Above is shown work that was completed in early February before the ground became frozen. Copper supply and return pipes are shown, which connect the thermal solar collector panels to a manifold in the Utility Room, and are in the process of being brazed together in a 2' deep trench, which leads from the collector array to the residence. The insulated pipes will distribute water heated by the collectors to a domestic hot water heat exchanger connected to the hot water storage tank and also to tubing that will deliver heat to a high mass storage system located below the slab floor.
Above, the first of ten 4' x 10' Heliodyne solar panels is attached to the base rail and tilted up with custom designed aluminum mounting hardware to an optimum angle of 60 degrees to achieve maximum solar collection for space heating for a residence located at 45 degrees latitude . Haley, Billy's construction dog emeritus, is shown keeping an eye on the work.
Collectors are shown installed and ready for connection to pipes, pumps, expansion tanks,
and photovoltaic power sources.
Individual collector tubing is connected top and bottom with a brass union. A bottom header connection is shown in the photo above with collector mounting feet on either side.
Above is a photo showing the attachment of collectors and mounting hardware to steel rails supported on concrete piers.
Above, a side view shows the six points of attachment between each collector and the mounting structure, which incorporates the collector frames into an uncluttered and efficient design that works as a unified structural system.
Straight and tight, the collectors respectfully face true south in homage to our sun, the energy source of life.
