Sungrabber Solar hot water system User manual

Owner’s Manual

Your Solar Hot Water System

Thank you for your investment in the SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System. Since 1969 our goal

has been to design, test, and produce solar heating systems that save you money and add

value to your home. Please read the following pages carefully to get the most out of your

SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System. The maintenance procedures should be followed

properly in order to maintain warranty and a trouble-free system that provides energy and

maximizes savings. The SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System is designed for many years of

reliable operation and is backed by the warranty found at the end of this manual.

What you can expect from your Solar Hot Water System

The SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System is designed to provide a significant portion of the

water heating energy required in a typical home. As wonderful and abundant as solar energy

is, performance varies considerably with available solar energy, outside air temperature,

ground water temperature and household hot water demand. These conditions will vary from

home to home even in the same neighborhood and affect how much energy your solar

system will save you. Savings will also vary throughout the year due to weather variation and

different amounts of sunlight available by season. Naturally, summer will provide the largest

amount of solar hot water heating, but a useful contribution will

be provided by the other seasons as shown in the table on the

right. This translates to over half of a typical household’s annual

hot water needs:

Operation

Solar energy is absorbed by the solar collectors and heated water is circulated through the

fixtures and appliances that require hot water such as clothes washer, dishwasher, bath,

shower, and other fixtures. The system is designed to operate automatically, taking

advantage of solar energy when it is available. An electronic solar controller signals the system

to turn on when solar energy can be added to the water heater. The solar controller will

activate the circulation module which will push water up to the solar collectors and begin

circulation. When solar energy becomes unavailable or when heated water is not required,

the system will turn off and all water will gravity drain into the drainback tank so the water

cannot freeze on your roof or in your attic.

* All brand and product names appearing in this manual are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Hot water provided by solar

Spring

20 to 50%

Summer

60 to 90%

Autumn

20 to 50%

Winter

0 to 30%

System Layout

The schematic below shows the primary components of your SungrabberTM system. There are

many SungrabberTM system configurations for electric and gas water heaters including:

-Single Tank Electric Systems

-Dual Tank Electric or Gas Systems

-Single Tank Systems with Electric or Gas Instantaneous Water Heater

Specific components may vary based on your system configuration. Your system may include

an optional anti-scald valve for enhanced hot water scald protection and code compliance.

Dual tank systems have additional plumbing including a bypass valve.

Water Heater or

Storage Tank

Vented

Drainback

Tank with

Level

Indicator

Solar

Controller

Circulation

Module

Mounting

Hardware

Coaxial tank

adapter

Anti-Scald

Valve (Optional)

Solar

Collector

Roof

Jacks

Plastic

Tubing

Cold Water

Shut-Off

Valve

Drain Valve

Solar

Sensor

Throttling

Valve

Tank Temperature

Sensor

Solar Controller

The electronic solar controller is your interface to the SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System. It automatically turns

the solar system on when solar energy can be added to your water heater.

The display shows you:

-If the system is on or off

-Solar collector temperature

-Solar storage tank temperature

You can use this displayed information to determine if your SungrabberTM Solar Hot Water System is operating and

heating the water in the solar storage tank. Typical tank or collector temperatures during a warm sunny day

range from 80oF up to 140oF.

The controller default settings will activate your system when there is a 10oF difference between the solar collector

temperature and solar storage tank temperature. The system will deactivate when there is a 4oF difference. The

system may also deactivate if the solar storage tank exceeds 140oF. These controller settings can be changed.

Your SungrabberTM Contractor may have modified these settings already to optimize performance.

Your system includes a separate owner’s manual for your electronic solar controller. Please refer to this manual

for specific details on your solar controller.

Your system is installed with one of the following solar controller types:

WARNING

Potential Pump Damage

If the circulation module is

turned on by this controller

when no water is in the

system the pumps can be

permanently damaged.

Solar Controller

On/Auto/Off

Switch

Scroll buttons

toggle between

temperature of

solar collector

and solar storage

tank

Temperature

Display

On/Off

Indicator

Solar Controller

with

Electric Water Heater Control

Auto/Off Switch

Scroll buttons

toggle between

temperature of

solar collector

and solar storage

tank

Temperature

Display

(Tank Temperature

is default display)

On/Off

Indicator

Electric Water Heater Control

The electric water’s lower heating element is automatically deactivated during daytime hours, (default deactivation time is

5am and reactivation time is 7pm). This allows solar heated water to be efficiently added to your electric water heater

immediately following early morning hot water usage. If you experience a lack of hot water during periods of heavy hot

water usage or cool weather, temporarily flip the Auto/Off Switch to “SOLAR OFF” allowing the bottom electric element to

heat the tank. Contact your SungrabberTM contractor if a lack of hot water is a reoccurring problem. Refer to this controller’s

owner’s manual for details on how to adjust these settings.

Minimum

Water

Level

Filler

Cap

Maintenance

Ensure Freeze Protection

Extended periods of cold weather can cause freezing in exposed parts of the system. The

system should be installed so that water in the solar collectors and exterior tubing can

completely gravity drain to the drainback tank when the system is not operating. If there is

any concern that the solar collectors and tubing are not sufficiently sloped to allow water to

gravity drain, contact your SungrabberTM contractor to discuss the option of adding non-

toxic anti-freeze (food grade propylene glycol) to the solar circulation loop.

FREEZE DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY

Maximize Energy Savings

You can increase energy savings by scheduling large hot water usage (such as laundry

and dishwasher) for the afternoon when there is plenty of free solar energy. If you have a

single tank system with water heater timer, turn the bottom element off for enhanced solar

performance (this may negatively impact your delivered water temperature on poor weather days).

Check Water Level

It’s advisable to frequently check on your drainback tank water level. The

drainback tank site glass is equipped with a red “Minimum water level”sticker.

While the system is running, ensure the water is at or above the red line. If the

water level is below the red line, turn the system off and wait one hour. Fill

drainback tank to within one inch of the top of the tank. Replace the cap

before turning the system on.

Remove Roof Debris

Leaves and dirt may build up on and around your solar collectors. The solar

collectors should be kept free of debris for maximum performance.

- WARNING -

The following maintenance tasks involve working with high water pressure,

high water temperature, and high voltage or flammable gas and should only

be performed by a qualified SungrabberTM contractor :

Flush water heater

The solar storage tank (or electric water heater for single tank systems) should

be routinely flushed in order to prevent debris, sediment, or scale build up

from entering your SungrabberTM system. Flushing should be more frequent in

regions with poor water quality. Systems are typically flushed every 6 months

to 2 years.

Clean Filter

In regions with poor water quality, it may be necessary to clean the filter

located inside the circulation module. Cleaning prevents debris, sediment, or

scale build up from reducing system performance and potentially damaging

the circulation pump.

Consult your SungrabberTM contractor for a maintenance program

Drain

Hose

Safe location to

drain hot water

Solar

Storage

Tank

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS –BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE

Your SungrabberTM Solar Water Heater is designed to operate trouble-free for

many years. Use the table below to troubleshoot unexpected problems before

calling your SungrabberTM contractor.

Installation Details:

1) System Type: Single Tank Electric Dual Tank Electric or Gas

2) Heat Transfer Fluid (Check One): Water Food Grade Glycol

3) Installation Date:

4) Any other details:

Installer’s Record

Problem:

The system is not activating

What to do:

1) Confirm that the system is not activating:

Place your hand on the circulation module or attached pipes. You should feel heat,

feel a slight vibration, and hear a slight hum

Listen for water flowing inside the drainback tank

2) If the system is not activating:

Verify temperature difference between the solar collector and tank is greater than 10ºF

Check that the solar controller is plugged into a working 120VAC outlet and the

circulation module is plugged into the solar controller

Verify the controller is properly programmed (refer to the solar controller owner’s manual

for programming)

Verify that the water level in the drainback tank is above the red line on the sightglass

Problem:

The system is operating, but not providing enough hot water

What to do:

Increase the temperature setting on the anti-scald valve (if installed)

Flush the filter located inside the circulation module (refer to maintenance section on the

previous page)

For a single tank electric system, verify that the bottom element is activated or solar is providing

sufficient heat when using a large amount of hot water. Refer to the controller owner’s manual

to modify settings.

Ensure that the gas or electric water heater is properly sized and is operating correctly. Refer to

your water heater instruction manual for proper thermostat setting. During cool weather, the

solar system will provide less hot water and rely more on the water heater.

Discuss these options with your SungrabberTM contractor:

Add additional solar collectors to increase solar performance

Install a larger water heater or solar storage tank

Problem:

Solar system leaks

What to do:

Contact your SungrabberTM Contractor

1. SCOPE OF COVERAGE

Warranty applies to a new SungrabberTM solar hot water system installed by a SungrabberTM contractor. Warranty applies only to defects in materials and

workmanship subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations described herein. Labor for repair or replacement of solar collectors or components is

excluded.

A. SungrabberTM solar collectors are warranted for ten (10) years from the completion of initial installation. SungrabberTM will provide a repair kit or, at its

option, replace a defective solar collector.

B. SungrabberTM system kit components are warranted for one (1) year from the completion of initial installation at a residence. SungrabbeTMr, at its

option, will replace a defective component with a new or refurbished component.

2. NECESSARY MAINTENANCE

The buyer is expected to provide all reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the SungrabberTM Owner’s Manual. The manual is an

integral part of the Sungrabber™ system warranty. Noncompliance with the manual or improper maintenance will void the buyer’s warranty rights. If the

buyer believes or becomes aware that any warranted component or part is not functioning properly, the buyer must promptly notify SUNGRABBERTM. Early

attention to a minor problem may help avoid serious problems later. A failure to report a problem on a timely basis may void the buyer’s warranty rights.

3. REGISTRATION

In order to validate the warranty, the buyer must submit an online warranty registration at www.Sungrabber.com or call Sungrabber customer service toll

free at 866-786-4722.

4. IDENTITY OF WARRANTEE

The warranty is extended by SungrabberTM and is extended only to the original consumer/buyer of the Sungrabber™ system. This warranty is not assignable

and applies only to the original buyer. This warranty terminates upon the sale by the buyer of the premises at which the system was installed.

5. CLAIMS

If a solar collector or component is found to be defective, notify the installing SungrabberTM contractor for service or contact SUNGRABBERTM customer

service toll free at 866-786-4722 to locate a SungrabberTM contractor near you. A service call may be scheduled for repair or replacement.

6. WHAT IS NOT COVERED - EXCLUSIONS

1. Installations that are not in accordance with the SungrabberTM installation instructions.

2. Damage resulting from failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the Sungrabber owner’s manual including any

misuse, abuse, neglect, accident or alterations.

3. Damage caused by water hammer, thermal expansion, or system pressure in excess of 80 psi.

4. SungrabberTM system moved from the original installation location.

5. Freeze damage.

6. Damage resulting from a component which is not part of the SungrabberTM system.

7. Damage resulting from failure to properly flush hot water heater or solar storage tank upon installation of the SungrabberTM system.

8. Damage resulting from failure to routinely flush hot water heater or solar storage tank in order to maintain sufficient water quality that does not promote

debris, sediment, or scale build up inside of the SungrabberTM system.

9. Normal fading and minor deterioration of surfaces.

10. Hardware, accessories, or any component or part that is not part of the SungrabberTM system.

11. Conditions resulting from attempted repair or alteration by someone other than a SunGrabberTM contractor.

12. SungrabberTM makes no warranty as to the level of performance of its SungrabberTM system, fuel or cost savings, or any particular temperature or level to

which the water will be heated. Actual performance will depend upon the amount and intensity of sunlight and other variable factors that SungrabberTM

does not predict and that are beyond Sungrabber’s control. The performance of the system is heavily dependent upon latitude, related weather conditions

and other factors.

7. EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT AND LIMITATIONS OF REMEDIES

Unless otherwise explicitly agreed to in writing, it is understood that this is the only written warranty for the SungrabberTM System. Sungrabber HEREBY

DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES REGARDING ANY WARRANTY

OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH WARRANTIES ARE SPECIFICALLY WAIVED BY BUYER. In no event shall SUNGRABBER

be liable for damage to property, lost profits, injury to goodwill or any other special, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any use or inability

to use solar hot water system, DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY, RESULTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO BUYER OR ANY OTHER PERSON FROM THE

POSSESSION, OWNERSHIP, OR USE OF THE SUNGRABBER™ SYSTEM OR PARTS DEEMED TO BE DEFECTIVE, EVEN IF SUNGRABBER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE

POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, or any breach of the above express warranty, for negligence or otherwise. THIS LIMITATION SHALL APPLY WHETHER A CLAIM

ARISES IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE. SUNGRABBER’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY TO BUYER, WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT

LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY SUNGRABBER FROM BUYER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. Some

states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion or limitation may not apply to you. The above