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Solar panels not connected - could they get damaged?

  • 28-02-2011 11:48am
    #1
    Gulliver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭


    Quick question - my solar installer put on the panels but they're not connected to anything yet as the tanks and stuff have not been delivered yet.

    A plumber told me he heard the panels can be damaged if they are heating up but not connected. Is this true?


Comments

  • #2
    gman2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,076 ✭✭✭gman2k


    Yes, the copper joints at the panels can be damaged and any insulation also...
    Somebody more knowledgeable should be along shortly...


  • #3
    ccsolar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭ccsolar


    Hi Gulliver
    If it is the tubes you have installed they can witstand temperatures of over 200 degrees before they go into stagnation.
    There should not be any problems here although the insulation on the piping from the manifold might get damaged.
    It is always good practice to cover the tubes with protectors during installation but a lot of installers do not bother.
    Your installer needs to be carefull when filling the system with glycol if the manifold is very hot, the sudden supply of cool glycol can shock the collector and I have seen a few controllers also get damaged.

    Cc


  • #4
    Gulliver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Gulliver


    Thanks for the replies. It's a flat panel system. I must remind the fitter about the cool filling. Chances are it'll be cold, dull wet and windy day when they arrives, but knowing my luck it'll be a scorcher!


  • #5
    gears
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 758 ✭✭✭gears


    You could simply put a cover over them, once shielded from the sun they won't heat up.


  • #6
    Gulliver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,026 ✭✭✭Gulliver


    gears wrote: »
    You could simply put a cover over them, once shielded from the sun they won't heat up.
    We get a lot of wind here and I'd be afraid extra drag would damage them.


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  • #7
    quentingargan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    Gulliver wrote: »
    We get a lot of wind here and I'd be afraid extra drag would damage them.
    At this time of the year, flatplates should be OK not covered. They are usually designed to withstand stagnation temperatures at times when the ambient temperature is higher. If it is a breezy spot, the wind will also keep the glass temperature down a bit.

    The issue is more with pipe insulation, depending on the layout of the panel. Usually it is only rated for 150C or thereabouts and it can get hotter than this when the system is dry.

    If the system stays there with pipe insulation for a long period of time, I would ask the plumber to replace the pipe insulation in close proximity to the panel. And as suggested, fill the system when cool, or early in the morning.

    Otherwise, I wouldn't be worried unless they are up there for months on end.


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