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INSTALLATION – SOLAR COLLECTORS
PIPE LENGTHS
The maximum recommended combined length of the solar cold and solar hot pipes with bends is:
Maximum recommended total pipe length and number of 90° bends
1 or 2 Collectors 3 Collectors 4 Collectors
Pipe Size
Pipe Length
90° Bends
Pipe Length
90° Bends
Pipe Length
90° Bends
DN15 40 metres 20 30 metres 20 15 metres 20
DN20 NR NR 40 metres 20 40 metres 20
For each additional 90° bend, reduce the maximum total pipe length by 0.5 metres.
For each additional metre of pipe length, reduce the number of 90° bends by two.
Note: One 90° elbow is equal to two 90° bends.
NR – not recommended.
The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors should be a
minimum DN15.
Maximum height to collectors
The maximum height of a solar Streamline installation, from the solar controller (circulator) to the top of
the solar collectors, is determined by the maximum recommended total pipe length for the system and
the water supply pressure.
The maximum recommended total pipe length of the solar circuit should not be exceeded and a
minimum water supply pressure of 200 kPa should be available at the inlet to the system, otherwise the
system performance may be reduced or the solar circuit may not be purged of air during the
commissioning of the system.
WARNING: Plumber – Be Aware
• The solar hot and solar cold pipes between the solar storage tank and the solar collectors
MUST BE of copper and fully insulated with closed cell polymer insulation or similar (minimum
thickness 13 mm). Thicker insulation may be required to comply with the requirements of
AS/NZS 3500.4. The insulation must be weatherproof and UV resistant if exposed. All
compression fittings must use brass or copper olives.
Note: Failure to observe this requirement increases the risk of freeze damage.
The insulation is essential to assist in providing freeze protection, will offer corrosion protection
to a metal roof against water runoff over the copper pipe, assist in avoiding accidental contact
with the solar pipe work and also reduce pipe heat losses.
• The insulation must be fitted up to the connections on both the solar collectors and the
solar storage tank, as very high temperature water can flow from the solar collectors to the
solar storage tank under certain conditions.
• Plastic pipe MUST NOT be used, as it will not withstand the temperature and pressure of the
water generated by the solar collectors under stagnation conditions. The solar collectors can
generate extremely high water temperatures up to 150°C and high water pressure of 1000 kPa.
Plastic pipe cannot withstand these temperatures and pressures and
MUST NOT be used.
Failure of plastic pipe can lead to the release of high temperature water and cause severe
water damage and flooding.
• There must be a continuous fall in the pipe work between the solar collectors and solar
storage tank. The highest point of the solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe must be where they
connect to the solar collectors, to avoid the possibility of air locks occurring in the system.
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