PLAN THE LOCATION OF THE SOLAR PANELS

1. Plan and locate the position of the panels with chalk lines so that their appearance can be
visualized. Solar panels are generally more attractive if they are placed at or below the midline of
the roof area.
2. The customer should approve the location of the panels before the work begins. Take a sheet
of plywood up to the roof if it will help to visualize the finished work.
3. Keep in mind that work will have to be done behind the roof to prepare a solid support for the
solar collector legs. Do not put the collectors in a place where this work is inaccessible.
4. Coordinate with the General Contractor. Make sure that the General understands that solar
panels will be placed upon the roof and that the roof must be built to the proper dimensions.
Building insulation should not be installed in the solar work area until the solar work is roughed
in and pressure tested.
5. Snap another chalk line in the place where holes will be drilled for the collector mounts. Hold
the line tight enough that it does not dip in the middle.
6. Start in the middle of the roof and work outward. That way, you can be sure that the work will
be centered on the roof.
7. Measure twice before drilling holes in important locations.
8. Foresee everything that needs to be done before starting work. Read the entire manual
before starting. In particular, note the following:
a. Blocking should be installed behind the solar panels in new construction.

b. For even flow, the solar fluid will flow into one side of the solar array at the bottom, and
come out on the other side at the top (called reverse return). The “C” type fluid return
where the fluid comes out on the same side of the collector array that it went in is only
acceptable for no more than three solar collectors. Be sure that there is a good way to run
and insulate these supply and return pipes

c. Two temperature sensors will be located at
the outlet of the solar array. Two sets of
wires, (18g thermostat wire, two wire), must
be run from the outlet to the mechanical
room before the work is closed up.
d. Plan for expansion and contraction of the
header pipes within the solar panel. Solar
collector temperatures could vary between the
coldest expected outdoor temperature, and
the stagnation temperature of the collector in
full sun. This temperature difference could
be up to 300 degrees F.