8
Installation
INSTALLATION
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Assembly
The system must be installed by specialist personnel. Use
only the assembly material supplied with the solar collector.
The supporting framework and all masonry or brickwork fixing
points must be checked by a person expert in static loading,
and must be suitable for the nature of the installation site.
Static load
The solar collector must only be installed on roofs or frames
that are strong enough to support its weight. The strength of
the roof or frame must be verified on site by a person expert in
static loading before the solar collector is installed. During this
process, it is important to verify the suitability of the supporting
frame to hold the screw fasteners that fix the solar collector
in place. An expert in static loading must verify that the entire
frame complies with relevant standards, especially in areas
liable to snow and areas exposed to high winds. Conditions
(gusts of wind, formation of wind vortices, etc.) at the point
where the solar collector is to be installed must be carefully
considered since these can increase the loads on the sup-
porting structure.
Lightning protection
The metal piping of the solar heating circuit must be connect-
ed to the main potential compensation bar by a (yellow-green)
copper wire (H07 V-U or R) of at least 16 mm
2
. If a lightning
conductor system is already installed, the solar collectors may
be connected to the existing system. Alternatively, the solar
collector piping may be connected to ground via a ground
wire sunk into the earth. Ground wires must be sunk outside
the house. The ground wire must be connected to the potential
compensation bar through a wire of the same diameter.
Water connections
When connecting solar collectors in a line, fit seal rings at both
ends of the connection fittings, taking care to ensure that they
are correctly positioned in their seats. Make all the necessary
connections, then check that all the ring nuts are properly tight-
ened. If the pipes used to connect the ends of the solar col-
lector line to the rest of the system are not sufficiently flexible
to absorb the stress imparted by thermal expansion, fit com-
pensating devices at both ends of the line (U-type expansion
joints, sections of flexible hose or dedicated expansion joints).
Up to 6 collectors may be connected in a line, but only if the
above provisions are made.
When tightening a fitting with a
pipe wrench or spanner, always hold the opposite fitting
steady with a second tool to avoid damaging the absorber.
b
All pipes in the water circuit must be insulated in con-
formity to relevant standards. Lagging and insulation
must be protected against damage by the weather and
birds and animals.
Angle of collectors / General
Solar collectors are designed to be installed at angles of be-
tween 15° (minimum) and 75° (maximum). Make sure that the
bleed and vent valves of the collectors remain open while the
collectors are being installed. Take care to protect all fittings,
connections, bleed and vent valves against dirt and dust etc.
In installations which serve primarily to produce domestic hot
water in the summer, install the collectors facing from east to
west at an angle of between 20 and 60°. The ideal orientation
is southwards, at an angle equal to the latitude of the location
minus 10°. If the system sustains the greatest thermal load in
the winter (as in systems that combine domestic hot water pro-
duction with central heating), install the collectors facing south
(or south-east or south-west) at an angle greater than 35°. The
ideal orientation is southwards, at an angle equal to the lati-
tude of the location plus 10°.
b
Work near uncovered and live electrical wires, with
which it is possible to come into contact, is only permit-
ted under the following conditions: wires must be free
from voltage for the entire duration of the work; parts
remaining live must be covered or accidental contact
prevented; the following minimum safety distances must
be respected: 1m (for voltages of up to 1000 Volts), 3m
(for voltages from 1000 to 11000 Volts), 4m (for voltages
from 11000 to 22000 Volts), 5m (for voltages from 22000
to 38000 Volts), >5m (if the voltage is not known). Con-
tact with open, live electrical wires may lead to electro-
cution and may even be fatal.
b
Always wear safety goggles when drilling. Always wear
safety shoes, cut-proof protective gloves and a safety
helmet when performing installation work.
b
Before beginning installation work on roofs, install the
necessary fall prevention and fall arrest devices and
ensure that all applicable safety standards are applied.
Use only tools and materials that conform to the safety
standards that are applicable in the place of work.
b
Only wear overalls that have a safety harness (with a
suitable safety or fall-arrest belt, ropes or slings, fall
dampers or dissipaters). In the absence of adequate fall
prevention and security devices, failure to use a proper
safety harness may lead to falls from great heights with
serious or even fatal consequences.
b
The use of ladders leaned against walls can lead to se-
rious falls if the ladder slips, slides of falls. When using
ladders, always ensure that they are stable, and that
suitable ladder stops are present. If possible secure the
ladder with hooks. Make sure that there are no live elec-
trical wires near the ladder.
b
In recessed installations (surrounded by flashing), make
sure that water cannot flow over the glass panel of the
solar collector from cement, brickwork or masonry. For
this reason, it is essential to avoid installing the collector
under cement work, chimneys and other structures.
b
Do not use this kit for recessed installations (surrounded
by flashing) on slate roofs.
b
Use only soap and water to clean the glass panels of
the collectors. Rinse with clean water after cleaning. Use
soft cloths to clean the glass. Do not use abrasive mate-
rials or corrosive substances.
