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Alternative Energy Sources PhotosSolar Power Installation Instruction These are alternative energy sources photos for a diy solar heating kit for hot water. The roof installation is the job that scares most people. It is actually quite easy to do, and can easily be achieved in a day:
First you need to erect a good platform to work from. Scaffold tower provides a quick and easy method.
Start by assembling the jubilee clamps in the bottom rail of the panel 
Attach the vertical rails (2 for the 20 tube panel and 3 for the 30 tube
These stainless steel mounting brackets are used to hang the panel on the roof
Fix the header to the frame (making sure that the rivets face downwards). At the same time, fix the mounting straps with the same two bolts.
Once the frame is fully assembled, it is ready to carry up to the roof.
Ease the frame into position, and slide the straps up underneath the slates/tiles. If necessary, use a screwdriver to lift the slates slightly to facilitate this. Slide the panel upwards, until the mounting straps hit the battens. (NB this panel is still 6" low, and will be pushed upwards before fixing)
It is now necessary to go inside the loft space to locate the mounting strips. Once they have been located, cut the felt to allow the straps to protrude. Once each strap is clear of the battens, get an assistant to slide the panel up until the strap is as far under the slate as it will go.
Bend the strap over the nearest batten to produce a 'hook' to carry the weight, and fix securely to the batten with two screws.
Now the panel is attached to the roof, the same process can be repeated for the lower end of the panel, drilling holes at appropriate locations in the vertical rails if necessary.
Once the panel is fixed, it is necessary to drill a 16mm hole at both ends of the panel to accomodate the copper flow and return pipes.
Using a 22mm elbow with a reducing olive (to 15mm), attach a copper pipe at 90degrees and feed through the hole into the loftspace. Seal the hole with silicone, and insulate the pipes, using ties to prevent the insulation from becoming detached.
Now you can attach the tubes. Smear the silicon heat-transfer grease provided in the kit onto the tip of each copper heatpipe. This ensures a good thermal contact between the heatpipe and the manifold. Attach the rubber cups to each end of the tube, moistening first, to allow it to be slipped on easily. Insert the bottom of each tube through jubilee clip until it is just clear of the manifold, and then slide it up into the manifold. Once it is in, secure by tightening the jubilee clip - but take care not to overtighten. Attach the reflectors as you insert the tubes. You will need access to the back of the tubes, so fit the reflectors every four tubes or so.
Do you have a great energy saving tip? Do you have an interesting solar power story? Or maybe some pictures of a completed installation?Well, if you have something to share with the rest of the world concerning solar energy, then me and my website visitors would love to hear from you.
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