FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions


 Before you start making it on your own, please read the 3 easy steps, which can help to understand it.Step 1 - Insert screwdriver into the upper hole. Push the lock clamp inside down. Keep the screwdriver in this position.Step 2 - Insert wire/cable into the lower openingStep 3 - Remove screwdriver. The clamp will lock the cable.learning this prevent form damaging and incorrect wire/cable connection to the controller.

Evacuated tubes, an essential component of SunMaxx Solar hot water systems, are designed to function optimally in all seasons, including the winter months. Here's a simplified explanation of how they work when temperatures drop:

Insulation: Each evacuated tube comprises a double-layered glass tube with a vacuum in between. This vacuum acts as an excellent insulator, reducing heat loss to nearly zero, thus maintaining the efficiency of the system even in freezing weather.

Absorption: The inner layer of the tube is coated with a special solar-absorbing material that captures sunlight and converts it into heat. This layer is designed to absorb the maximum amount of solar radiation, including during shorter winter days.

Heat Transfer: Inside each tube, a heat pipe transfers the generated heat to a manifold, which then circulates the hot water or heat transfer fluid to your storage tank. The evacuated tube design prevents the heat from escaping back into the cold atmosphere.

Orientation: Even when the sun is low in the winter sky, the cylindrical shape of evacuated tubes allows for optimal absorption of sunlight throughout the day.

In summary, the insulating vacuum, solar-absorbing coating, efficient heat transfer, and cylindrical design all contribute to the effective operation of evacuated tubes in the winter. While there may be less overall sunlight in the winter months, SunMaxx's evacuated tubes are engineered to make the most of available sunlight.

The are a lot of different methods how can you check the water level and measure it. The simplest method is to use the wooden stick (length is greater than tank height) or line ended with some heavy weight. After that you can measure the level with measuring tape. For sure you can find some sophisticated methods but using simple one you will reduce amount of money spend on a special equipment.How can you do it in a 5 simple steps:
  1. Remove the top lid of the NP tank.
  2. Take a stick or line and put it to the tank (in both situations this items should touch the bottom lid).
  3. Mark a level of water and take out stick or line.
  4. Measure the distance with a measuring tape - you will instantly know the level of water in your tank.
  5. Put the top lid on the NP tank to close it.
Cleaning the tanks is a process which is simple but easily can cause some troubles. Cleaning the outer layer you can you a pressure washer - it should work. When you want to clean inner site you can also use that device. Before you start remove all the heat exchanger coils carefully, don't cut the rubber membrane. Also the pressure washer can cause some damages in the surface of it, so remember to wash it carefully. After processes place all compactness on their place.
There number of collectors mainly depends of the size (volume) and required water temperature.  For small installations (50 G - 120G) are usually installed 2-3 collectors.  The volume of the tank  is a main factor in solar collector connections. Information about that are included  on each product site of tank or if it not available please contact to the engineering team.
The amount of heat exchangers which can be fit in the tank mainly depends on the size of the NP tank and its increasing with the diameter of the tank. Before you buy the heat exchanger please check two parameters:
  • The height of the NP tank - heat exchangers can't be higher that tank
  • Maximum amount of HX which can be fit in the tank
All the information which you need are located in the table for every tank or in datasheet (LINK). 
The length of lineset depends on a factor like size of installation or how far is from solar collector to the solar tank. Linesets are sold in one length 82 ft. This package includes dual lineset where each have a 82 ft length. Usually this is a optimal solution for solar system. If you need a longer connection you can add an extra lineset and connect them using the stainless steel piping coupling. Remember that couplings are sell  in lineset sizes and they have to fit to a right lineset. 
The dimensions depends on a type/model of the tank. Before you start, check on the website the dimensions of tank which you choose. Every parameter is included (diameter, height ) in the tank features and also in the specification.  These dimension can help you to check/measure the space availability for your new tank.
The weight of tank depends on a size/volume of product.  These information are included in datasheets and on every product size. Remember that weight is without water inside the tank, so you will have to add some extra weight.Tank should stand on a flat concrete surface and can be connected to the ground using seismic anchor kit. The concrete pad should be 6" thick made with concrete minimum strength of 3000 PSI. Also you can installed tank on another surface, but it should resist weight of a whole system and has a optimal strength like a concrete.
There are some variables which determine the right size of solar tank:
  • Annual Heating Costs
  • Number Of Collectors Installed
  • Water Consumption Daily/ Weekly/ Monthly
  • Required Water Temperature
  • Space Availability
If you need more information you can contact the engineering team, they help to you to choose right tank or ask some additional questions.