Winterizing solar panels

[CarlD]

The main idea is to have no water in the panels so the water cannot freeze and expand and split the panels.

The panels get much more rigid and brittle as it gets colder. If they are in 80deg sunshine, they are flexible and roll easily. In 60 deg sunshine they are far stiffer and more difficult to roll. In freezing temperatures, they are impossible to roll and can easily split because they are brittle. Ever leave a garden hose out all winter and see how it's impossible to unroll in the cold? Same idea.

But on the roof they are away from potential movement and abuse, although severe winds can be a problem.

[mas985]

Do you have a vacuum release valve installed? If not, they will not drain by themselves.

[TRHOD12]

Do you have a vacuum release valve installed? If not, they will not drain by themselves.

Yes, it has a VRV. The way I understand things, I need to remove the VRV and the inlet pipe, let it drain for 30-40minutes, then replace the VRV and leave the inlet pipe off so it can continue to drain.

Is there anything else I should/need to do for winterizing the panels??/

[mas985]

A VRV will open and close on it's own so you don't have to remove it to drain the panels but that may not be what you actually have. Perhaps they just put in a capped port for manual draining?

[TRHOD12]

So, all I need to do is drain the panels and the lines to the solar panels from water and I should be good to go for winterizing the panels. Is that correct???

Thanks for you help.

BLessings,

[mas985]

I'm still not sure if you have a VRV or not. A true VRV will allow the panels to drain on their own when the pump is off so nothing is required. However, if you need to open a port to allow the panels to drain, then yes a manual drain is necessary. You might consider installing a real VRV so you don't have to worry about it.

[TRHOD12]

I'm still not sure if you have a VRV or not. A true VRV will allow the panels to drain on their own when the pump is off so nothing is required. However, if you need to open a port to allow the panels to drain, then yes a manual drain is necessary. You might consider installing a real VRV so you don't have to worry about it.

The VRV that I have is attached to the panels by a rubber couple and hose clamps. It is about the same size as the 1 1/2" panel header pipe where it attaches to the panel and then tapers outward to approx 2 1/2-3" on the other end. The larger end has holes in it. Inside that part that tapers bigger it has a plastic flap. When the panels have water flowing thru it, the plastic flap pushes tight to the end with the holes in it, which stops water from shooting out that end of the panel. When the water flow to the panels is turned off, the plastic flap will slide down, allowing air into the panels, and allowing the panels to drain. I think this is a true VRV.

It sounds like I don't need to remove this at all for winterizing, is that correct???

What else can you tell me about winterizing these panels???