View Single Post
Old 06-13-11, 11:14 PM   #10
Solar Mike
Helper EcoRenovator
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 61
Thanks: 0
Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hi Gary

Your collectors will be fine, the silicon, acting as a thin flexible bonding agent once set will still allow some differential expansion whilst keeping the fins stuck to the risers, filling the voids and effectively sealing out any moisture ingress; especially if copper risers are used.

I found copper fins easier to work with than AL. easier to bend, very fast to solder after clamping and using a gas torch and a bar of stick solder; but possibly requires more specialist tools. Also thin soft aluminum coil stock is not readily available in NZ, unless purchased in 250 Kg rolls, the alternative is a harder alloy and more difficult to work with.

Cheers
Mike
Solar Mike is offline   Reply With Quote