The Islander Installation

In the News!

News Report on Channel 10 news Sacramento

The Islander Solar Collectors featured on Channel 10 News in Sacramento in California

Installing "The Islander" Collectors On A Tile Roof

Easy step-by-step's instructions showing how to install "The Islander" hot water solar energy system to a tiled roof.

"The Islander" Collector Installation

Easy step-by-step instructions showing how to install "The Islander" Hot Water Solar Energy system.

Solar Water Open Loop Top Connect's

Short explanation of the "Islander" open loop top tank connections.

Quick Connect Install To Hot Water Tank

1. Turn off Gas supply or turn Water Heater Element off at the Breaker to the tank. Be Sure to mark it with a label "Do Not Turn On".
2. Drain the water completely from the water heater (CAUTION! It could be hot!).
3. Remove the lower drain hose bib completely from the tank, teflon tape and install brass nipple.
4. Following drawings below, Teflon tape, assemble, fully tighten and carefully slip the "Easy-Connect Assembly" through the brass nipple and tighten the fitting. Assemble the brass fittings and valves as shown being careful to not block the next component to be assembled from turning.
5. Install the Pump Head onto the "Easy-Connect Assembly".
6. Cut and connect the collector cool feed and hot return lines using the unions supplied.
7.Refill the Water heater, open the isolation ball valves, check for leaks at the tank and on the roof. Tighten, but DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN, as needed.
8. Purge the solar loop of air, by opening the "purge" hose bib on the hot return line until all air is out of the system.
9. Install the PV panel on the roof at the same angle as the collector and wire the PV panel into the circulator using supplied wiring diagram. Check for good circulation, only about .25 GPM is needed and the hot return isolation ball valve can be used to slow the flow. Proper flow can be determined when the Ball in the return check valve rattles only slightly.
10. Turn Electric Element or Gas back on.
11. Finish insulating, attach labels according to diagram and support the lines and You're Done!