SunEarth SunSiphon Instruction manual

SunSiphon
SRCC OG-300 Certied Solar Water Heating System
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
SunSiphon
SRCC OG-300 Certied Solar Water Heating System
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
Created By: Ruben Gonzalez

SUNEARTH SUNSIPHON
DOMESTIC SOLAR WATER
HEATING SYSTEM
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
The SunSiphon domestic solar water heating system has gone through an extensive design, technical and per-
formance review by the Solar Rating & Certification Corporation (SRCC). The installation of your SunSiphon
system is intended to be executed by properly licensed and experienced professional contractors in accordance
with SRCC Standard OG-300, “Operating Guidelines and Minimum Standards For Certifying”, and must con-
form to applicable federal, state and local regulations, codes, ordinances and standards governing the installa-
tion of solar water heating systems.
The solar energy system described by this manual, when properly installed and maintained, meets the mini-
mum standards established by the SRCC. This certification does not imply endorsement or warranty of this
product by the SRCC.
OG-300 system certification is granted to SunEarth by the SRCC. It may not be used for any commercial pur-
pose without the prior written consent of SunEarth. SunEarth must approve any deviation from the materials
and methods described in this manual in writing.
The SunSiphon solar water heating system should not be installed in any area that has experienced
ambient air temperatures below 15° Fahrenheit (-12° C) for an 18 hour period. Use Table 5, Section 4 of
this manual to determine the required concentration of propylene glycol and distilled water to provide
adequate freeze protection in your specific climate.
Dow Chemical “Dowfrost HD” propylene glycol heat transfer fluid shall be used in this system as the primary
freeze protection agent. Unauthorized fluid substitutions can result in a threat to health, welfare and safety and
may cause the system piping to freeze.
All component warranties express or implied, are voided if uninhibited glycol, potable or distilled water are
substituted for the specified heat transfer fluid described in this manual, or if the heat transfer fluid is not
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
Freeze tolerance limits are based upon an assumed set of environmental conditions. Extended periods of cold
weather, including ambient air temperatures above the specified limit may cause freezing in exposed parts of
the system. It is the owner’s responsibility to protect the system in accordance with SunEarth’s instructions if
the ambient air temperature approaches the specified freeze tolerance limit.
11/10

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
1) Introduction ..................................................................................................................................1
2) System Description and Operational Principle .........................................................................2
3) Installation Requirements – General .........................................................................................2
4) Installation Requirements – Specific..........................................................................................3
5) Start Up Procedures...................................................................................................................21
6) Normal System Operation .........................................................................................................21
7) Isolating The Solar Storage Tank.............................................................................................21
8) Extended Vacation Procedures .................................................................................................22
9) Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................................................22
10) Component Parts......................................................................................................................23
11) Estimated Component Life......................................................................................................23
12) Approved Primary Components.............................................................................................24
13) System Operating Paramaters ................................................................................................24
14) Model Numbers ........................................................................................................................25
15) SunSiphon OG300 Labels........................................................................................................26
16) Warranty Statement.................................................................................................................28

P.a5
SUNSIPHON
Time/Temperature Relationship in Scalds
Temperature Time To Produce a Serious Burn
120°F More than 5 minutes
125°F 1½ to 2 minutes
130°F About 30 seconds
135°F About 10 seconds
140°F Less than 5 seconds
145°F Less than 3 seconds
150°F About 1½ seconds
155°F About 1 second
Table courtesy of Shriners Burn Institute
The chart shown above may be used as a guide
in determining the proper water temperature for your home.
!
DANGER: Households with small children, disabled,
or elderly persons may require a 120°F or lower thermostat
setting to prevent contact with “HOT” water.
NOTICE: Mixing valves should be installed to reduce the
point of use water temperature by mixing hot and cold water
in branch water lines. Contact a licensed installer or the local
plumbing authority for further information.
The temperature of the water in the water heater can be regu-
lated by setting the temperature dial of the adjustable surface
mounted thermostat locatedbehindthe jacket access panel.
This thermostat controls the
water heater’s heating ele-
ment only. (A separate ther-
mostat should be utilized in
monitoring the temperature
from the collector).
To comply with safety reg-
ulations the thermostat is
factory set at 120° F or less
where local codes require.
!
DANGER: Hotter water increases the potential for Hot
Water SCALDS.
°
!
DANGER!
WATERTEMPERATURE SETTING
Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water
temperature setting of water heater’s thermostat. Water temperatures above 125°F
can cause severe burns or death from scalding. Be sure to read and follow the warnings
outlined on the label pictured below.
!
DANGER: Burns from Hot Water and
Steam - Use extreme care when opening relief
valves, charging closed loop, and filling storage
tank.
The electrical element booster thermostat has
been factory set at 50°C (120°F) to reduce the
risk of scald injury. Adjusting the thermostat to a
higher setting is not recommended. Hotter water
increases the potential for Hot Water Scalds.
R
E
S
E
T
R
E
S
E
T
TURN OFF
PO WER
BEFORE
SE RV I CING
90°F150°F
125°F
(66°C)
(52°C)
(32°C)
Reset button
Thermostat
protective
cover
Thermostat
dial pointer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

P.a6 SUNSIPHON
!
WARNING!
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk
of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss
of life.
FOR INSTALLATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California Law requires that residential water heaters must be braced, anchored or
strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motions. For
residential water heaters up to 52 gallon capacity, a brochure with generic earthquake
bracing instructions can be obtained from: Office of the State Architect, 1102 Q Street,
Suite 5100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or you may call 916-445-8100 or ask a water heater
dealer.
However, applicable local codes shall govern installation. For residential water heaters
of a capacity greater than 52 gallons, consult the local building jurisdiction for acceptable
bracing procedures.
Have the installer show you the location of the circuit breaker and how to shut it off if
necessary. Turn off the circuit breaker if the water heater has been subjected to overheating,
fire, flood, physical damage or if the ECO fails to shut off.
Read this manual entirely before installing
or operating the water heater.
Be sure your appliance is properly installed
in accordance with local codes and the
provided installation instructions.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Use this appliance only for its intended
purpose as described in this Installation,
Operations and Maintenance Manual
Be sure to read and understand the entire Installation, Operation and Maintenance
Manual before attempting to install or operate this water heater. It may save you time
and cost. Pay particular attention to the Safety Instructions. Failure to follow these
warnings could result in serious bodily injury or death. Should you have problems
understanding the instructions in this manual, or have any questions, STOP, and get
help from a qualified service technician, or the local utility.
Do not attempt to repair or replace any part
of your water heater unless it is specifically
recommended in this manual. All other
servicing should be referred to your install-
ing contractor or local SunEarth Distributor.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION
CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

PREFACE
Let us first offer two words of grateful appreciation.
Thank You! We sincerely appreciate your business.
SunEarth also wishes to say thank you for “going
solar”. Solar water heating systems help to reduce
our nation’s dependence on polluting fossil fuels,
minimize the greenhouse gas emissions associated
with conventional water heating and, very impor-
tantly, lower your monthly utility costs.
Established in 1978, SunEarth is a leading U.S.
solar equipment manufacturer. Our products include
industry standard EmpireTM and SunBeltTM solar
water heating collectors, CopperHeartTM integral
collector storage systems, SunSiphonTM pack-
aged thermosiphon systems, SunBurstTM all copper
absorber plates, Solar StrutTM and Rex RackTM
mounting hardware. We also build specialty col-
lectors for unique architectural and building appli-
cations. SunEarth SRCC OG-300 certified solar
water heating systems are sold by leading solar,
plumbing and building contractors throughout the
United States.
Your SunSiphon solar water heating system has
been designed to meet exacting SRCC OG-300 cer-
tification requirements. The components found in
your system have been selected by your installation
contractor for their proven reliability, longevity and
performance in your specific region of the country.
SunEarth Inc. maintains a policy of continuous
review and improvement to ensure that Solaray
systems incorporate any appropriate technological
advances. To ensure that products represent the cur-
rent state of the art in solar water heating Solaray
systems are subject to change without notice. Please
consult the SunEarth Inc. website at www.sunearth-
inc.com for current information and latest manual
revisions.
1) INTRODUCTION
Solar water heating systems are climate and site
specific appliances. Different types of solar sys-
tems are installed around the world depending upon
regional weather patterns, water quality conditions
and the application. System performance varies as
a function of the daily household hot water load,
including all showers, laundry, and kitchen uses,
the average ground water and ambient air tempera-
tures, the home’s roof pitch and orientation, and,
of course, the seasonal intensity of solar radiation.
These variables, some of which change from home
to home on the same neighborhood street, determine
how much energy and money your SunSiphon sys-
tem will save on an annual basis.
P.1
SUNSIPHON
fig. 1
SYSTEM ORIENTATION

Your SunSiphon solar system is known as an “indi-
rect thermosiphon” system because it utilizes natu-
ral convection of heated fluid to efficiently circulate
the Dow Chemical Dowfrost HD propylene glycol
heat transfer fluid (HTF) through the collectors and
tank heat exchanger. The HTF protects the collector
piping from freezing and inhibits scaling deposits
that can reduce performance in “open-loop” sys-
tems utilizing potable water as the HTF. Proper
application and maintenance of the HTF can protect
your SunSiphon solar water heating system to 15°
Fahrenheit.
This manual is intended as a basic solar water heat-
ing primer. Our goal is to familiarize you with the
proper installation, operation and maintenance of
your SunSiphon system. This system is required
to be installed by properly licensed solar or plumb-
ing contractors in accordance with SRCC Standard
OG-300 and all applicable national, state and local
codes, ordinances and regulations governing solar
water heating systems as well as good trade prac-
tices. Failure to follow the procedures and practices
described in this manual may void the manufac-
turer’s warranty for specific component parts.
This manual covers installations utilizing one or two
SunEarth solar collectors with a single solar storage
tank and also two tank systems that include a solar
storage tank and supplemental tank type or tankless
water heater. For simplicity, the singular form will
be used throughout this manual when referring to
all of these components and system permutations.
Frequent reference is made throughout this manual
to specific component parts. The placement of each
component can be seen in system schematic figures
21 and 22. A description of each component and its
function is found in Section 10.
2)SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND
OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLE
The SunSiphon system consists of four main com-
ponents. These are the solar collectors, the stainless
steel storage tank with the integral stainless steel
heat exchanger and expansion chamber, and the heat
transfer fluid (HTF). The solar collectors and the
heat exchanger are filled with Dowfrost HD propyl-
ene glycol heat transfer fluid (HTF). The expansion
chamber prevents pressure build up in the collector
loop as the sun heats the HTF. The Dowfrost HD
HTF has a much lower freeze point than water and
protects the solar collectors from freezing. The
stainless steel storage tank is filled with potable
water under mains pressure.
Your SunSiphon system is known as a “passive”
solar water heater because it does not require
mechanical pumps, thermostats or any moving parts
to make hot water. Thermosiphon solar systems
work on the principle of natural convection, or the
fact that heated liquids rise. Solar energy striking
the collectors warms the propylene glycol HTF in
the collector piping causing it to rise into the tank
heat exchanger. The heat energy is then transferred
by conduction to the storage tank heating the potable
water contained inside. The cooler HTF then falls to
the bottom of the solar collector and the process is
repeated.
The SunSiphon storage tank is equipped with an
electrical heating element that can provide hot water
during periods of inclement weather or high use. In
two tank systems the supplemental electric or gas
water heater will provide back-up water heating if
necessary.
Depending upon the season and the hot water load,
the SunSiphon is designed to (1) serve as a pre-
heater to the tank heating element or back-up water
heater, or (2) bypass the solar system and run 100%
on utility energy or conventional fuel. Section 6
this manual explains the normal operation of the
SunSiphon system.
The Dowfrost HTF protects the SunEarth solar col-
lectors in your SunSiphon system against freezing.
Dowfrost can provide reliable freeze protection for
the solar collectors at temperatures as low as -60º
Fahrenheit if properly applied and maintained.
The solar storage tank itself and the piping to and
from the roof are susceptible, however, to freezing
temperatures much higher than -60º F. In order to
protect the integrity of the solar storage tank and
piping the SunSiphon should not be installed in any
area where the ambient air temperature has fallen
below 15º F for 18 consecutive hours.
Use of uninhibited propylene glycol, plain water or
a concentration of these two fluids as the HTF in the
SunSiphon system is prohibited.
3) INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS -
GENERAL
3.1 The contractor shall obtain all required per-
mits and approvals.
P.2 SUNSIPHON

3.2 The installation shall conform to all federal,
state and local regulations, codes, ordinances and
standards governing solar water heating system
installations, and the contractor shall adhere to sound
building safety and trade practices. Special consid-
eration must be given to building code requirements
for the penetration of structural members and fire
rated assemblies.
3.3 The solar collector must be located in a
structurally sound area of the roof that will be
unshaded for the majority of the day all year round.
Adjacent buildings and trees should be checked for
possible winter shading. An instrument such as the
Solar Pathfinder can be used for solar site analysis.
(Solar Pathfinder can be reached at www.solarpath-
finder.com).
3.4 Before the installation the contractor shall
inspect the condition of the roof and notify the hom-
eowner of any existing roof damage or necessary
repairs.
3.5 The homeowner and contractor shall confirm the
location of all roof and ground mounted components
in advance of the installation.
4) INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS –
SPECIFIC
4.1 Location, Orientation and Tilt
Depending upon the SunSiphon model purchased,
the solar storage tank weighs between 523 and 1,232
pounds when completely filled with water. The
most important structural consideration is to mount
the solar storage tank at a right angle to the rafters
no more than 3’ from the roof peak. Span as many
rafters as possible. The tank should be located over
a load bearing interior wall.
Do not proceed with the installation unless the roof
members can safely support the wet weight of the
solar storage tank. Consult your local building code
for structural requirements before beginning the
installation.
P.3
fig.2
SUNSIPHON
TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATONS
SYSTEM PLACEMENT
fig.3

The performance of solar water heating systems in
the Northern Hemisphere is optimized when the col-
lector is mounted facing true South. Performance,
however, suffers very little when the collector is ori-
ented no more than 45° East or West of True South.
The collector should be unshaded by any permanent
obstacle between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on any
day of the year.
The slope of your roof also has an impact on annual
thermal performance. Optimum system perfor-
mance can be achieved by tilting the unit to an angle
equal to your latitude plus an additional 10º. This
tilt angle favors the lower winter sun when system
performance may suffer and also minimizes over-
heating during the long summer days when the sun
is highest in the sky. For aesthetic reasons it remains
a common practice to flush mount the SunSiphon if
the roof is pitched from 4/12 to 7/15 (18.4º and 30.3º
slope, respectively), regardless of your latitude.
The appearance of the SunSiphon system on your
roof is a very important installation consideration.
If you do not have a good southern roof exposure, or
your roof orients east and west, we recommend that
you simply add an additional collector or use larger
collectors rather than racking the entire system to
achieve a south orientation (see figures 4 & 5).
There may be some trade-offs in the performance
vs. appearance equation, but we find that most
homeowner’s are willing to give up a few BTU’s
each year in order to have an attractive, low profile
installation.
If you have a flat roof or wish to mount the
SunSiphon on the ground, a mounting rack will be
required. To ensure proper water drainage from the
collector glazing the SunSiphon rack always must
maintain a minimum angle from horizontal of at
least 10º. Use SunEarth Solar Strut tilt mount kits
to rack the unit to the proper angle (see figures 6
& 7).
P.4 SUNSIPHON
fig.4
TYPICAL EAST FACING SYSTEM

P.5
SUNSIPHON
fig.5
fig.6
TYPICAL WEST FACING SYSTEM
TILT MOUNT RACK

4.2 Water Quality
The SunSiphon system is manufactured to suit the
water conditions of most public reticulated water
supplies. However, there are some known water
chemistries which can have detrimental effects on
the system and its operation and/or life expectancy.
If you are unsure of your water chemistry, you may
be able to obtain information from your local water
supply authority. This water heater should only be
connected to a water supply which complies with
these guidelines for the warranty to apply.
The changing or alternating from one water sup-
ply to another can have a detrimental effect on the
operation and / or life expectation of the system and
its components. Where there is a changeover from
one water supply to another, e.g., a rainwater tank
supply, bore water supply, desalinated water supply,
public reticulated water supply or water brought in
from another supply, then water chemistry informa-
tion should be sought from the supplier or it should
be tested to ensure the water supply meets the
requirements given in these guidelines for warranty
to apply.
4.2.1 CHLORIDE AND PH
In a high chloride water supply, the water can cor-
rode stainless steel parts and cause them to fail.
Where the chloride level exceeds 250 mg/L war-
ranty does not apply to the stainless steel tank or a
heat exchanger in a GX indirect system. SunSiphon
systems shall not be installed where chloride levels
exceed 250 mg/L.
pH is a measure of whether the water is alkaline or
acid. In an acidic water supply, the water can attack
stainless steel parts and cause them to fail. Where
the pH is less than 6.0 no warranty applies to a
stainless steel cylinder or a heat exchanger in a GX
indirect system. Water with a pH less than 6.0 must
be treated to raise the pH above 6.0.
P.6 SUNSIPHON
fig.7
GROUND MOUNT RACK

The water supply from a rainwater tank in a met-
ropolitan area is likely to be corrosive due to the
dissolution of atmospheric contaminants. This may
result in pH of less than 6.0. It is recommended an
analysis on the water from a rainwater tank be con-
ducted prior to connecting this type of water supply
to a SunSiphon solar water heating system.
4.2.2 SATURATION INDEX
The saturation index is used as a measure of the
water’s corrosive or scaling properties. In a corro-
sive water supply, the water can attack copper parts
and cause them to fail.
Where the saturation index is less than –1.0, the
water is very corrosive and warranty does not apply
to a copper parts or the stainless steel tank.
In a scaling water supply calcium carbonate is
deposited out of the water onto any hot metallic
surface.
Where the saturation index exceeds +0.80, warranty
does not apply to a standard watts density heating
element. A low watts density heating element or a
two tank an indirect solar water heater must be used
for warranty to apply to the heating unit or solar col-
lector. Water which is scaling may be treated with
a water softening device to reduce the saturation
index of the water.
4.2.3 SUMMARY OF WATER CHEMISTRY
ADVICE AFFECTING WARRANTY
The following table defines acceptable potable water
quality conditions. If the supply water exceeds any
of these levels please contact SunEarth before
installing the system.
4.3 SunSiphon Roof Mounting Procedures, Materials
& Methods
In accordance with the preceding discussion, locate
the SunSiphon on a south facing roof that lies
within 135º southeast and 225º southwest of True
South. If the installation lies between 90º east and
135º southeast or 225º southwest and 270º west you
will need to add a collector or use larger collectors.
Remember that True South varies slightly from
magnetic south (180º) on the compass rose depend-
ing upon the exact location of the installation.
Your SunSiphon system must be mounted in accor-
dance with the materials and methods detailed in the
drawings and figures in this manual. Note carefully
the mounting requirements for different roofing
materials and surfaces. Always use SunEarth’s
integrated Solar Strut anodized aluminum mounting
hardware and stainless steel fasteners when mount-
ing the unit.
Secure the Solar Strut mounting hardware with
stainless steel lag, hanger bolts or threaded rod
directly to the rafters or support cross bracing. Use
Table 2 to determine the minimum number of Solar
Strut or standoff flange mounting supports required
for each solar tank option. Attach the SunSiphon
storage tank to the Solar Strut mounting hardware
with stainless steel earthquake/hurricane straps and
a stainless steel sliding nut, bolt, lock washer and
flat washer. Span as many rafters as possible when
mounting the solar storage tank.
Please note when securing the solar collectors to the
SolarStrut mounting hardware that the collectors
must be installed with a very slight 1” rise to the
right to allow for proper thermo siphoning of the
HTF (see figure 10).
P.7
SUNSIPHON
fig.8
Table 1
Description Maximum Recommended Level
pH 6.0 or Above
Chlorides Less Than 250 mg/L
Saturation Index (SI) -1.0 to + 0.8
FOR ROOF TRUSS OR FRAMING MEMBER SPACED AT
16” O.C.

Follow these general principles when mounting the
SunSiphon:
4.3.1 The roof must be rated to safely support the
weight of the unit when filled with water. The stor-
age tank should be mounted over an internal load
bearing wall and must be located no more than 3’
from the roof peak.
4.3.2 In two tank systems the SunSiphon should
be mounted as close to the back-up water heater as
practical in order to minimize heat loss in the piping
runs.
4.3.3 The tank and collectors should be raised from
the roof surface to allow for rainwater and debris to
pass under the collectors and for proper ventilation
of the roofing material. There should be at least 1
1/2” of clearance between the roof surface and the
bottom of the solar collectors. Local codes may
require greater clearance for snow shedding, etc.
4.3.4 When selecting mounting hardware and fas-
teners it is extremely important to avoid galvanic
corrosion resulting from the direct contact of incom-
patible metals. Use of SunEarth anodized aluminum
SolarStrut mounting hardware and stainless steel
lag or hanger bolts, lock washers and round wash-
ers is recommended. In climates subject to severe
winters or high humidity use of galvanized fasteners
is prohibited.
P.8 SUNSIPHON
fig.9
fig.10
IMPORTANT!
CORRECT INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS
FOR ROOF TRUSS OR FRAMING MEMBER SPACED AT
24” O.C.

P.9
SUNSIPHON
STAINLESS STEEL
HURRICANE/EARTHQUAKE
STRAPS
STAINLESS STEEL
SOLAR STORAGE TANK
EMPIRE SOLAR COLLECTOR
PARALLEL TO RAFTERS
STAINLESS STEEL
STANDOFF
LEAD FLASHING
SOLAR STRUT
STAINLESS STEEL LAG BOLT
WITH FLAT AND LOCK WASHER
SET IN SEALANT
ROOF DECK
ROOF FRAMING SYSTEM
CLAY, CONCRETE TILE OR
CEDAR SHAKE
SEALANT BARRIER
fig.11
TILE & CEDAR SHAKE SYSTEM MOUNTING
1 1/2” MIN
fig.12
CEDAR SHAKE, SHINGLE COLLECTOR MOUNTING

SUNSIPHON
P.10
fig.14
PLAN VIEW
fig.13
TILE COLLECTOR MOUNTING

P.11
SUNSIPHON
fig.15
SYSTEM MOUNTING HARDWARE
STAINLESS STEEL
HURRICANE/ EARTHQUAKE
STRAPS
SSN-3/8 ATTACHMENT
ASSEMBLY
C-SSN COLLECTOR
MOUNTING ASSEMBLY
1 - 5/8" ANODIZED
ALUMINUM SOLAR STRUT
2 - 1/2" ANODIZED
ALUMINUM SOLAR STRUT
STAINLESS STEEL
STANDOFF
LEAD FLASHING
ROOF DECK
ROOF FRAMING SYSTEM
EMPIRE SOLAR COLLECTOR
PARALLEL TO RAFTERS
STAINLESS STELL
SOLAR STORAGE TANK
STAINLESS STEEL
HURRICANE/EARTHQUAKE
STRAPS
ASPHALT SHINGLE OR
ROLL ROOFING
SOLAR STRUT
STAINLESS STEEL LAG BOLT
WITH FLAT AND LOCK WASHER
SET IN SEALANT
fig.16
ASHPHALT SHINGLE OR ROLL ROOFING MOUNTING

P.12 SUNSIPHON
4
3
2
1
5
BOLT SIZE BOLT PN
FLATWASHER
PN
SPLIT WASHER
PN
STRUT NUT
PN
3/8"X16X1 10130-7 10130-2 10130-3 MTG-SSN-38
TORQUE SPECIFICATION:
DRY FASTENER, FREE OF ANY LUBRICANT ANDCLEAN 1.
OF CHIPS AND FOREIGN MATTER
2. SPECIFICATION
10% OF TOTAL
FASTENER SIZE IN.*LB FT*LB
3/8"X16 230 19
ITEM NO. PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 MTG-C100 EMPIRE HOLD DOWN CLIP 1
2
10130-X STAINLESS STEEL FLAT WASHER 1
3
10130-X STAINLESS STEEL SPLIT WASHER 1
4
10730-X ASTM F5930C HEX BOLT 1
5
MTG-SSN-X STRUT NUT 1
fig.17
CSSN

P.13
SUNSIPHON
4.3.5 Preserving the integrity of the roof membrane
is the most important roofing consideration. Ensure
that all roof penetrations required to plumb and
mount the solar collector are properly flashed and
sealed in accordance with best roofing practices.
4.3.6 If the SunSiphon is mounted on a flat roof or
on the ground, a mounting rack is required. The
minimum tilt angle from horizontal in the conti-
nental United States should not be less than 15º. A
20º - 25º angle is preferable. Mounting racks with
tilt angles greater than 25º require very long support
legs and are not recommended. The length of the
solar collectors primarily determines the support leg
length.
See Table 3.
Note: We do not recommend the use of 4’ X 10’
collectors for rack mount applications.
fig.19
HANGER BOLT DETAIL
fig.18
SLIDING NUT DETAIL
Table 3
Collector Length Tilt Angle and Support Leg Length In Inches
15º20º25º
76” (EC/EP-21): 25” 34” 41”
96” (EC/EP-24/32): 31” 41” 51”

4.4 Plumbing the Sunsiphon
SunSiphon is an extremely broad product line. The
stainless steel storage tank comes in three sizes and
SunEarth offers as many as five different collector
options. Because of the numerous system permuta-
tions, SunEarth does not prefabricate the manifolds
that connect the storage tank and solar collectors.
See Section 10 for a list of components required to
plumb the collector, storage tank and heat exchange
loop in a typical two collector system. Collector
manifolds must be no less that 3/4” Type-M cop-
per tubing. We recommend the use of Type-L hard
copper tubing.
SunEarth requires that the contractor use all cop-
per and brass fittings in plumbing the storage tank
and collector piping. Couplings rather than unions
should be used to join the collectors to avoid leaks
and fluid loss. Lead-free solder shall be used. Use
of galvanized steel, CPVC, PVC, or any other type
of plastic pipe is prohibited.
All piping between the solar collectors, storage tank
and the rest of the plumbing system must be a mini-
mum 3/4” Type-M copper tubing. Type-L soft cop-
per should be used for any attic pipe runs. Solder
joint connections should be terminated outside the
attic space.
P.14 SUNSIPHON
fig.20
PREHEAT SYSTEM SCHEMATIC