Solar Panels (Roof Mount)

[Poconos]

I looked at the website for the panels you mentioned and it wasn't clear what type of panels the Hi-Deluxe were. From the other listings on the page it looks like mat panels. Whatever...I can't give any specific advice but I'd be concerned about a general contractor to 'tack them down'. Unless properly installed and tied down you run the risk of roof leaks and wind damage. These things can make great wings. I'm just making the point that it isn't as simple as putting a panel on a roof. Just my quarters worth....inflation.
Al

[tphaggerty]

I agree with Poconos. Our panels are cross strapped with tie downs between every panel and locked down to the roof at the input/return headers. All of the piping is also strapped to the roof. The contractor used LOTS of silicon on every screw and all of the screws are stainless (I checked myself).

As for the vacuum breaker, you need that to allow air to reenter the system when you shut it off. A roof mount system "drains back" into the pool, without a vacuum breaker, the water in the system stays there. With a vacuum breaker the weight of the water column in your pipes will pull the breaker open, allowing air to enter the system which will allow the water to drain off of the roof back to pool level. (In reality, if your pump is running and your solar valve is OFF, the water level in the solar system will be higher than pool level because of pump level pressure going back the return line, but this is still going to allow the water to drain off of the roof).

As I said, go to powermat.com and check out the diagrams. The first page has a great animation that shows how a correctly constructed system fills up when starting, how it runs, and then how it drains back when turned off (which shows how the vacuum breaker works). There are also other animations/pictures that show how incorrectly setup systems will not work properly.

I wouldn't even think of starting to put up the system until you really understand how they should work and you have all of the proper pieces.

[jmcst25]

Thanks - I realize I was over simplifying the 'Tack them down'. I obtained quotes from several contractors - and those items you mentioned were the primary selection criteria for choosing the contractor. I choose the contractor who had the best ability to handle those types of things. (Hopefully I picked the right one - but I did ask alot of questions).

The Hi-Deluxe is a rubber mat system - and it comes with all the straps etc. We will be using galvanized anchors and all of the pipes will be anchored as well.

The term 'vacumm breaker' temporarily through me -- The HiDeluxe calls it a 3-way valve to perform that function - (http://www.solartrope.com/new/hidel.htm # 3) -- I understand it now that I reread your comment - thanks.

I've read the HiDeluxe install manual and reviewed that website -- they are pretty consistent in the concepts.

Any additional feedback experience appreciated.

[tphaggerty]

No, the vacuum breaker valve is referred to as the "vacuum relief valve #13" in your diagram. The 3 way valve is what diverts the normal pump flow to and from the panels. The vacuum breaker/relief valve really isn't a valve, it is more like a one way shut shut off.

When the system is running, the breaker is shut, no air in or out. When the system is off, the water wieght causes the breaker to open inward and admit air (it works because the vacuum pressure caused by the weight of the water in the pipes and panels trying to go home to your pool pulls it open).

But the diagram you are working from looks really good! Just remember, make sure that the system is higher at #13, my installer used a 1 foot drop over the 24 linear feet or so of our panel run.

[jmcst25]

Thanks for the clarification.

Did you say you ended up moving yours from the # 13 location to somewhere near # 3 (in this image)?

Also -- I am going to have to install on 2 different roof sections (main roof and over addition). The one roof is 1 foot higher than the other but same slope / direction. So I am going to install 3 panels on the one roof and then the 3 panels on the other roof. They are side to side.

I'm planning on feeding the 3 panels on lower section roof section then have that feed the 3 panels on the upper roof - then return to pool.

Any thoughts on this?

[tphaggerty]

We wound up with the vacuum breaker at about where the head of the big red downward pointing arrow is. But, I would start with it where they show on the diagram, it is probably threaded there. We had to cut in a threaded "T" to make ours work. We had to move it because it was continually sucking air when the system was running, but we have a 130' run from the pump to the roof (and then back), plus the piping actually dips down (to follow the yard contour) then back up, so I think we are a special case.

As far as the split, as long as the returns ALL go through the highest point, you should be OK. Actually (I hate to harp, but it is really a good site for this stuff), the www.powermat.com site has a picture of this as well. I would just run it as a single system, with your input on the lowest roof, and the return coming off the higher roof.

[jmcst25]

Thanks - I missed the link on my first pass on that site to where they show the 2 sets on Panels - http://www.powermat.com/PG5ht.html - that explains a lot -- thanks. The installation should go alot smoother - ( I tool the before pictures.)

Also -- I opened the pool today -- crystal clear and all the numbers are in check! - but only 54 degrees. This forum closing instructions made it work without any problems.

Now hopefully soon I'll have the solar panels to raise the temp.