Connecting two solar HW panels

millerputnam · Feb 20, 2013

I have two 4 x 10 panels from the 80's and I'm in the process of repairing them. They have 1" headers. I am going to put them on a pivoting frame to adjust the angle as the sun changes position. Is there a method of connecting the two panels without sweating the 1" headers together. I read somewhere about using silicone tubing. I worry about a little movement as I change the tilt angle and most of my repair has been on the ends of the header pipe where the roofers removing them buggered them up. I hope some of you guys will have some suggestions. Thanks

Raspy · Dec 22, 2013

You didn't mention your working pressure, but if it's a drainback system with low pressure you can use fluorosilicone hose. It's very flexible and can take stagnation temps. A little movement over time can damage collectors that are rigidly piped together. They crack at the first tee inside the box where the header meets the fin tube.

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protech · Sep 9, 2014

millerputnam said:
I have two 4 x 10 panels from the 80's and I'm in the process of repairing them. They have 1" headers. I am going to put them on a pivoting frame to adjust the angle as the sun changes position. Is there a method of connecting the two panels without sweating the 1" headers together. I read somewhere about using silicone tubing. I worry about a little movement as I change the tilt angle and most of my repair has been on the ends of the header pipe where the roofers removing them buggered them up. I hope some of you guys will have some suggestions. Thanks

Without knowing where the system in located geographically and what kind of system it is (active-direct, passive direct, active indirect glycol, active indirect drain aback, integrated collector-storage, etc etc) there is no way to answer your question. We need more info.

As a general shot from the hip answer, it is unwise and counter productive to use tracking systems on solar water heaters.

www.leakdetectionwinterhaven.com

Connecting two solar HW panels

millerputnam

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Raspy

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protech

Master plumber

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