SOLE 1,75 User manual

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual -
GB
SOLAR COLLECTORS
INSTALLATION MANUAL
MODELS: 1,75 – 2,00 – 2,50 – 2,70

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
1
INDEX
PAGE
1. Presentation …………………………………………………………………….. 2
2. Parts Included …………………………………………………………………… 2
2.1. Solar Collectors ……………………………………………………………. 2
2.2. Support Frame ……………………………………………………………. 4
2.3. Connectors …………………………………………………………………. 6
3. Placement of the Collectors ……………………………………………………. 6
4. Bank of Collectors ………………………………………………………………. 7
5. Flat Roof Installation ……………………………………………………………. 11
5.1. Installation of longitudinal profiles D3 and Z angle E1/E2 ……………... 11
5.2 Installation of vertical legs A3 and the long cross pieces X1/1/X2
………………………
13
5.3. Installation of vertical legs A3 and the longitudinal profiles D3
…………..
14
5.4. Placement of Solar Collectors ……………………………………………. 14
6. Tile roof installation ……………………………………………………………… 16
7. Connections and Hydraulic Circuit ……………………………………………. 16
8. Lightning Protection....................………………………………………………. 19
9. Permissible wind and snow load ………………………………………………. 19
10. Care and Maintenance Program ................................................................. 20

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
2
1. Presentation
The present document demonstrates detailed installation instructions for the solar
collectors using the support frames and accessories included in the supply.
Before proceeding with the installation of the collectors, read these instructions and
make sure you have understood. If you have questions about the materials or on the
assembly process described in this document, contact your supplier via telephone,
fax or e-mail. Improper installation of the collectors may cause an unsatisfactory
operation of the solar system, compromising its durability and even be dangerous for
the people or the goods.
The instructions of this document do not exempt in any way the compliance with
existing regulations and provisions of technical and administrative application at the
place where the facility is located.
The installation of solar collectors without following the instructions in this document
and / or regulations will invalidate the warranty of the product.
The installer will check before starting the installation that he has all the necessary
parts and all the security measures have been taken in order to carry out the
installation safely. The installer must use protective gloves to avoid any risk of burns
or cuts during handling of collectors or its support frame.
2. Parts Included
The supply consists of:
One or more solar collectors
One or more support frames
Two or more fitting and connection (except for a single collector)
2.1. Solar Collectors
The solar collectors are supplied individually packaged in carton boxes. The collector
model is indicated on the outside of each box. Depending on the number of units
ordered, collectors can be supplied palletised in groups of up to 10 units. Collectors
should always be during transport and storage placed with the glass facing on top,
otherwise there is danger of water entering in the collectors from the ventilation holes
at the back of the collector.
The main technical characteristics of the collectors are indicated below (figure no. 1)
WEIGHT kg DIMENSIONS
TYPE
ALUM.
ABSORBER COPPER ABSORBER
A B C D E F
1,75 37 38 1000 1760 1050 895 1668 2024
2,00 39.8 41 970 1970 1020 895 1878 2196
2,50 47.6 49 1175 1970 1225 895 1878 2294
2,70 54 55.1 1248 2145 1298 895 2053 2482

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
3
Absorber
Copper tubes and copper or aluminum fin with selective
or non selective coating.
Pressure test
9 bar
Pressure max.
6 bar
Isola
tion
Side: 20 mm glass wool
back: 40 mm rock wool
Casing
Aluminium profile epoxy powder oven painted
Free of bolts and rivets.
Sea Water resistant.
Glass
Tempered low iron prismatic glass 4 mm.
Sealing
EPDM Rubber.
Connector
Compression union 22x22
F
low recommended
40 litres/h/m²
Content
of liquid
1.75 = 1,30ltr; 2.00 = 1,36 ltr; 2.50 = 1,64ltr; 2.70 = 1,86ltr
Figure 1. Characteristics of solar collector

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
4
The manufacturing of the solar collector follow strict quality criteria and is certified by
ISO 9001:2008.
The collector is certified by the authorized national bodies of different countries and
tested by several accredited laboratories (TUV, INETI, CSTB, Demokritos,). Our
collectors are Solar Keymark, CSTBat and SRCC. Certified.
The figure below shows the characteristics of instantaneous energy efficiency curve
of solar collector.
Figure 2. Efficiency curve of Selective Collector
2.2. Support Frame
There are two sets of support frames for a single collector (EST1) or for two
collectors (EST2).
Depending on the bank of solar collectors chosen, the appropriate number of support
frames will be provided for one or two collectors. Table 1 shows the sets of support
frames necessary for different banks of solar collectors.
Nº of collectors in bank
1
2
3
4
5
6
EST1 1 - 1 - 1 -
EST2 - 1 1 2 2 3
Connectors - 2 4 6 8 10
Table 1. The support frames and the connections provided depend on the number of
collectors per bank

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
5
The support frames sets are composed of elements that are shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Figure 3. Support frame components EST1 for a single solar collector
Figure 4. Support frame components EST2 for two solar collectors
The support frames allow the installation of the solar collectors with different
inclinations (45, 40, 35 or 30 degrees) using the same profiles and accessories, by
choosing properly the fixing holes.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
6
2.3. Connectors
The connectors supplied are conical-type compression unions with metal ring and
allow the connection of two or more solar collectors in a bank, joining the top and
bottom of the collectors.
This way, the collectors are hydraulically connected between them in parallel.
The number of connections provided is determined by the number of collectors in the
bank, according to Table 1 above.
Figure5. Connections
3. Placement of the Collectors
The choice of location, inclination and orientation of the solar collectors has to be
determined at the design stage of the installation. The installation of the solar
collectors in the building should be carried out respecting the instructions of the
person in charge of the project, who should have taken into consideration the effect
of the orientation, inclination and possible shadows in the calculation of benefits of
the solar system.
Particular attention should be paid to the minimum distance maintained between two
rows of solar collectors or between an obstacle in front of a group of solar collectors
and them. During the calculation of this distance one should take into consideration
the latitude of the place, the inclination of the terrain and the period of use of the
facility. Failure to have a more detailed specification by the designer of the facility,
the distance should not be less than that shown in Figure 6.
At the time of its installation, the solar collectors should be stored in a compound
covered and kept in their original packaging. During the assembly phase, avoid

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
7
keeping the solar collectors outdoors with the cover glass facing down on wet
surfaces, in order to prevent entry of humidity or water in the rear of the collector.
Figure 6. Distance needed in order to avoid shadows on collectors.
Once at work, in the event that the installer observes the existence of elements that
can cause shadows on the solar collectors and have not be taken into account in the
design of the system, as protection walls in terraces, fireplaces, outdoor air
conditioning units or other elements, should inform the designer of the project or the
owner of the property in order to revise or amend the calculations made for the
location of the collectors, if necessary.
The system of fixing the support frame of the solar collectors to the building also
must be determined in the design phase of the installation, for example by
conducting benches built on a flat roof. In this case, the thickness and size of the
bench should be sufficient to ensure stability of the whole in case of strong gusts of
wind. In any case, the solution adopted should ensure the solidity and stability of the
setting without compromising the watertight integrity of the deck. To facilitate the
design of the fixing system, figures 7 to 13 show the distances between the support
frames of the solar collectors.
4. Banks of Collectors
The solar collectors can be connected with each other to form banks of up to 6 units
in parallel, connecting the top and bottom of the collectors through the fittings
included in the set.
The dimensions of pipe connections for collector arrays up to 20m² is 22mm.
It is recommended that the connections between the different banks of collectors are
also conducted in parallel. However, the connection of up to two banks of solar
collectors in series is allowed.
In the following figures from 6 to 13 shows the dimensions of the solar collectors from
1 to 6 units and for different angles of inclination. Additionally, there should be
sufficient space around the banks of collectors to perform with comfort the hydraulic
connections.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
8
Figure 7. A Single Collector
TYPE A B
1,75 1000 mm 895 mm
2,00 970 mm 895 mm
2,50 1175 mm 895 mm
2,70 1248 mm 895 mm
Figure 8. Bank of Two Solar Collectors
TYPE A B C D
1,75 2060 mm 895 mm 582.5 mm 1000 mm
2,00 2000 mm 895 mm 552.5 mm 970 mm
2,50 2410 mm 1440 mm 485 mm 1175 mm
2,70 2556 mm 1440 mm 558 mm 1248 mm

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
9
Figure 9. Bank of Three Solar Collectors
TYPE A B C D E F
1,75 3120 mm 895 mm 582.5 mm 1000 mm 695 mm 895 mm
2,00 3090 mm 895 mm 552.5 mm 970 mm 650 mm 895 mm
2,50 3645 mm 1440 mm 485 mm 1175 mm 685 mm 895 mm
2,70 3864 mm 1440 mm 558 mm 1248 mm 794,5 mm 895 mm
. Figure 10. Bank of Four Solar Collectors
TYPE A B C D E
1,75 4180 mm 895 mm 582.5 mm 1000 mm 1225 mm
2,00 4060 mm 895 mm 552.5 mm 970 mm 1165 mm
2,50 4880 mm 895 mm 485 mm 1175 mm 1030 mm
2,70 5172 mm 895 mm 558 mm 1248 mm 1176 mm

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
10
.
Figue 11. Bank of Five Solar Collectors
TYPE A B C D E F
1,75 5240 mm 895 mm 582.5 mm 1000 mm 695 mm 895 mm
2,00 5090 mm 1439 mm 582.5 mm 970 mm 650 mm 895 mm
2,50 6115 mm 1440 mm 485 mm 1175 mm 685 mm 895 mm
2,70 6480 mm 1440 mm 558 mm 1248 mm 794.5 mm 895 mm
. Figure 12. Bank of Six Solar Collectors
TYPE A B C D E
1,75 6300 mm 895 mm 584.5 mm 1000 mm 1225 mm
2,00 6120 mm 895 mm 552.5 mm 970 mm 1165 mm
2,50 7350 mm 1440 mm 485 mm 1175 mm 1030 mm
2,70 7788 mm 1440 mm 558 mm 1248 mm 1176 mm

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
11
Figure 13. Dimensions of the banks of collectors depending on the inclination.(The
above dimensions apply to all sizes of collectors)
5. Flat Roof Installation
Next it will be described the procedure for installing a bank of two solar collectors on
a flat roof. The formation of more banks of collectors is done simply by adding the
support frames EST1 or EST2 when necessary.
5.1. Installation of the longitudinal profiles D3 and the Z angles E1/E2
Place the two longitudinal profiles D3 on the floor, at the indicated distance, so that
both profiles U remain outward-oriented. Place the two Z angles E1 or E2 over, in the
correct position (Figure 14a, 14b & 14c) .
Screw the lower Z angle E1 or E2 to the two longitudinal profiles D3 with two sunk
head bolts M8x20 with their nuts and washers and tighten.
Screw the higher Z angle E1 or E2 to the two longitudinal profiles D3 with two sunk
head bolts M8x20 with their nuts and washers, without tighten it yet in order to
facilitate the subsequent placement of the collectors.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
12

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
13
5.2. Installation of the vertical legs A3 and the Long cross pieces X1/X2
Place the two long crosspieces X1 or X2 forming an X, with the convex part of the
profiles and link them into contact with each other through a bolt M10x20 with nut
and washer, without tighten it yet.
Place the two vertical legs A3 parallel on the floor, so that both U profiles are oriented
towards the interior. Screw the long crosspieces X1 or X2 as the cross-legged to the
vertical legs A3 using four bolts M10x16 with its nuts. Tighten the four bolts at the
ends and the bolt of the central X (Figure 15a and 15b).

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
14
5.3. Installation of the vertical legs A3 and the longitudinal profiles D3
Lift the legs A3 coupled with the X formed with the long crosspieces X1 or X2 until
you place them vertically.
Lift the rear part of the longitudinal profiles D3 coupled with the cross profiles E1 or
E2 and join to the vertical legs A3, using two holes depending on the inclination that
should be given to the collectors. Tighten with two bolts M10X16 with its nuts.
Join the short crosspieces X3 to the longitudinal profiles D3 (at its inner surface) and
to the rear legs A3 (at its outer face), use the holes depending on the inclination that
wants to be given to the collectors. Both profiles should be horizontal. Screw with the
two bolts M10x16 in each profile, with its respective nuts.
Join the structure to the bench, using the raw plugs and anchored bolts supplied or
with the fixing parts suitable to the characteristics of the support frame. In any case,
the choice of the solution adopted should avoid compromising the watertight integrity
of the roof. (Fig. 16).
5.4. Placement of Solar Collectors
Place one of the solar collectors in the support frame, place it first on the lower profile
cross-E1 or E2 and then on the higher profile cross- E1 or E2. Adjust the position of
the solar collector in the structure, so that matches the holes in the structure of the
holes in the rear part of the collector (Figure 17).
X3
X3
Figur
e
16.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
15
Remove the protection caps
of the collector lateral’
connections and introduce
the two compression union
connectors (see fig. 5).
Remove the protection caps of the connections of the lateral of the second collector
and place it on the structure, on the cross profiles E1 or E2 lower and upper.
Slide the second collector so that the end is introduced into the connector. Verify that
the connection has been done correctly and that the holes in the structure match
those holes back of the collectors. Adjust the position of the collectors if necessary.
Adjust the higher cross- E1 or E2 profile to the collectors and tighten the bolts that
bind to the longitudinal profiles D3.
Screw the solar collectors to the structure, with the bolts M6x20 (four per collector)
with their washers.
Make sure all bolts and the different elements of the structure are properly tightened
and check the solidity of the whole and its correct fixing to the bench. The collectors
and the support system can withstand wind velocity up to 120km/h and weight of
snow up to 80cmheight at 45 degrees.
The bank of two solar collectors is ready to start the hydraulic connections.
Figure 17.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
16
6. Tile roof installation
The assembly of solar collectors on a tile roof is done in a manner similar to that
described above, with a different position of the vertical legs A3 that have to be
placed horizontally underneath the E1/E2 in a parallel manner. The crosspieces X1
or X2 and X3 shorts are not needed for tile roof installation.
The profiles D3 longitudinal and transverse E1 or E2 have to be fixed to the roof with
strength and without compromising its tightness. The fixing procedure will depend on
the characteristics of the roof. With the installation fittings are supplied some
perforated flexible metal strips to facilitate this fixation on certain roof configurations.
(See fig. 19) The collectors and the support system can withstand wind velocity up to
120km/h and weight of snow up to 80cmheight at 45 degrees.
Figure 19.
7. Connections and Hydraulic Circuit
The collectors or different groups of solar collectors must be connected hydraulically
to form a closed primary solar collection circuit. The use of copper pipes is
recommended, with a wall minimum thickness of 1 mm and an adequate diameter for
the circulation flow of each part.
The entry of liquid to the group of solar collectors will be from the end at the bottom
of the collector. On the top end connection a plug must be installed. The output of

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
17
liquid will be done by the top of collector's opposite end of each bank. On the top
connection an end cap must be installed.
The route of the pipeline will be conducted so as to minimize the parts where the flow
of the hot fluid runs (of the collectors towards the tank or to the interchange at the
plant room).
In each group of solar collectors two stop valves should be installed at the entrance
and exit to allow the hydraulic isolation of the rest of the circuit and a safety valve
(figure 20).
The solar collectors reach high temperatures, especially in periods of great sunshine
and low energy consumption, which can cause significant expansion of the materials.
The connection of various groups of solar collectors with each other and / or pipes of
hydraulic circuit must be made so as to ensure that expansion does not cause
excessive pressure (tensions) on the connections or on the collectors, for example
by the use of flexible unions.
In all the high points of the primary circuit of the solar collectors, and particularly the
output of each group of collectors, an air vent must be installed, automatic or manual.
In any case, the air vent must be capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 150 º
C without deterioration. Once the air is drawn out from the circuit, the vents will
remain closed.
A smooth distribution of flow between different groups of solar collectors must be
ensured so that each group has a flow rate close to 100 litres / h for each collector
that is part of this group (i.e. 400 litres / h for every group of 4 solar collectors). This
can be achieved with appropriate design of the route of the pipeline or by installing a

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
18
balancing valve in each group, properly adjusted. We recommend the second
system.
The pressure drop within each collector should be taken into account when selecting
the appropriate pump. (figure 21 indicates the pressure drop)
Figure 21.
The pipes must be insulated according to existing regulations. The thickness of the
insulation material must be at least 30 mm for a material with conductivity equal to
0.040 W/mºK. The insulation material must be capable of withstanding pipe surface
temperatures higher than 120 °C without deteriorat ion.
The circulating fluid must contain a sufficient amount of antifreeze liquid to avoid any
risk of freezing. The freezing temperature of the fluid circuit of the solar collector
should be less than the minimum temperature recorded at the site of the facility.
Propylene glycol makes an excellent choice for use as a heat transfer fluid in
applications where contact with potable water, food or beverages might occur. Its low
toxicity, low freezing point, corrosion-inhibiting composition and high boiling point
make it uniquely applicable for use in such applications.
Below is a table showing the freezing temp. of propylene glycol – water fluid with
respect to the ratio of pure glycol to the water.

SOLE S.A. – Solar Collectors – Installation Manual
19
Freezing Point
Propylene Glycol Solution
(% by mass) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Temperature (
o
C) 0 -3 -8 -14 -22 -34 -48
The primary circuit of the solar collectors must be in accordance with all the
necessary security measures, particularly a safety valve correctly set, an expansion
tank designed to even take into account the evaporation of liquid contained in the
collectors and a system of protection against overheating (heat sink or similar), if
necessary.
The primary circuit of the solar collectors must have at least a thermometer and a
manometer to permit recording of the temperature and the pressure of the circuit.
Before the final filling of the primary circuit, internal washing with domestic water
should be carried out to remove any dirt or rests and pressure test should be carried
out to verify the sealing of all, without exceeding the maximum pressure allowed by
solar collectors. This is to verify that the connections between solar collectors have
no leaks. If that is so, the fittings should be tightened, using two keys, so as to avoid
transmitting force (tortion) to the pipes of the absorbers of the solar collectors.
During the final filling of the solar system with antifreeze fluid it must be verified that
the circuit is perfectly purged and pressurized. Once this operation is finalized, the air
vents should be closed.
It should be avoided to carrying out operations such as washing and filling the
primary circuit while or after the solar collectors are exposed to intense sun.
8. Lightning Protection
National norms and regulations over lightning protection should be closely followed.
In any case the support(s) of the collectors must be “earthed” with copper wire of
16mm
2
to the ground grid of the building. This will serve as lightning protection.
This guideline does not release in any way the installer from his responsibility
against lightning protection requirements.
9. Permissible wind and snow load
Permissible negative pressure for wind load is 1500 Pa
Permissible positive pressure for snow load is 2000 Pa