View source for Conversation with Bob at SunEarth on March 23, 2008

Here's a summary:

* the panels can be placed either portrait or landscape
* the maximum panels in parallel on one manifold is 6 without running the risk of leaks..."never seen one with more than six panels go more than 10 years without a leak."  It is do to expansion and contraction of the long manifold vs. the panel frame. So an answer is one pipe feeding two manifolds each feeding five panels. 
* Need EC (Chrome) feature which are intended for colder climates
* There is a "1.5" version that has a 1.5" header for greater flow potential 
* Overheading / Heat dump
** He has covered the panels...often recommends doing so
** paint the panels with poster paint that washes off.
** uses radiator coils with fans to dump heat
*  List price for Empire 4x10 is $1,300 ($31.7/sf) he said if you order 12 there is a price break.
* delta T for T in - T out is 15 - 25F; it creates a step function with the tank...causing a rise up every time it goes through the loop.
* he has seen the PV pumps work.
** pluses: runs even in with no power (outage), sun goes up = flow goes up
** negatives: no control
** recommends multiple pumps and close monitoring
* durability:  panels should last 50yrs; the main thing to watch is fluid maintenance 
* Pressure:  the pressure is fixed once the system is charged up...assuming a glycol system   
* Storage Tanks:  Contact Bob Perkins at Morey Manufacturing in CA on xxx Valley he's been doing it for 30 yrs