Winterizing solar panels

[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???

[mas985]

Yes, that sounds like a true VRV. So you shouldn't need to do anything but turn off the pump to drain the panels.

However, Sungrabber suggests that the panels be removed and stored before the first frost so they may not be able to survive the winter even if the water is drained from them. But you should problaby check with the manufacture.

This is from their web site:

Q. What do I need to do to winterize my system?
A. The panel must be drained and stored before the first frost. If water is allowed to freeze in the panel, it may cause freeze damage. To winterize your system:
1. Turn off your pool pump.
2. Place the plugs given to you with your pool in the inlet and outlet of the pool.
3. Disconnect both of the hoses from the hose barbs on the solar heater. Disconnect the hose from the pool inlet. Connect the hose from the pump to the inlet on the pool.
4. Remove the plugs from the inlet and outlet of the pool and check the hose clamps you just tightened for leaks.
5. Unscrew the white drain plug that's located on the panel end opposite the inlet and outlet.
6. Roll the panel and secure using the yellow/black -carrying strap. Tilt panel until water no longer comes out. Replace drain plug, and store the panel and plumbing in the garage or a shed until next spring.

It sounds as though the water in the panels is the issue and would not be a problem if drained properly but they still suggest that they are removed. Other panels can be left up during the winter but is seems as though these cannot.

[TRHOD12]

I read that same thing in my installation manual, but was confused as to how I was supposed to remove the panels from the roof. Afterall, I have 3" lag bolts going thru my roof holding the straps down that hold the panels in place.
Am I supposed to remove the straps each year to get the panels down??

The other thing, I called the companies helpline when I was installing the panels. They told me that as long as I had the IG panels and had a slope on the panels of at least 1" for every 10' of panel, all I need to winterize them is pull off the inlet plumbing line to the panel, let it drain, and I am good to go. I don't need to take the panels inside. The lady told me if I had AG panels I would need to store them inside.

I don't understand this.

[mas985]

That is good news. I suspect that the reason they told you to remove the plug is that they didn't know you have a VRV installed. With that and assuming there is no trapped water, you should not need to manually drain the panels. But you should check at least once before the winter sets in to make sure the panels are draining properly and completely.