Abstract: A non-reinforced solar panel connector having a tubular shape with a central lumen, a central section of relatively high hardness in relation to terminal sections of relatively low hardness, a length which does not exceed five times its diameter, and whose central section includes a projection partially extending into the lumen, with the projection being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the connector. The connector is preferably molded from EPDM rubber. The relatively soft terminal sections may be used to easily and reliably join a solar panel to another solar panel and to associated piping in fluid-tight relationship, while the relatively hard central section ensures the connector does not expand or contract excessively.

Abstract: A method and system for positive evacuation of water from a solar collector using a bypass line which diverts a portion of water from the feed line of the solar collector to an inlet of a water pump. When the solar water heating circuit is turned off, suction created by the filtration pump rapidly evacuates all or substantially all water present in the solar collector. The system should include a water level switch on the feed line to the solar collector, a drain valve that allows pool water to evacuate from the solar collector and associated piping when water is present, a control mechanism that relays information from the water level switch to the drain valve, a small drain line that connects the solar pool heater feed and return lines to a water pump inlet, and a check valve to prevent by-pass.

Abstract: A protective device for a mounting bracket suitable for installation of solar collectors. The device includes a U-shaped polymeric base member having a substantially rectangular bottom joined to two opposed upwardly-projecting side walls, the bottom having at least one aperture adapted to receive a mounting fastener capable of attaching the base member to a substrate. A substantially rectangular polymeric cover having substantially the same dimensions as the base member bottom is attached to the base member's side walls. The protective device also includes a metallic mounting bracket adapted to receive a mounting strap. The base member and cover define a partial enclosure having at least one opening through which the mounting strap or a portion of the metallic mounting bracket can pass, and which can retain and protect sealant placed over the mounting fastener.

Abstract: A protective device for a mounting bracket suitable for installation of solar collectors. The device includes a U-shaped polymeric base member having a substantially rectangular bottom joined to two opposed upwardly-projecting side walls, the bottom having at least one aperture adapted to receive a mounting fastener capable of attaching the base member to a substrate. A substantially rectangular polymeric cover having substantially the same dimensions as the base member bottom is attached to the base member's side walls. The protective device also includes a metallic mounting bracket adapted to receive a mounting strap. The base member and cover define a partial enclosure having at least one opening through which the mounting strap or a portion of the metallic mounting bracket can pass, and which can retain and protect sealant placed over the mounting fastener.

Abstract: A solar collector including a plurality of hollow tubes, each tube directly joined, or indirectly joined by a web, to an adjacent tube; a first manifold connected to a first end of each tube; a second manifold connected to a second end of each tube; where at least two adjacent tubes are separated along a portion of their length so as to form a first section in which adjacent tubes are separated from one another and a second segment in which adjacent tubes are joined to one another. Also disclosed is a method for preventing damage to a tube mat solar collector which includes maintaining the hollow tubes of a solar collector in a substantially coplanar relationship in the absence of high wind conditions; permitting individual tubes to move about their longitudinal axis in response to high wind conditions; and returning the tubes to their longitudinal axis as the high wind conditions subside, the high wind conditions being wind of at least 15 miles per hour.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.

Abstract: An overmolding insert includes a base having at least one opening in a first surface, the opening communicating with a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one hollow projection extending from the first surface, the hollow projection having a first opening communicating with the opening of the first surface and a second opening located at a terminal portion of the hollow projection, the insert further having two opposed side walls, each side wall being joined to the first surface, two opposed end walls being joined to an opposite end of the first surface and extending from one side wall to the other side wall. The side walls, the end walls, and the first surface define a partially closed space, with the terminal portion of the hollow projection extending beyond the partially closed space.