Drinking Water from Thin Air – by Ask This Old House

Hydropanel General Installation Requirements:

• Sunny mounting location – The SOURCE Hydropanel works best in full sun. Unobstructed sunlight required at least 5 hours per day. Avoid placing under shading objects such as trees, buildings, etc.
• 4 x 6 foot (1.2 x 1.8 meters) mounting area per Hydropanel.
• Minimum clearance of 1ft (30cm) in front of and behind the panels to allow access for service.
• Minimum 3 inches (8 cm) between hydropanels from side to side within an array.
• SOURCE Hydropanels must be installed at least 15 feet (5 meters) away from windows and should be positioned considering hydropanel sound with respect to living spaces.
• SOURCE Hydropanels must be level from side-to-side with a maximum deviation of 20mm.
• Hydropanel must be South Facing (180°) for locations in the Northern Hemisphere, or North facing (0°) for locations in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The installation surface must be level. For example, a flat roof, or level ground.

Roof Mount Requirements:

• Roof mounted hydropanels must be at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the edge of any structure.
• Adequate structural integrity of the roof is required. Do not install on a roof that is damaged or otherwise insufficient to hold the weight and wind loads of the hydropanel.
• Consider whether there is space for a crane to set up and lift the hydropanels to their mounting location.

Ground Mount Requirements:

• Ground locations should be firm, level, and evenly composed. The hydropanel can be placed on blocks, concrete, or mounted to lumber to provide a stable base to sit on.
• Consider factors like soil composition, and how to manage erosion or plant growth over time.
• Avoid installing the hydropanel where they may be wetted from irrigation sprinklers.
• Ensure the hydropanel is raised above the specified flood plain.
• Hydropanel should be anchored to the ground or sufficiently ballasted to prevent movement or damage from high winds.