Vacuum Tube Solar Energy Installation: Step-by-Step Guide
You can install a vacuum tube solar energy system yourself. However, for a correct installation, you need to pay attention to some important points. As Wholesale Solar Energy, we share a detailed installation guide for systems we deliver from the warehouse.
📑 Contents
Always take safety precautions when working on the roof:
- • Work as at least 2 people
- • Wear non-slip shoes
- • Use a safety rope/harness
- • Do not work in windy weather
Required Materials and Tools
Wrench Set
Spirit Level
Drill
Silicone Oil
Teflon Tape
Pipe Cutter
Work Gloves
Ladder
1 Location Selection
Correct location selection directly affects the efficiency of the system. Pay attention to the following criteria:
✓ Location Criteria
Collector should face south (±15° deviation is ok)
Should not receive shadow between 09:00-17:00
Away from trees, chimneys, antennas, etc.
The roof or terrace should have sufficient durability
2 Determining Tilt Angle
Collector tilt should be latitude + 15° of your environment. Recommended values for Turkey:
Summer Months
30° - 35°
Sun is high
Year-Round
35° - 40°
Ideal for fixed installation
Winter Months
45° - 50°
Sun is low
💡 Advice: A fixed tilt of 35°-40° provides the best performance throughout the year for most regions of Turkey.
3 Chassis Assembly
Place on a concrete block or flat tile. Unstable ground reduces efficiency.
Check both transverse and longitudinal levelling with a spirit level.
Use cross-tightening technique. First diagonals, then intermediate bolts.
Secure to a concrete block or roof with anchors against wind.
4 Tank Assembly
Carefully place the tank on the chassis:
- ✓ Gently seat the tank onto the chassis
- ✓ Align the connection holes
- ✓ Secure your tank with U-clamps or straps
- ✓ Ensure that the manifold outlets are facing towards the tubes
5 Installing Vacuum Tubes
Tubes are very fragile! Never force them. Wear gloves and move slowly.
Lubricate the silicone seals on the manifold well with silicone oil. This allows the tube to enter easily.
Insert the tube into the manifold hole by slowly rotating it. Strictly do not push or force!
Ensure that the copper tip of the heat pipe is fully inserted into the manifold.
Seat the bottom end of the tube onto the support on the chassis and secure it.
6 Water Connection
💧 Cold Water Inlet
- • Connected to the bottom part of the tank
- • Comes from the main line
- • Install a valve
🔥 Hot Water Outlet
- • Taken from the upper part of the tank
- • Goes to the points of use
- • Use insulated pipe
📋 Water Connection Checklist
- Use Teflon tape or hemp
- Perform leak checking on all connection points
- Insulate pipes (glass wool or foam)
- Install a drain valve
- Mount a safety valve (6-8 bar)
7 First Filling and Testing
NEVER fill with water under the sun! Fill early in the morning (before 08:00) or late in the evening (after 18:00). Otherwise, tubes may crack due to thermal shock.
Gently open it to allow water to fill into the tank.
Keep the hot water tap open for air bleeding. Close it when water starts coming out.
Check all connection points for leaks.
Check hot water in sunny weather the next day. If it sees the sun for 3-4 hours, the water should heat up.
✅ Installation Complete!
Congratulations! Your vacuum tube solar energy system is ready for use. Check the hot water temperature for the first few days and ensure it's functioning normally.
Are You Thinking of Buying a System?
You can examine our Products and receive them from the warehouse. A detailed assembly manual is provided with every system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it difficult to install vacuum tube solar energy?
No, anyone who uses basic hand tools can perform the installation. It takes an average of 3-4 hours. However, we recommend working as two people for safe work on the roof.
What tools are required for installation?
A wrench set, spirit level, drill, silicone oil, teflon tape, and pipe cutter are sufficient. No special tools are required.
Which direction should the collector face?
The collector should face south. A deviation of ±15° is acceptable. Southeast or southwest is also suitable, but efficiency decreases slightly.
What is the ideal tilt angle?
The ideal tilt angle for Turkey is between 35°-40°. This angle provides balanced performance throughout the year. 30°-35° in summer and 45°-50° in winter can be preferred.
