Solar Collectors

The collector, also called the solar panel, is the heart of the system. Every solar water system needs a collector as this is where the sun's solar radiation is transferred into heat which is then in turn transferred into the water.

Installation of the direction and angle is without a doubt the most important aspect of solar panel performance as these two angles will affect the solar collector efficiency and performance.

Circulating Pumps and Controller Timing Switches

In a solar hot water system where the storage tank is below the collectors, a pump is required to bring the hot water down from the collectors. In most systems the pump is operated from the mains electricity, though photovoltaic (solar electric) DC powered pumps are possible. The most important thing for the pump is that it must be able to operate for long periods with temperatures of the pumped fluid reaching 100'C. Generally the body of the pump is bronze or brass so that rusting will not occur. Due to the fact that this is only moving mechanical part on a solar pumped system it is advised that an above average pump is used.

The minimum speed the is adequate for domestic solar water system and the circulator may draw 40 watts, rising to 100 watts on the highest speed.

Bracketing and Framing

A Solar frame is usually used when in the installation is done on the horizontal plane so that the correct inclination can be obtained. Framing would also be required if the inclination needs to be adjusted for on a pitch roof.

Valves

Pressure regulating valve

A pressure regulating valve is a valve mechanism that maintains and regulates the incoming supplied water for a system at the preset limit of the specific valve. Cold water supply pressures from the local authorities can vary, depending on the source of supply. These pressures may vary from 100KPA to 2000KPA and if the pressure regulating valve is not installed could cause damage to household plumbing, fixtures and equipment.

Vacuum Breaker

A vacuum breaker is a regulating device that provides a free flow of air into a system so as to prevent a siphon action taking place or negative pressure being created in the system.

A vacuum breaker in its simplest form is an air inlet valve. The activation or deactivation of the vacuum breaker is created through a positive or negative water pressure in the plumbing system.

Frost Dump Valve

Frost Dump Valves are commonly used in the northern hemisphere to prevent the freezing of pipelines containing water. During frostily conditions the valve opens to release a slow flow of water through the solar collectors until the valve has brought warmer water through to the solar collector, preventing it from freezing. Frost valves are not a fully reliable method of frost protection

Expansion Relief Valve

When fluid is heated, it expands. In a sealed system, such as a pressurized solar water system, this expansion of fluid must have somewhere to go. The expansion relief valve is a preset valve that provides relief for the expansion of heated water within a closed system. An expansion control valve in its simplest form is made of a diaphragm and a preset tensioned spring housed in a purpose made casing.

Temperature & Pressure Safety Valve

A temperate and pressure safety valve (also known as a TP valve) is a valve mechanism placed on the geyser to automatically release when the temperature or pressure exceeds the preset limits of the specific valve.