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Solar Water Heater Installation & Operating Manual

Solar water heater with electric backup

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S
OLAR
E
A Spanish language version of these instructions is available by contacting the manufacturer listed on the rating plate.
La version espanola de estas instruccions se puede obtener al escribirle a la fábrica cuyo nombre aparece in la placa de
especificaciones.
INSTALLATION/OPERATING MANUAL
WITH PARTS LISTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING
To avoid damage or injury, there
must be no materials stored against
the solar water heater and proper
care shall be taken to avoid
unnecessary contact (especially by
children) with the solar water heater.
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable liquids
in the vicinity of this water
heater or any other
appliance.
For your family's comfort, safety, and convenience, we recommend this water
heater/storage unit be installed and serviced by a plumbing professional.
W
ATER
LECTRIC
238-47073-00B
REV 2/08
H
EATER WITH
B
ACKUP

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Summary of Contents for Solar Solar Water Heater

  • Page 1 WITH PARTS LISTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE WARNING To avoid damage or injury, there must be no materials stored against the solar water heater and proper care shall be taken to avoid unnecessary contact (especially by children) with the solar water heater.
  • Page 2 For your records we recommend that you write the model, serial number and installation date of your solar water heater in the back of this manual. This manual should be kept with the solar water heater. We’re committed to providing you with the finest water heater made.
  • Page 3 The equipment must be installed in accordance with those installation regulations required in the area where the installation is to be made. These regulations must be carefully followed in all cases. Authorities having jurisdiction shall be consulted before installations are made. All wiring on water heaters installed in the USA must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, latest edition, and/or local regulations;...
  • Page 4 See the General Information section of this manual for details. This water heater contains very hot water under high pressure. Do not unscrew any pipe fittings or attempt to disconnect any components of this water heater without positively assuring the water is cool and has no pressure.
  • Page 5 Hydrogen gas can be produced in an operating water heater that has not had water drawn from the tank for a long period of time (generally two weeks or more). Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. To prevent the possibility of injury under these conditions, it is recommended that a water faucet be opened for several minutes at the kitchen sink before you use any electrical appliance that is connected to the hot water system.
  • Page 6 ANODES Table 1: Water Heater Dimension (Inches) MODE 60-Gal. 75-Gal. 115-Gal. SECTION II SPECIFICATIONS Figure 1 – Tank Layout 60-1/4 59-1/4 60-1/4 59-1/4 28 1/4 63-1/4 62-1/2 HOT WATER OUTLET-3/4" NPT COLD WATER INLET-3/4" NPT SOLAR SENSOR WIRING JUNCTION BOX...
  • Page 7 Specifications continued- Table 2: Water Heater Capacities Tank Capacity MODEL (Gal) 60-Gal. 75-Gal. 115-Gal. Table 3: Electric Backup Water Heater Ratings MODEL 115-Gal Solar Single-wall Heat Exchanger Flow Specifications 0.40 0.35 0.30 0.25 0.20 0.15 0.10 0.05 0.00 Figure 2 – Solar Heat Exchanger Pressure Drop Chart...
  • Page 8: General Information

    These wires have been provided as a means for connecting thermistors to a solar controller. NOTICE: Neither the solar controller nor the thermistors are provided with the solar water heater and must be purchased separately. The lower thermistor wires connect a thermistor for use in comparison to the solar collector temperature to determine if an appropriate temperature difference for heat transfer is available.
  • Page 9 Relief Valves and Vacuum Relief Valves. The combination temperature and pressure relief valve must be marked with a maximum set pressure not to exceed the maximum working pressure of the water heater. The combination temperature and pressure relief valve must also have an hourly rated temperature steam BTU discharge capacity not less than the hourly rating of the water heater/storage unit.
  • Page 10 Heater Do not drop water heater. Do not bump water heater jacket against floor. Location – For fastest delivery of hot water, place the solar water heater closest to the points of use. Additional Recommended Components Shut-off Valves – Allows isolation of water heater from domestic water system and/or solar system during service.
  • Page 11 The typical solar water heater with electric backup has only one element. In periods were solar heating is not available the amount of stored hot water is about ¼ of the tank volume. The dual electric element backup will allow the entire storage tank to hold hot water during these periods.
  • Page 12: Water Connections

    If sweat fittings are to be used, DO NOT apply heat to the nipples on top of the water heater. Sweat the tubing to the adapter before fitting the adapter to the water connections. It is imperative that heat is not applied to the nipples containing a plastic liner.
  • Page 13 CONNECT SOLAR PIPING TO WATER HEATER 1. For a closed loop solar heating system, refer to Figure 3. The solar water heater connection labeled “FROM SOLAR COLLECTOR” should be piped to the solar collector supply piping. Mount the circulator making sure the flow arrow points toward the water heater.
  • Page 14 Water Connections continued- 2. For a drainback solar heating system, refer to Figure 4. The solar water heater connection labeled “FROM SOLAR COLLECTOR” should be piped to the solar collector supply piping. Mount the circulator making sure the flow arrow points toward the water heater. The use of shut-off valves and unions are recommended for future service convenience.
  • Page 15 A typical two-tank system is provided in Figure 5. This system holds two separate volumes of water. The cold water supply is delivered to the solar water heater. If solar energy is available, the water in the solar heater is heated.
  • Page 16 “INSTRUCTIONS FOR POTABLE CONNECTIONS” earlier in this section and Figure 6. The potential for not transferring the solar heat into the solar water heater due to a pump malfunction is reduced when the second pump is removed from the system.
  • Page 17 FOR POTABLE CONNECTIONS” earlier in this section and Figure 7. Connect the solar piping in series from the new solar water heater to the previous solar water heater as shown in Figure 7. This allows the solar heat to transfer directly into the backup tank.
  • Page 18: Electrical Connections

    Before any electrical connections are made, be sure that the water heater is full of water and that the valve in the cold water supply line is open. The solar water heater is supplied with a dual electric heating element backup system. The upper thermostat incorporates a manual reset temperature-limiting device.
  • Page 19 Electrical Connections continued- A solar control and thermistors are not supplied with this water heater. The Tekmar 156, when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions, is an acceptable controller. Other solar controller manufacturers such as Steca and Resol provide controllers appropriate for use with this water heater.
  • Page 20: Operating Instructions

    This water heater can deliver scalding temperature water at any faucet in the system. Be careful whenever using hot water to avoid scalding injury. By setting the thermostat on this water heater to obtain an increased water temperature, you may create the potential for scald injury. To protect against injury, you should install an ASSE approved mixing valve (a device to limit the temperature of water to protect against scald injury via mixing hot and cold water supply) in the water system.
  • Page 21 Figure 10 – Thermostat After the solar water heater completes a heat-up cycle, check the water temperature at a faucet. Allow enough water to flow to ensure that the faucet water temperature reflects the tank temperature. Adjust the water heater’s temperature setting as necessary.
  • Page 22 This solar water heater is intended to provide a service life of many years. Components that require service, however, may be subject to failure. Failure to use the correct procedures or parts in these circumstances may make the water heater unsafe.
  • Page 23 Maintenance continued- Sediment (Annual, but harsh water quality may dictate more frequent service) - Depending on water conditions, a varying amount of sediment may collect in the tank. Levels requiring service are indicated by a small temperature difference in the supply and return lines (See also “Scale” below). Repeated flushing usually clears such material.
  • Page 24 PROBLEM CAUSE No hot water at ECO on thermostat tripped faucet Improper thermostat setting or calibration Circulator does not pump fluid through solar collector Electrical problem (Control, wiring, etc.) Scale build-up Clogged cold water filter Water at faucet Thermostat set too high too hot Improper system plumbing Improper system wiring...
  • Page 25 SECTION X PARTS LIST PART NAME & DESCRIPTION 1. Hole Closure 2. Hex Head Anode 3. Integrated Mixing Device 4. Hot Water Outlet/Anode 5. Cold Water Inlet Diptube 6. Electrical Outlet Cover 7. Conduit Grounding Cover 8. Escutcheon 9. T&P Relief Valve 10.
  • Page 26 Contact your supplier or plumbing professional for replacement parts or contact the company at the address given on the rating plate of the water heater. Provide the part name, model, and serial numbers of the water heater when ordering parts. READ THE WARRANTY FOR A FULL EXPLANATION OF THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT PARTS AND THE WATER HEATER ARE WARRANTED.
  • Page 27 SECTION XI --NOTES—...
  • Page 28 SECTION XI --NOTES—...