How to Glaze Solar Collectors

The glazing material required to cover a solar collector needs to meet quite a few requirements to make the application successful. It needs to be able to deal with high temperatures, outdoor exposure to the elements, transmit light very well, be reasonably priced and easy to handle. Glass is a popular choice because it is readily available, can 'trap' long-wave radiation and has a high light-transmission value. It can also be fitted onto a wooden-framed copper-piped solar water heating collector, for example, in a relatively straightforward manner.

Float glass
Wooden Beading
Screws
Strong wood glue
Spirit level
Silicone sealant
Glazing strip
Tape measure
Hammer

Instructions

- 1
  Secure the absorber plate of the collector by placing wooden beading all around the inside of the frame. Keep in mind that there should be a half-inch gap between the top of the copper piping (which is attached to the absorber plate) and the glazing material, so measure the width of the bead accordingly.
- 2
  Using a spirit level, ensure all the beading is evenly laid and then secure with strong glue or several screws.
- 3
  Attach glazing strip to the beading and carefully measure the allotted space for the glazing.
- 4
  Select a cut-to-size section of glass to fit precisely onto the beading. Take note that 3 millimeter (mm) float glass is suitable for panels up to 10 square feet, but will be too thin for a larger application. Four-millimeter float glass has a light transmittancy of approximately 88 percent to 90 percent, ith a reflectance of 8 percent.
- 5
  Place the glass in the panel tray and secure with wooden beading and bond with a waterproof sealant to keep out moisture.

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