years is recommended to be change every 7 years.

PAGE 26 of 26