Mains Pressure Hot Water cylinders:
If not manufactured specifically for solar will have a
manufacturers maximum temperature limit,in most
cases this will be 70°c - 80°c.
1 Check the cylinder specifications.
2 Install a temperature limiting device to bring the
operating temperature to within specifications-
1m² of solar collector panel should have at least
1.5 kw heat dissipation.
Check solar valve page for mains pressure TPR relief.
Low pressure hot water cylinders:
Low pressure hot water cylinders are usually
manufactured from copper,insulated,and have
specifications stamped on the cladding,providing
details of the pressure rating etc.
Check solar valve page for low
pressure TPR relief.
What if I have a glass lined cylinder
or other:
Cylinders best suited to solar are either stainless or copper,
both of these tank liners have the ability to sustain high
temperatures.
Stainless cylinders can operate at 90 deg c.
Copper cylinders usually have a 70 deg c maximum
operating temp.
Recommended tank replacement:
A solar retro conversion will give outstanding performance,
adding a solar ready tank will give the best efficiency.
Performance modeling recommends a Coopers 850 solar ready
cylinder with cut out element/auto reset tanks now available.
The elements need to be reversed to comply with current stds.
Legionella
Protection:
Solar controller can be programmed to heat to 60ºc+ at three
different time frames throughout the day/night, solar controller
will automatically be triggered when the sensor (T3) is 6 deg
below the preset electric booster setting.( 60 deg c should
be achieved every day either by solar heating or electric
element).
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