Specifications

37
INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTOR(S)
SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
Consideration must be given to the position of the solar collector(s) 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 collector(s). Refer to “Solar Storage Tank Location” on page 25 and to “Pipe Lengths” on
page 39.
The solar collector(s) 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 collector(s) in the future.
Sufficient space should be left around the solar collector(s) to allow for safe service access.
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 collector(s).
ROOF STRENGTH
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) and frame (if one
is installed). If in any doubt of the construction or the condition of the roof, the roof should be suitably
strengthened. Consult a structural engineer. Each solar collector and its fittings weighs approximately
43 kg (HBT200 – 2.0 m
2
collector) or 55 kg (TBT260 – 2.6 m
2
collector) when full of water.
ORIENTATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS
To help maximise system performance, solar collectors should be installed with an optimum orientation
facing true north (in the southern hemisphere) or true south (in the northern hemisphere). Always check for
true north or true south using a compass or other suitable device.
The solar performance of a system reduces as the orientation of the collectors moves away from the
optimum orientation, resulting in the need for increased boosting to supply the same hot water load. Solar
collectors facing up to 45° from the optimum orientation will receive about 4% to 5% less total solar radiation.
However, the optimum orientation of solar collectors is not always practical or achievable. A single TBT260
solar collector may be installed up to 90° from the optimum orientation when installed as part of this system.
In Victoria, a 160 tank system with 1 x TBT260 solar collector installed within the Regulation Compliance
Zone achieves compliance to new home legislation for water heating. Outside of the compliance zone
2 x HBT200 solar collectors should be used to achieve compliance.
In areas other than Victoria, 2 x HBT200 solar collectors should not be installed with this system.
INCLINATION OF SOLAR COLLECTOR
To help maximise system performance, the solar collector should be installed with an optimum inclination.
This is equal to 90% to 100% of the local latitude angle when the collector is oriented within 60° of true north
or true south, and between 10° and 20° when the collector is oriented between 60° and 90° from the
optimum orientation.
Generally, improved summer performance is obtained from an angle of inclination less than the optimum
angle and improved winter performance is obtained by an angle of inclination greater than the optimum
angle. If the angle of inclination varies by 20° from the optimum angle, the solar collector will receive about
10% less total annual solar radiation. The latitude of some Australian cities are listed on page 38.
However, the optimum inclination of the solar collector is not always practical or achievable. The solar
collector may be installed at the roof angle for simplicity of installation and appearance, but must never be
flat for a pumped solar direct water heater installation. Although the solar collectors can be installed with an
inclination of less than 10°, this is not advised.