WaterTechSolar Solar Water Heating User manual

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Solar Water Heating Installation Manual

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1. Ordering Your Ideal Solar Panel
To ensure that you select the optimal solar water heating system for your family size, please take the
Accu-Choice questionnaire, located on the bottom right hand side of the watertechsolar.com
homepage. Simply by answering a few questions, such as the amount of people living in your
residence, Accu-Choice will analyze figures, and give you a customized recommendation for your ideal
solar water heating system.
2. Installation #1: Bracket Assembly

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3. Installation #2: Drilling For Mounting Brackets
After the pre fabricated mounting bracket is constructed, carefully bring the bracket and solar panel to a
high sun exposure area for installation. The mounting bracket should be placed anywhere from a 23
degree angle to a 46 degree angle, using a speed square*.When the mounting bracket is in ideal
location for sunlight exposure, hold the bracket in place and drill place holes
*A speed square is a three-sided, triangle shaped measuring tool marked with degree gradations, which
can be used to easily measure rooftop angels. (Photo below)
for (2) lag bolts through
each (4) of the fixation feet. Screw sizes will vary depending on the thickness of the platform, and the
building codes in your area. Place metal holder in each slot so as not to lose the mounting brackets
position.

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4. Installation #3: Mounting Support Beams
For support for the mounting bracket, measure the distance between support beams in your attic, under
where the bracket will be placed. Cut out four wood blocks, and wedge them in between the support
beams. Each of the wooden blocks will have (2) lag bolts through it, from each of the mounting brackets
base.
5. Installation #4: Sealing and Stabilizing the holes
After each fixation foot has its place holes, go around to each foot use a caulking gun to fill each of the
(2) individual holes at each foot. Do one foot at a time, making sure the caulking mixture is both in and
around the surface of each place hole
. Immediately after caulking, place the washer on each hole, insert
and tighten individual lag bolts, making sure they penetrate the wood support blocks. This combination
of support will provide superior stability in dire weather. Caulking done correctly will ensure a stable
bracket, and eliminate the chance of moisture penetrating through the screw holes.
6. Installation #5: Circuit Box Installation
Place the circuit box below the solar panel wiring in an ideal location (preferably in garage or storage
area near the water heater), and mark holes for future screws. Remove the circuit box. Using a drill bit,
drill the marked holes for where the screws will be placed. Making sure that the opening is on the
topside, screw in the metallic circuit box to the wall. Place the solar panel wiring through the proper
covering and connect to the circuit box via the topside opening.
7. Installation #6: Control Board Installation
Place the control board near the circuit box in an ideal location (preferably in garage or storage area
near the water heater), and mark holes for control board bracket. Remove the bracket. Using a drill bit,
drill the market holes for where the future screws will be place. Point the bracketing hooks upward, and
screw in firmly to the wall. Mount the control board to the wall bracket.

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8. Installation #7: Disconnecting Hot Water Heater
SHUT OFF water and electricity to the water heater. Using a tube cutter, disconnect the water heaters in
and out copper pipes from the house. Some copper pipes, depending on how your water heater was
constructed, will need to be blowtorched to melt the previous soldering job before being disconnected.
Disconnect the electrical wiring running from the house to the water heater.
9. Installation #8: Soldering the Water Heater and Solar Panel
It is now time to connect the copper pipes from the water heater to the solar panel. With a tube cutter,
cut the pipe to the proper length. Shine the end of each pipe at the point where it will go into the fitting
so the copper is as bright as a new penny. Do not touch the shined metal with your fingers, which will
leave grease on the pipe that tends to prevent the solder from sticking properly. Use a small brush to
apply a light, evenly spread of flux to the tube end. Test the tube fitting before soldering. Heat around
the joint and be careful not to touch the solder with the flame. Hold the solder still and it will melt the
wire and run into the joints, making the two copper ends become one.
*Always wear gloves in case your hand comes in contact with the hot pipe or solder. Eye protection is
also required.
10. Installation #9: Drain Valve Installation
Instructions may vary depending on water heater type. Tighten the drain valve to the water heater.
Once the drain valve is firmly attached to the water heater, turn off valve to prevent leakage.
11. Installation #10: Strap Copper Tubing
To prevent any damage to the flexible copper tubing running from the solar panel water heater to the
house water heater, cover the tubing with copper tubing foam. To ensure that the copper tubing is
secure, strap the tubing to support beams throughout attic along the tubing’s path.
Enjoy the savings from your new Solar Water Heater from