Ok so i purchased a sunheater brand solar array. The instructions show a horizontal install. Would it be more efficient to install the panels vertically?
Solar install couple quick questions
- Thread starter FamilyGuy
- Start date
What is the size? Where are you installing it? How is the water routed through the panel (inlet and outlet on opposite ends or the same end)?
It is a 4 panel 2'x20' 1 1/2" headers full flow through designed to be plumbed any and every possible way. I am installing it on my south faceing roof full sun 10 hrs a day. My only question is would it make it more efficient vertical as opposed to horizontal? (Any tips from previous installs are always welcomed and appreciated)
- May 3, 2007
- 16,879
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
In your location, horizontal is more efficient because during the day in the summer, the sun spends more time above 45 degree elevation than below.
How steep is the roof?
Ideally you want to run one direction through all the tubes in parallel, not one way in some and then back in others.
I have no experience with the 20' panels, but have seen some pictures where they sag when horizontal on steeper roofs. Whether horizontal or vertical should not really affect the efficiency.
Ideally you want to run one direction through all the tubes in parallel, not one way in some and then back in others.
I have no experience with the 20' panels, but have seen some pictures where they sag when horizontal on steeper roofs. Whether horizontal or vertical should not really affect the efficiency.
- May 3, 2007
- 16,879
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
??jblizzle said:
The incident angle of the sun greatly affects the efficiency of the panels. Normal incidence has maximum heat transfer. Tangential incidence had minimum heat transfer.
*clarification by vertical or horizontal i refer to accross the roof from side to side or down the roof from bottom to top*
Mark, I suspect they have little need for solar heat in mid summer in central FL, instead the peak solar incident angle for fall / winter is probably a bigger issue.
Ike
Ike
- May 3, 2007
- 16,879
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Ok, sorry, the original post made no mention of a roof install. Then I agree, there will be little difference in efficiency.FamilyGuy said:
Somewhere I have read (maybe in my install manual) that the 2X20 panels should not be installed vertically due to their construction and the potential weight of the panel once filled with water. I will poke around and see if I can find it.
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