26
INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS SOLAR COLLECTOR LOCATION
Consideration must be given to the position of the solar collectors in relation to the solar storage tank.
There are limitations on the maximum length of the solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar
storage tank and the solar collectors. Refer to “Solar Storage Tank Location” on page 17 and to “Pipe
Lengths” on page 27.
• The solar collectors must be installed in a shade free position.
• The solar collectors are to be installed facing toward
the equator (i.e. north facing in the southern
hemisphere and south facing in the northern
hemisphere). Where this orientation is not practical, a
system facing up to 45° from the equator will have its
efficiency reduced by approximately 5%.
• Inclination of the solar collectors should be
approximately equal to 90% of the local latitude
angle. The latitudes of some Australian cities are
listed on page 26. Solar collectors may be installed at
the roof angle for simplicity of installation and
appearance, but must never be flat. If the roof angle
varies by 15° from the correct angle, efficiency will be
reduced by 10%.
• For an installation on a roof with a pitch less than 10°,
a Variable Pitch stand is required. Refer to your local
Solar Distributor for details.
• For an installation at right angles to (across) the roof pitch, a Flat Roof stand and an Across Pitch
kit are both required. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for details.
• For an installation opposite to (against) the roof pitch, a Flat Roof stand and an Against Pitch kit are
both required. Refer to your local Solar Distributor for details.
• The collector kit is suitable for installations with an inclination of up to 45°. Where the solar
collectors are installed at inclinations greater than 45°, special roof fixings may be necessary. Refer
to your local Solar Distributor for details.
• The roof must be suitable to take the mass of the solar collectors. Each solar collector and its
fittings weighs approximately 40 kg when full of water.
• The installation must comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.4 and all local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
• Refer to the installation instructions supplied with the collector kit for details on the installation of
the solar collectors.
LATITUDE OF SOME AUSTRALIAN CITIES
Adelaide 35°S Cairns 17°S Hobart 42°S Port Hedland 20°S
Alice Springs 24°S Canberra 35°S Mildura 34°S Rockhampton 24°S
Brisbane 27°S Darwin 12°S Melbourne 38°S Sydney 34°S
Broken Hill 31°S Geraldton 28°S Perth 32°S Townsville 19°S