Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Rooftop pipe insulation?

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VolcanoSolar
03-06-08, 09:46 PM
Hi everyone,

I'm running 3/4" copper pipes to my solar hot water panels on the roof. There's about 50' of pipe that will run atop the roof before penetrating the roof. I'll insulate the pipes with the slit-type foam insulation, but I'm worried about sufficient protection from the elements.

Question: what do people use to protect the insulation from UV and weather? I thought of putting 2" grey PVC over the pipes, on the straight runs, but that would add a number of union fittings to the plumbing. Is there something better?

Thanks,

- Ted

Ed Imeduc
03-07-08, 03:30 PM
Might have a sheet metal shop bend up a U that you can use as a cover over the pipe. You dont say where you are but if your AC runs a lot. You get a better return with a hot water recovery unit on the AC. That way night or day you make hot water. Also it kicks up the SEER of the AC unit.
Might look at this http://acforsale.com/online/product_info.php?cPath=323&products_id=2788
VolcanoSolar
03-07-08, 08:43 PM
Sheetmetal might work good.

No, no AC here, it never gets over 80 degrees. I modified my profile to show where I'm from.

Thanks,

- Ted