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Alternative Energy Sources Photos

Solar 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:

solar water heater diy. solar power installation instruction



First you need to erect a good platform to work from. Scaffold tower provides a quick and easy method.

solar water heater diy. solar power installation instruction
solar water heater diy. solar power installation instruction

Start by assembling the jubilee clamps in the bottom rail of the panel

solar water heater diy. solar power installation instruction

Attach the vertical rails (2 for the 20 tube panel and 3 for the 30 tube

solar water heater diy. solar power diagrams



These stainless steel mounting brackets are used to hang the panel on the roof

solar water heater diy. solar power diagrams



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.



solar water heater diy. solar power diagrams



Once the frame is fully assembled, it is ready to carry up to the roof.

solar water heater diy. solar power diagrams



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)

solar water heater diy. solar power energy diagram

solar water heater diy. solar power energy diagram

solar water heater diy. solar power energy diagram



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.



solar water heater diy. solar power energy diagram



Bend the strap over the nearest batten to produce a 'hook' to carry the weight, and fix securely to the batten with two screws.

solar water heater diy. solar water heater diy



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.

solar water heater diy. solar water heater diy



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.



solar water heater diy. solar water heater diy



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.



solar water heater diy. solar water heater diy



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.



solar water heater diy. solar water heater diy

Click on diy solar heating for information on solar water heating.

Click on our solar power gadgets for great gift ideas.

Click here to go to our solar energy home page.

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