Solar heating panel kits and installation guide for the UK.
PV-powered people.
DIY solar heating panels and installation kits
These first-generation solar heating panels, also known as flat-plate systems are designed to sit-upon or integrate into your existing roof.
Flat-plate solar kits.
MCS-approved components and parts.
1 In-roof solar panel kits
DIY & trade. Tank size: 150-220 Litres.
1 x Solar heating panel.
1 x Roof fitting kit.
1 x 18 Litre expansion vessel
1 x Expansion installation kit.
1 x Controller & pump station.
1 x 5 Litres Glycol fluid.
Connectors.
Solar-ready tanks (optional).
2 On-roof solar panels kits
DIY & trade. Tank size: 220-300 Litres.
2 x Solar heating panels.
1 x Roof fitting kit.
1 x 25 Litre expansion vessel.
1 x Expansion installation kit.
1 x Controller & pump station.
1 x 10 Litres fluid.
Connectors.
Solar-ready tanks (optional).
Specifications.
Length: 2206mm x Width: 1205mm x Height: 100mm.
Weight per panel: 55 kg.
Aperture Area: 0.995 m2
Efficiency: 95%.
Fluid Capacity: 550m.
"When working with heights, electrics and plumbing, always use the correct safety equipment. Use an accredited MCS-installers for a professionally installed system."
The basics.
- SPF tested and approved for the global market.
- Low-E (low iron) glass prevents heat loss. Low-iron glass has less reflective and increased absorbing properties.
Installation guide
For every 100-180 Litre tank size, you will need two m2 arrays or three m2 for 180-300 Litre.
On-Roof
This installation sits above the roof covering on anchors or fixing points that secure underneath the slate/tile roof on to the roof battens.
In-Roof
This installation sits directly onto the roof batons with the tiles/slates sitting around the panel. Flashing weatherproof the edges.
A guide to self-installing solar heating panels
Health and safety should always be your main priority when self-installing
solar heating panels. Work alongside a roofer and MCS-accredited installer to commission
the completed installation.
1. Scaffolding will be necessary up to the level of the guttering. This equipment will give you a safe working platform. Use additional roof ladders to prevent damage to the roof covering. Making measurements from the inside of the roof space/loft may be helpful.
When deciding where to locate the pump station, choose the shortest route for your pipework to the hot water tank.
2. The roof anchors get fixed into the underneath roof batons. You can remove a tile or slate to gain access. Measuring diagonally from corner to corner will help square up the anchors, ready for the aluminium mainframe to be fixed.
The best part of this installation is attaching the solar panels to the roof. Some styles of evacuated tube collectors allow you to piece together the array.
Please note - Ready-assembled collectors will need to be hoisted up to the scaffolding using a roofers pulley system. Some self-installers works alongside a roofing company for this stage of the installation.
An inlet and outlet hole for the pipes can be drilled through the tile/slate and resealed using roof-grade silicone. Make sure any exposed pipework is insulated by an 'Armoflex sheaf' up to the headers inlet and outlet ports.
3. Routing your pipework down towards the pump station can be done with professional 'ready insulated' pipe lengths containing the temperature sensor wire or traditional copper pipe. If the latter, then we recommend connecting with 'compression' joints. Connect the pump station to the correct hot and cold feed connections.
The Expansion Vessel gets installed next to the pump station so, allow for this area. Typical locations for these components are in the loft space, basement or within the airing cupboard.
4. Some solar heating installations may require an upgraded hot water tank. Unvented or pressurised cylinders are typical, but a 'G3' plumbers accreditation is necessary - however, a traditional vented-tank installed with a secondary solar coil is fine.
5. Now decide where to locate The Controller. If you're installing it in the bathroom, then a Part P qualification is required. Situated outside the bathroom area is more common.
Routing the Temperature Sensors from the controller to the tank and header can follow the route of the pipework in most cases.
6. Pressurising the system with the Glycol fluid can be done with a plumber's pump unit. Flushing the system out of all air bubbles is essential, and pressure of three bar is standard. The final operation is to set-up the Management Controller and testing the temperature sensors are reporting accurate readings.
Check pipework and connections.
7. Enjoy a cup of tea. You've joined a growing army of people taking advantage of solar technology today.
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Author.
"Solar panels made easy."
Stuart Lovatt
Founder of Power My Home.
