The Installation Process
Equipment
The solar hot water collectors or evacuated tube arrays will typically be mounted on your roof. These should be located with a clear southern exposure for best performance. Solar water heater systems are more tolerant of shading and shadows than solar electric systems.
Finding a location for a hot water storage tank is usually the most challenging. Ideally, a location next to your hot water heater is best, however, a close location, even if through a wall in another room will work. Some homeowners replace their old tank type hot water heater with a wall mounted tankless water heater, and then use the old water heater space for the solar water heater tank.
The hot water from your solar water heater system will be sent through your water heater, which may not even turn on if the solar water is hot enough. During the summer, solar water may be hotter than is safe for the home, and an anti-scald valve (required by code) will be installed to mix super-hot water with cold water before being sent to the home water faucets.
Other safety equipment: pressure and temperature release valves, and thermal expansion tanks will be installed to protect the home and safety of the occupants.