Solar Water Heater

Verify current plumbing infrastructure is sufficient to support the installation(s) and is leak-free

If a roof installation is planned, verify that the roof will support the installation (e.g., dead load, wind load) and that the current roof has more than 10 years of useful life remaining

Select a storage/backup water heaters that:

is ENERGY STAR^® certified, equivalent, or better

fits in the installation space with required clearances

provides sufficient hot water for the home and occupants

is insulated to R-12.5 or greater

Locate solar collectors to minimize shading factor and maximize solar gain, but not interfere with other appliance operation (e.g., chimneys, vents, exhaust terminations)

Install water heater in compliance with applicable code (e.g., NFPA 70, IRC, IBC, IMC) and manufacturer specifications

If conflict exists between code and manufacturer specifications, apply the more restrictive requirement

Install and plumb storage tank and solar collectors to allow for inspection, maintenance, and replacement of the appliance and its components

Ensure that anode rod is accessible for replacement

Provide a path that allows the solar collector to be safely accessed without damaging the roof

Incorporate system freeze protection for applicable climates, including, but not limited to, closed glycol loops, drain back systems, supplemental heat, or other methods, as approved by applicable code and manufacturer specifications

If appliance is installed in or above conditioned space or in a location where water damage could occur, install a drain pan according to the requirements of the IRC

Drain pan to the exterior of the building

Install a Temperature and Pressure (TandP) relief valve per the IRC and manufacturer specifications

Pipe the valve to within 6" of the floor or drain pan or to the outdoors and must terminate in an observable location

Select piping material based on IRC requirements

Install dielectric unions when connecting copper to galvanized steel piping in accordance with the IRC and manufacturer specifications

Install heat traps on the inlet and outlet piping where not provided by manufacturer

Install a separate water cut-off valve for both the hot and cold incoming water lines at the storage tank, and between each additional components of the system (e.g., mixing valves, solar collector, additional storage tank)

Install an expansion tank anytime a storage water heater is supplied with cold water that passes through a check valve, pressure reducing valve or backflow preventer

Connect the tank to the cold water supply line at a point that is downstream of all check valves, pressure reducing valves and backflow preventers

Size thermal expansion tanks in accordance with the tank manufacturer's instructions and applicable code (e.g., IRC, IBC)

Insulate all accessible pipes carrying hot water to a minimum R-3 per SWS (Water Heating: Thermal Loss Reduction: Pipe Insulation"

Install a suitable thermostatic mixing valve and set discharge temperature to not exceed 120 degrees or as prescribed by local code

Install a temperature-indicating device at the discharge outlet of the thermostatic mixing valve

Permanently remove equipment from job site and recycle or dispose of removed equipment and refrigerant in accordance with local and federal law (e.g., EPA Section 608 of Clean Air Act of 1990)

Permanently decommission old equipment

Provide occupants/owners with user's manual, warranty information, installation instructions, and installer contact information