I just had 9 HC-50 Helicol solar panels installed. In addition to a leak in one of the tubes during startup, I just realized the installer did not follow Helicol's installation instructions. First, Helicol recommends a maximum of 8 HC-50 panels per array to maintain proper flow distribution. My system was installed with all 9 panels in the same array. Second, for 9 HC-50 panels, Helicol recommends a minimum flowrate of 45 gpm which is fine but the installer used 1.5" piping to and from the panels even though all of my other piping is 2". Additionally, Helicol recommends 2" piping for flowrates between 31 to 50 gpm.
Am I being too critical? Any idea how much heating performance or electrical efficiency this is costing me?
I haven't even paid for the system yet... what would you do?
Am I being too critical? Any idea how much heating performance or electrical efficiency this is costing me?
I haven't even paid for the system yet... what would you do?