Building a solar panel
were invited by Theuns van Aardt from Solarzon
housed on the CSI premises, to participate in a solar
panel assembly workshop.
Theuns and his fantastic team at CSI engineer and
manufacture hot water solar panels with a difference.
They feature almost 100% local content and are available in kit form.
CSI is in Petit near Benoni. Theuns a director at CSI, started Powerzon some
two years ago from scratch, with the view to produce hot water solar panels
on site. All materials needed are sourced in South Africa. The assembly is
broken down into easy steps and require few tools.
Powerzon has sustainability at heart and plans to assist underprivileged
communities to set up satellite factories where the final assembly of the panels
can happen. The focus is on creating jobs and skills transfer.
This test rig of a complete solar water heater consists of:
- The rectangular solar panel which transfers solar energy to the liquid inside.
- The round geyser which stores the hot water.
- Various pipes and accessories to connect the components together to make it work.
This workshop focuses on the final assembly the solar panel.
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The collector grid is secured by aluminium channels. Cathy is busy inserting insulating foam strips into one of the channels |
The top and bottom channels are fitted. |
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This is the hail-proof and toughened glass.
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| The purpose of the glass sheet is to let through the sunlight but stop convection of the collected heat to the outside. Think of: "There is a draft in here, please close the door!” |
The edges of the glass are protected by a rubber strip which will hold in place inside the aluminium channels.
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This is where we insert the glass. |
We add the top and bottom channels, via aluminium cleats.
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| This is the final assembly step, some careful alignment is required to assure we do not accidentally knock on a glass corner. Although the glass can withstand hail, it is sensitive to sudden impacts along its edges. | |
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Jacob is helping Mavis with the alignment. |
Rubber hammer to assemble frame |
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Conclusion:
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