STC Solar SPA Collector Kit Installation Manual

STC Solar Installation Guide

Installation of Solar Tube Company Solar SPA Collector Kits

Warning: Only install your system if you and any persons working with you are competent to do so,
and only after you have assessed all risks, and either eliminated them or reduced them to safe levels.

Caution: There is a boiling risk, which is fully avoidable. Either fit the tubes at the end of the
installation after the system is filled or shade the tubes prior to commissioning.

Installation G

Solar Tube Company - Eco Airpump
www.ecoairpump.co.uk
Support Line: 08444 930099

2

Realise the Benefits!

Thank you for choosing a STC Solar Thermal System. We have prepared this guide to assist you with

the installation of your new system, don’t forget we are here to help so please let us know if you are

having problems or require some more clarification.
Just in case you need reminding why you chose a STC System, here are the key features of our kits:

1. Fast payback

2. Fast installation

3. No leaks

4. Reduced maintenance

5. 25 + years life

Contents

1. General

2. Collector positioning

3. Collector installation

4. Pipe work installation

5. Leaded roof grommets and 2-in-2 stainless pipe

6. Filling the System

7. Fitting the Tubes

Installation G

Solar Tube Company - Eco Airpump
www.ecoairpump.co.uk
Support Line: 08444 930099

3

General

Installation of a solar thermal heating system usually requires safe working at heights on a roof. It is essential to check that the
rafters are strong enough (rafters should have a minimum cross-sectional area of 75 sq cm); if in any doubt, ask a structural
engineer to advise.

Collector Positioning

The optimum performance of the collector will be achieved when it is positioned at a 50 to 60 tilt angle in a south
facing direction. A more vertical tilt angle will favour performance during the winter at the expense of reducing the
maximum performance during the summer. Evacuated tube collectors using radial absorbers (such as the SPA
models) will perform well even when not pointing due south. However, it will be necessary to increase the number
of tubes over what would be expected for a due south installation:

Position

Allow % extra evacuated tubes

West

25%

South West

10%

South East

20%

East

35%

An alternative is to fit collectors to more than one roof surface. For example, collectors can be fitted to east and
west facing elevations in conjunction with an upgraded controller (such as the Resol BS Plus) switching the flow
from the east to the west collector during the day via a motorised 3-way valve.

For flat roofs, the use of a Flat Roof Mounting Frame is recommended.

Collector Installation

The collector is typically attached to the roof by stainless steel brackets or by stainless steel banding (some
installers use other methods). The brackets are fixed directly to the rafters where possible, or to noggins fitted
between rafters. Fitment to roof battens is not recommended.

Installation G

Solar Tube Company - Eco Airpump
www.ecoairpump.co.uk
Support Line: 08444 930099

4

Frame Assembly (for Pitched Roof Installations)

(For 24/30 tube collectors use 3 vertical pieces)

1. Attach frame vertical pieces to back of manifold

2. Turn over

3. Attach cross rail so that opened groove is at top

4. Secure cross rails using M13 bolts and stainless fittings

5. The collector can now be offered up to the roof in order to find the best place to fix it. Use
chalk or tape to mark the chosen position. The rafter spacing can usually be seen at the
bottom of the roof covering (next to the gutter).