Installing Your Simple Drainback Solar Hot Water System

Your Simple Drainback System comes with a highly competent installation manual.Please consult that installation manual BEFORE your first installation.

An installation video is provided on the website. It’s a good idea to watch that video before planning and executing your effort.

This presentation is intended for first-timeinstallers, people with some knowledge of trades.It is NOT intended to be the definitive answerto installation, nor is it intended to define thepreferred installation methods.

The goal of this installation presentation is to demonstrate that the Simple Drainback Systemcan be easily installed by competent workman.

We hope you enjoy your system for decades to come!

How long will installation take? Can I install my first system in one day?

A two panel installation with reasonable access from collectors to tank, well planned out (not more than 3 trips to nearby hardware store),can be installed by two competent workman in one day. Absolutely.

This installation was NOT completed in one day. It took two tirelessworkers, two long days to complete. It required more than three trips to the hardware store. The job wasn’t smooth, but it was fun and gratifying.

Plan on two days for your first installation. You’ll finish ahead of schedule.

Before After

Planning your work.

The installation diagram in your manual is a greatplace to start planningyour work. This wouldalso be part of the submittal to the buildingdepartment for thebuilding permit.

239 Pound Box!

In this package is everything needed, except:

1) Plumbing and wire from system to collectors; and2) Pump (separate box, but included)

Hidden Treasures in Packaging!

Here in the trash pile is an important P/T valve, and buried below is the black T1 thermister (located in thebottom styrofoam packing).

Be aware, andunpack with care!

Collectors to RoofMoving 110# collectors to the roof is awkward. Try sliding them up a ladder, one man below and one above. Store collectors against a roof jack.Roofs get soft in heat, do roof work early in day.

Mount Collectors Early In Day

Think about where…and how…and ‘path’.And…always always absolutely… drain back.

Notice the tilt angleof these collectors.

Drainback systemsMUST drain wherefreeze is possible.

Half a bubble off plumb…Snap a (non-level) line along the bottom of collectors. Set bottom mounts, then setcollectors, then set top mounts. Drain!

Polyurethane is best.

Slip together, then solder.This is a view from the top, looking down.Begin by setting bottom brackets. Next, place collector, copper pieces prepped for solder (shiny and fluxed). Then set upper brackets.

With brackets set,slide collectors together with prepped unions on.

Solder both sides of1” union after set.

Roof Mount ConnectionsPlease see anchor instructions in manual.

This wouldbe partof the submittalfor abuildingpermit.

Soldering Secrets RevealedCopper must be absolutely clean, fluxed!

This handy cleaner willgive shiny newcopper results.

Inside-Outside.All coppershiny, deburredand fluxed.

Capillary Action Draws Solder

Don’t cook the fittings. Heat them just right.

The flame is appliedto the end of thejoint, away from where solder enters the joint.Let capillary actiondraw the solderin and around joint.

Flux will start to vaporize.Flux all sides of all joints, no voids in flux!

Flux will start tovaporize when temperature isready for solder.Have wet rag ready,use to catch solderand wipe joints.50/50 solder is fine for non-potable water.

Notice vapor?

Solder changes shine as it cools.

How much solder? Same as pipe diameter.

The solder willchange from wetto dull as it cools.If you wish, youcan wipe the joint clean aftervisual surfacechange using wettowel or rag.

Pretty, and pretty solid.Proper preparation, proper procedures.

Here’s a nice,clean finishedjoint. Thatwet rag is usedonly after solder in joint has solidified.

Be careful of solder drips!

Mounted, ready for penetration.

First fit, then solder. A roof rafter forced this line to be a bit long. 2” holeand pipe are lined up before boot located.

The boot isapplied last,so there is notension in boot’s 1” rubber fitting.

1” to ¾” reducer, shouldbe 1” pipe to first 90 toavoid even small trap.

2” hole

1” Penetration Roof Jack2” boot can be used, but 1” is best.

1) No tensionon rubber,it’s centered.

2) Boot cutinto roof correctly, thencaulked, nailed.

Replace vented cap at collector top.

This is top of a collector, with a capped plug.

The ventedcaps stops condensation.Replace topcaps to prevent moisture intrusion.

Insulate all exposed pipe.Think 30 years…use the best materials.

Not shown was thefinal coat of paint,to protect insulationfrom ultra-violetray degradation.

Some even paint roof jacks tomatch roof color.

T1 thermister at upper outlet.

Solar fluid inlet at bottom (left or right); Fluid outlet at upper opposite. T1 at outlet.

The upperT1 temperaturesensor attachesto hot waterout at top ofcollector. Note1” to ¾” reducerat manifold.

Again, notice thesmall trap…extending1” pipe is better.

Drain Loop at PenetrationT1 wire outside, not touching hot copper.

Note: The insulationwas added onlyafter the system waschecked, and no leaks were confirmed.

This loop stopswater from followingwire into penetration.

Proper Insulation MaterialClosed cell Armacell insulation, or equivalent should be used. Open cell can melt or seriously degrade when exposed to hightemperatures or atmosphere.

Attic Time is Ugly Time.Roof penetrations into the attic providea target. Let’s avoid this area until later.

Next, we setthe tank, andrun plumbing fromthe tank up into the attic.

Think about path.

Tank Planning Time

The tank should be setto best align components.The controller can bemoved around tank, ormounted on nearby wall.Some jurisdictions requiretanks to be strapped toa wall (earthquake).

DCW = Domestic Cold Water

Raise tank off floor.This storage tank is 15 years old. It was

setdirectly on the floor, and condensation iscausing rust to appear. This was

preventable. Raise tank offfloor with bricks,rigid insulation,or some othersolid material.