3
The installer should be guided by the instructions furnished with the tank, as well as local codes and utility
company requirements. Preference should be given to codes and requirements where they differ from the
furnished instructions.
Additional publications which should guide the installer include:
Solar Water Heating System Design and Installation Guidelines, SRCC OG-300, available from Solar
Rating and Certification Corporation, 1679 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922-5703, www.solar-rating.org.
Code for the Installation of Heat Producing Appliances (latest version), available from the American
Insurance Association, 85 John Street, New York, NY 11038.
The latest version of the National Electrical Code, NFPA No. 70.
In Canada refer to Canadian Electrical Code C 22.1, from Canadian Standards Association, 5060
Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 5N6.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 6
ABOUT YOUR FLAT PLATE SOLAR COLLECTOR .............................................................................. 6
PART 1 – GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 6
A. METALLIC COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................. 6
B. FLAT PLATE COLLECTORS ............................................................................................................... 6
C. HIGH TEMPERATURES ...................................................................................................................... 7
D. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................................... 7
E. TEMPERATURE LIMITATION .............................................................................................................. 7
PART 2 – IMPORTANT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 7
A. SCOPE OF MANUAL ............................................................................................................................ 7
B. LOCAL STANDARDS AND AUTHORIZED PERSONS ....................................................................... 8
C. TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 8
D. POSSIBLE SYSTEM DESIGNS ........................................................................................................... 8
1. OPEN LOOP SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................... 8
2. CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................... 8
3. DRAIN BACK SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................... 8
E. FLUID QUALITY ................................................................................................................................... 9
F. CORROSION ........................................................................................................................................ 9
G. FREEZE PROTECTION ....................................................................................................................... 9
H. WIND STRESS ................................................................................................................................... 10
I. SNOW LOAD ........................................................................................................................................ 10
J. STORAGE TANKS .............................................................................................................................. 10
K. HAIL RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................................ 11