Solar Panels (Roof Mount)

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Originally Posted by tphaggerty

You many need to move the vacuum breaker around some in order to prevent constant bubbling, we originally started with ours opposite the input, then moved it up, then finally installed it about 2/3 of the way up the return pipe next to the house.

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Thanks again for the Info -- we finished the installation Saturday.

I am having problem with air in the system. We have the panels on two different roofs - with about 150 of piping. We installed the vacuum relief as indicated -- but when we send all of the water through the panels -- we get air -- however, when I send some water to the roof and some through the bypass -- no air. I'm guessing their is too much pressuring going down with full water ( causing a syphon effect ) pulling the vacuum and letting air in - but with partial water pressure it balances out and no air. Now, if this were the case, wouldn't the vacuum be stronger 2/3 way up on the return pipe and let air in? I was thinking it needed to be lower on the supply so more water pressure kept it closed? (This vacuum relief really confuses me).

Any suggestions appreciated (please).

Any suggestion appreciated - I

We had problems with air getting in the system as well. We LOWERED our vacuum breaker and that worked (it is now on the return pipe about 3 feet below the panels which are on the 2nd story roof). We first had it opposite the input, then opposite the top return, neither worked. The installation manual for the Aquatherm panels we have then suggested the location we have now and it works great.

We cut a T into the return line about 16 feet up and attached the breaker there.

Thanks --

Question -- I believe that the water is going down the return to fast which is causing the vacuum. Wouldn't the vacuum be greater on the return line? I was thinking I needed to move it down on the supply line where their would be more pressure to keep it closed.

I was also considering putting a ball valve on the return line and restricting return flow to minimize vacuum -- will this work -- or is that a bad idea.

I'm just trying to figure this stuff out. (especially - since I'm paying someone to get up on the roof - I want to get it done as short as possible).

BTW -- tphaggerty -- thanks for all your experiences and recommendations.

I am thinking about getting a system, what kind of increase are you seeing, I have a 18 x 36 in ground.


Thanks

It went from 55 to 76 in 2 days - with air temp > 80 in Western PA. I just installed Saturday. My pool is about the same size as yours.

The install was trickier than I originally thought -- (meaning planning the layout and getting all the right parts).

tphaggerty recommended a site call www.powermat.com to gain an understanding of what is involved -- it is really worth the time to read up on them. I bought from solartrope - before gettting information on that site. Powermat does a much better job explaining things. Next time around -- I'd consider paying a little more for a dealer to install -- but there are no dealers in my area that install solar.

I still have to go up and replace some parts that I did not originally order -- ( I did a make shift fix to split the panels to get them working.) I spoke with the dealer today -- he told me the same fix as tphaggerty did to lower the vacuum on the return line. He said the too much air is a common thing.

Best of luck.