The solarsheat hot air collector installation process

Things you should consider when installing a Solarsheat 1500G hot air collector.
This is not the installation instructions but rather supplemental aid that works with the instructions.

Location:
You want to select a location on the south side of the house. The sun should strike the entire panel from 10 AM to 2 PM minimum. The more hours sun light hits the panel the better the performance of the panel will be. Roof overhang can also block light from hitting the solar panel located at the top of the panel. It is critical that this solar panel does not receive shading. This is because the solar panel is used to power the blower fan.

The quality of the installation will determine how effective the solarsheat works. So it's wise to pay attention to the details during the installation process.

But how do you calculate were suns shadow will fall?

First you will have to find your latitude number. It will be a number from 0 to 90
Click here to find your latitude. Enter your zip code, and check the box labeled "latitude and longitude"
Second measure the length of the roof over hang.
Lookup your latitude listing in the table below. Multiply the roof overhang by the number found in the 6 month column. This calculation gives the minimum distance the top of the Solarsheat should be mounted below the over hang. This will give the solarsheat 6 months of mid day shade protections from the roof over hang.

It is recommended to mount the solarsheat in the vertical orientation. When the panel is mounted vertically additional panels can be added on. But it is acceptable to mount the panel in the horizontal orientation due shading from the over hang.

You should also take note of any trees or buildings that may cast a shadow on the panel during 9 AM to 3 PM. This is the time when the panel will be producing the most heat.

Once a suitable location has been found, you should next check to make sure that heat register is not located within 2 feet of the solarsheat cold air intake. If a couch or other piece of furniture channels heated air into the Solarsheat cold air intake, a baffle may be constructed to block the air from entering. You don't want hot air entering the solar hot air collector because this will reduce the overall efficacies of the panel. Studs in the walls need to be located so that the 5 1/4 inch hole does not hit a studs or the floor. The exterior wall should be checked for bowing with strait piece of lumber. It maybe necessary to shim the wall mounts to keep from twisting or bowing the panel. The card board template can be taped to the wall once a suitable location has been found. Make sure that it is level. Next the lower wall mount bracket can be installed. You will need to drill holes in it for the wood screws 4 along the top edge and 4 along the bottom edge. Screws should be at least 2 inches long. You should make sure that the mount bracket is level. It is recommended that the bracket should be screwed into wall studs if possible. Some of the newer homes use foam sheathing instead of wood. This installation will require longer screws, and that the screws are anchored to the studs. The foam or the siding will not hold the panel in place. Mark the center of the vent holes by drilling very small hole. A protractor can be used to mark the cut line of the duct hole. The radius is half the diameter of the hole. Cut a 5 1/8 to a 5 1/4 inch hole. Mark the hole with a protractor. Check with ruler that the proper size hole has been marked. Now take 8 inch long drill bit or longer. Drill a hole threw the outer wall and the drywall. When doing this makes sure the drill is level and strait. This will mark the center of the hole that needs to be cut through the drywall on the inside of the house. Go inside the house and check to see if the hole is in a good location, and that the vent cover has enough clearance. Measure the distances between the two vent holes on the template, and use it. Go inside the house and use this measurement to locate the other vent hole. Check to make sure that it's in a good location. Once satisfied with the panel’s location, mark the other duct hole. Then drill a hole through the wall as you did for the first hole. It should now be ready to cut the two duct holes. Cut the lower hole first because this is most likely were you may encounter electrical wires. First cut a small hole so that you can check for anything that may be inside the wall. Once it has been determined that it is safe cut the hole to its full size. Take your time cutting the hole.

Clear any insulation out of your way so that you can see the back side of the drywall. Check to make sure that the hole you drilled is centered in the hole. If every thing is OK cut a hole in the drywall. Insert the 5 inch duct through the wall. Make sure the duct is flush with the highest point of the siding. Go inside draw a cut line on the 5 inch duct that is even with the drywall. Cut the duct on the line. Clean any dust or oil off the duct. If this is not done the caulk may not stick to the duct. Then install it back into the hole. Make sure the duct does not extend beyond the drywall or siding. Next insert the mounting bezel for the round diffuser into the duct to check for roundness of the duct. Remove the bezel, and use silicone caulk and seal the duct to the siding and the drywall. Wipe any caulk that gets inside the duct. Repeat the process for the other duct hole. Apply the Soft foam tape to the flat surface of the adapter collar. The tape should make more than a complete circle. The ends that overlap should have no gap between sides of the tape. Do not stack the tape when you start your second pass around. Drill a hole and snake the wire from back of the Solarsheat through the wall. You can use foam outdoor rated weather stripping if you run out of foam tape. It should be label as closed cell type foam insulation. Closed cell does not allow air to pass threw it.

Use box cutter to cut the foam out of the panel opening on the back. Install the solarsheat onto the lower bracket. The solar electric panel belongs on top. This is a two person operation. One person will hold the Solarsheat in place while the other attaches the upper support bracket. Once the brackets are secure install four of the black Tek screws. Install one in each corner of the panel. The screw should go threw the panel and into the support bracket.

Square adapter collar is caulked to the metal duct.

Install the other four Tek screws into the panel. Install the back draft damper into the lower duct. The damper flaps should hinge inward. When inserting push only on the edges of the damper. Push the damper all the way into duct. Inspect the caulk seal to the drywall. Seal any pin holes. Install the diffuser bezel with the four supplied screws into both ducts.
For 4 inch thick wall trim 3/4 of an inch off of the end of the diffuser plastic adjuster screw shaft. This is done so the screw does not run into the back draft damper when install in a 4 inch thick wall. Install both diffusers. Install the thermostat. Screw the thermostat to the wall. Connect one wire too the RH terminal and the other too the W terminal. Install the batteries in the thermostat. Install the thermostat onto the mounting bracket. Slide the switch to the on position. Set the thermostat to a temperature higher than the room temperature. You should hear the fan come on if enough direct sunlight is hitting the panel.

Extra stuff:
Caulk the back sheet metal to the aluminum frame on the Solarsheat.
Caulk over the foam gasket that seals the two solar panel sections together 1500G only.
Caulk over the knockout punch holes on the sides and top of the panel. Do not completely caulk the knockout punch holes that are on the bottom of the panel. This is to allow for condensation drainage.
Keep the number of 90 degree bends in the duct work to minimum. This will slow down air movement in the ducts.
Use aluminum metal duct tape to seal all joints, swivel sections in the duct. Don't use the cloth type duct tape because it does not hold up well over time.
Insulate all duct work that pass threw none heated areas. Use a double layer of foil backed fiberglass duct insulation. Seal all joints with aluminum duct tape. This will provide about a R13 value insulation.

Installation options
To mount the solar sheet lower on the wall. You could drill the lower duct through the joist header, and run the cold air duct into the basement. Then duct it up through the floor. Make sure you install the back draft damper in this duct. You will need to make sure to not damage any the floor joist since these are load bearing. The hole in the header can not be located above door or window. Since the header may be load bearing. Care needs to be taken in the location of the two duct holes because the studs in the walls may be in different locations than the floor joist. Make sure that the Solarsheat mounting brackets are anchored into solid material.