Glycol System Characteristics
The above left picture shows "building integrated" collector panels used in a glycol based system. A glycol based system has the following characteristics and advantages:
- Less danger of freezing than with a drainback system that is NOT installed by a professional solar installer/designer.
- Simpler pipe runs to/from collectors.
- Because of lower circulator "head" requirements, the circulator can easily be run by a photovoltaic panel, resulting in a "zero energy use" system.
The picture on the right shows the control panel and storage tank for a glycol based system. Be aware of the following on glycol based systems:
- Excess heat created in the summertime must be managed in order to minimize damage to glycol.
- Heat dumps, hot tubs, overhangs, etc can be used to "dump" the excess heat.
- Never use a pure makeup water connection into a glycol based system. makeup water systems are good for the boiler plumbing, but not for solar systems, as they can cause dilution of glycol solution, and subsequent freezing of the panels.
