Heat Wrap For Pex

atw58

I am installing a solar water heater on the roof and will connect it to the basement tank in the basement using 1/2 inch pex. In Toronto, we can get many below -32 F days and nights so I am worried about the cold water running to the solar tank and hot water from the solar tank freezing. The pex will run from the basement in the channel where the hot water tank gas vent goes to the roof.

Here are my questions:

1) Should heat wrap (like the cord used to melt snow at the edge of the roof be used to keep the water from freezing. All the way from the basement right to the solar tank?

2) Or can I heat wrap just the exposed portion in the attic right to the solar tank. The channel runs up an exterior wall.

3) Any suggestions on a heat tape or wrap to use.

4) What type of insulation should be used on the pex tubing.


Thanks,
Art