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Home / Closed Loop PV Powered w/ Tank / AET PV w/ 120 Gal. Tank & 80 SqFt Collectors / Reviews / IPV-120-80
Bob Inouye

AET PV w/ 120 Gal. Tank & 80 SqFt Collectors

Written November 27, 2007

IPV-120-80

I installed this system in Washington State. The two panels arrived well crated, together in one unit. The 120 gallon tank is a second item. Both are heavy; you'll need a 2nd person or equipment to move them around.
The panels seem well made.
Consider replacing the spring-type check valve (included) with a swing-type check valve ($5 or $6 at your local hardware store). In my system the spring-type valve malfunctioned. Possibly it was due to a soldering problem on my part, but I also think a swing valve will work better with the PV driven system where the fluid velocity and pressure may be lower than in a 110 v system.
The 20 watt PV panel seems to be a very good match for the panels, in this area. Sometimes a thin overcast will heat up the collector panels yet there are not enough amps coming from the PV to drive the pump; but this is rare. I've yet to see the PV drive the pump before the panels are sufficiently heated up to be hotter than the storage tank.
You will need a tank of Mapp gas for your ordinary propane torch, to get soldering temps high enough for the largest parts.
The kit does not include the two brass unions that you'll need to connect the two collector panels. When you buy the two unions, get the type that have gaskets between the two mating surfaces. The non-gasketed types are too prone to leakage.
More details on this install in the next issue of HomePower Magazine, coming out around January 2008.

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