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Show Suggoofiono help avoid solar system problems Details may make the difference dif-ference between a success and a failure in solar energy systems,.. During a recent solar energy seminar held at Utah State University, county extension agents were advised by engineers how to help avoid difficulties that have been encountered with demonstration solar units installed in various parts of the country. The following suggestions relate to solar collectors. 1. Examine the warranty and performance data of any purchased collector. 2. Make a thorough shading shad-ing analysis. Consider all corners, roof lines, trees and adjacent buildings for all periods of operation. 3. Optimize the tilt angle. 4. Consider snow drifting drift-ing or buildup. 5. Plan for the thermal expansion of parts. 6. When building a co -lector, keep in mind that the glazing will probably have to be replaced at some time. 7. Use materials that withstand the sun and weather. weath-er. 8. Provide an air vent for use during charging of collectors that use water. 9. Check for leaks. 10. Make sure lines from collector are insulated. 11. Avoid insulation becoming be-coming waterlogged. 12. Design collector installation in-stallation to withstand wind loads. 13. Provide uniform air flow through collector. 14. Provide a drain for the collector. 15. Provide the system with pressure relief for summer or periods of no flow when water orairpres-sure orairpres-sure may build up. Experience with storage systems in the demonstration demon-stration units indicates that these suggestions should be noted. 1. Check for leaks. 2. Avoid getting inlet and outlet too close. 3. Take heat losses into account. 4. Insulate storage adequately. ade-quately. 5. Avoid insulation becoming be-coming waterlogged. 6. Provide a self -priming pump where needed. 7. Design for proper flow rates. 8. Use water rocks in rock heat storage. 9. Design system so storage stor-age tanks will not cause problems with building footings foot-ings or foundation. 10. Avoid situations when metal supports on metal tank defeat the purpose of the insulation. |