Specifications

www.aetsolar.com Open Loop / PV - Page 3
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
Unlike other types of solar collectors, the AET solar collectors do not add a significant amount of weight to
the roof. However, if the collectors are placed at a steeper pitch than the roof itself, the additional
exposed flat surfaces could present extreme wind loading forces during sustained high winds. Check
local codes for roof load requirements. The mounting hardware supplied with your solar system has been
designed for specific wind loads, but only if adequate support structure is present with sufficiently strong
structural members (such as engineered trusses). Most building permit offices may be able to help you
with recommended roofing practices for your area.
Obtain all applicable permits. Structural members penetrated by the solar system components must meet
local codes. The installer is to run the piping in such a way that the performance of any fire rated
assembly is not reduced. This applies to the collector mounting as well as the installation of any other
system components.
Inspect the roof. If it is in poor condition, it is advisable to replace all or part of the roof where the system
will be attached.
Locate a roof area facing as close to due south as possible for the placement of the solar collectors. The
plumbing runs must be planned in advance so that the shortest possible route between the storage tank
and collector is made. Make sure you have no low points in the sloped horizontal pipe runs. This could
trap water and in freezing weather cause the pipe to rupture.
Make sure you have all the necessary plumbing materials, tools, and accessories before beginning work.
CAUTION!
Solar collectors become very hot when in direct sunlight with no fluid being circulated through them.
Extreme caution should be taken when standing near, or handling solar collectors in this state. Where
possible, cover the collectors with a tarpaulin or other opaque covering until you are ready to energize
the system. The circulating pump becomes very hot when running. Do not touch before allowing
sufficient time to cool down.
Wear gloves when handling the solar collectors! They get extremely hot when left exposed to the sun.
The bright orange plastic caps should be removed prior to placing the collectors on the roof otherwise
they may get so hot that they melt in place. Also, never try to lift the collectors by the pipe nipples. These
bend when hot and would damage the collector. You should have a tarp handy to keep the collectors
covered during the entire installation process. This will prevent the collectors becoming too hot to handle
as you make your final adjustments and connections.
Direct systems are designed to use ½” copper pipe for the collector/tank interconnect piping. Type M may
be used except where otherwise specified by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Use only lead-free solder.
Use of 50/50 lead solder is expressly prohibited. Use of galvanized steel, CPVC, PVC, PEX or any other
type of plastic pipe is prohibited.
Dielectric nipples must be used on all connections to the tank. These are used wherever copper and
galvanized lines are connected together. This is a requirement of the Uniform Plumbing Code. Typically,
galvanized pipe nipples are used for all connections into the tank, which has ferrous female standard pipe
thread, 3/4" nominal (3/4" inside diameter). One side of a dielectric union fits a standard galvanized pipe
nipple, and the other side is brass or bronze for soldering to a copper pipe.
With solar tanks, the cold input from the pressurized supply line to the house (either city water or well
water) must be fed into the tank inlet. This is marked "Cold Inlet" and is located on top of the tank. There
is a long plastic tube attached internally to this connection so that incoming cold water is directed
immediately to the bottom of the tank, and therefore does not mix and cool down the hot water. A cold-