SOLAR POOL HEATING PANELS

PREPARING FOR SHORT TERM FREEZING CONDITIONS (SOUTHERN FLORIDA)

In Florida, freeze conditions are short term and draining the system is not necessary if you:

1.            Restart the pool pump after the timer has shut it off for the night.

2.            Turn the solar control to the “ON” position

3.            Allow the water to circulate throughout the duration of the freeze condition.

The types of installations which are most prone to freeze damage are systems that have panels below the pool water level, systems where the collectors lie flat on the roof or patio cover, or systems which have a piping configuration which does not allow for gravity drainage of the water.  The pool filtration equipment is as susceptible to freeze as the solar panels. By running the pump, the warm pool water will help prevent damage to the entire equipment package. All systems, when shut down for the winter, must be checked to ensure that they are completely drained.

SOLAR ISOLATION PROCEDURES FOR LONG TERM FREEZE (NORTHERN FLORIDA)

1.            Turn the solar valve off.

2.            Ensure that the pump and filter are not running.

3.            For panels below pool level, item 7 must be done before proceeding to item 4.

4.            Open any manual drains.

5.            Remove end caps at the lowest panel.

6.            Let the system drain for at least one hour.

7.            Close the isolation valves.

8.            Turn on the pool equipment, ensuring that the solar valve is turned off.  Let the system run for at least 5 minutes while checking to make sure no water is coming out of the end cap area of the panels.

9.            Reinstall end caps.

When Freezing Conditions Are Over

And you want to start up your Solar System again:

1.            Check that the solar valve is in the off position.

2.            Ensure that the pump and filter are not running.

3.            Make sure that the end caps and vacuum relief valve are installed and the clamps are properly tightened.

4.            Close the drain valve.

5.            Open both isolation valves if there are two.

6.            Turn the solar valve to the on position.

7.            Turn on the pump and filter.

IMPORTANT: ABUNDANT ENERGY will not be responsible for damages resulting from improper freeze procedures.

SOLAR DOMESTIC WATER HEATING

PREPARING FOR FREEZING CONDITIONS

In Florida, freeze conditions are typically short term and draining the system is not necessary if you:

1.            Have a functioning freeze protection valve installed.

2.            Test the function of the return check valve periodically.

3.            Allow the water to circulate throughout the duration of the freeze condition, water will run out of freeze valve onto roof. The valve should close again when the temperature begins to rise.

The installations which are most prone to freeze damage are systems that are installed on the roofs of homes west of the Florida Turnpike. These systems don’t have the beneficial coastal night heating that occurs east of the Turnpike in the winter months. When freeze conditions are in the forecast, refer to this manual for proper procedures.

Draining The System For Freeze

1.            Unplug or disconnect the wires to the pump.

2.            Close BOTH Isolation Valves on the solar circulation loop.

3.            Attach a hose to both the Boiler Drains on the pipes leading to the solar panel.

4.            Open the Boiler Drain on the pump side line and open the Boiler Drain on the return side line.

5.            If you don’t have two hoses available put a bucket under the return line (line without the pump). Most of the water, 2-3 gallons will drain from the pump side.

6.            Let the system drain for at least one hour.

7.            Leave the hose if attached to the return side drain to facilitate restarting, move the one hose over to the return side if a bucket was used.

When Freezing Conditions Are Over

And you want to start up your Solar System again:

1.            Verify that the Boiler Drain on the pump side of the solar loop is CLOSED.

2.            Attach a hose to and open the Boiler Drain on the return line.

3.            Open the Isolation Valve on the Pump Side line going to the collector, without a hose.

4.            Allow the water to flow out of the hose until a steady stream is achieved.

5.            Open the return side Isolation Valve.

6.            Close the Boiler Drain and remove the hose.

7.            Turn on the pump by plugging it back in or reattaching the two wires.

IMPORTANT: ABUNDANT ENERGY will not be responsible for damages resulting from improper freeze procedures.