Solar panels Leak

[poolbuoy]

I built a platform on the ground and had two Fafco solar collectors 4x20 each.
well after 3 years they end up splitting, so I bought the plug patch kit and have plugged approx. 20 of the tiny tubes. sometimes they leak on the top and sometimes on the bottom. if it's on the bottom it's a big pain to find the right tube to plug. I want to get rid of the panels and make my own with maybe 3/4" or 5/8 " pvc water pipe. I would need to find 180* elbows to connect the runs and also a way to drain the system. Has anyone out there designed such a system? I think the water pipe would be easier to drain and repair if it did leak.

[JohnT]

Bad plan. The amount of pipe it would take is unbelievable, and the cost savings is non-existent. Small tubes are much more efficient at transferring heat.

[poolbuoy]

Really, If I used 1/2" pipe would that be better. See the panels are pretty much junk now. I spend a whole day fixing these things sometimes. I really want something that doesn't leak and doesn't cost a fortune. My freind was telling me about a job he did at a guy's house and he had a system I described and swore it worked well. What about a Heat Pump? will it work in Mass. we get alot of days in the 80's june-sept. I think I can talk the wife into spending the money, just want something easy.

[JohnT]

The heat pump will work, but of course there is the $$$ issue. The advantage of the collectors is the large black plastic/rubber area compared to the small amount of water in them at a given time. Even 1/2" pipe is big compared to the panels.

Fafco panels have long warranties, at least 10 years (I think), so you should be talking to them.

[poolbuoy]

Right, One I bought and the other one I pick up at our town recycle center.
I think the one I bought was like $159 on sale. Don't think I could find a reciept now after 3 years. What is the procedure for winterizing a heat pump anyway? Thanks