Adding Solar Panels to PVC plumbing

[tphaggerty]

As I always do, I suggest going to powermat.com, the site is a bit complicated to navigate, but it has excellent tutorials on almost everything solar.

But, the "normal way" to hard plumb solar is to use a 3 way valve to direct the return to the solar or to bypass. You would also have ball valves on both the solar source and return so you can completely bypass solar if you need to. On most permanent installations, the 3 way valve is either a "leaky" valve or it has a hole drilled into it to allow the solar to "drain back" when it is not in use (it is really not a good idea to leave your solar system full of water when it is not circulating. Not only do you have a significant amount of weight on the roof, but the water can superheat and really stress the panels and plumbing). Finally, in many installations, the solar source and return are "T"ed together with a ball valve in order to be able to fine tune the amount of water/pressure that goes to the solar.

[kwong]

I'd be interested in seeing some before and after install pics .. interested myself ... but have a small backyard .. space is somewhat tight ... but am considering the powermat product line .. but building 4' (tall) x 20 ' (wide) vertical on custom installed posts (similar to fencing posts) from the ground level .. just to catch the southerly sunshine (in my backyard) with custom hardpiped into return ... (still in planning stage). .. currently have purchased upgraded 18'x48" AG round Dolfino Simpe set .. will swap with current 12' x 30" round AG.

Cheers,