Troubleshooting your solar water heater
Our Solar water heaters problems and troubleshooting guide is based on our research using the online and offline tools and covers basic problems and their causes.
Pump Issues
- Pump is not operating during sunshine hours.
This could be caused by:
- No electric power
- Sensor malfunction
- Controller malfunction
- . Pump failure.
- Pump is operating with frequent on / off.
This could be instigated due to minor gap between
ON and OFF temperature settings or pump circulation circuit that is too large.
- Tank pressure is too high.
This could be due to high filling pressure or the pressure release valve is not provided or not working properly.
- Tank Pressure is too low.
- This could be caused by leakage or loss of cold water supply.
- Pump does not stop in the evening.
This could be caused by defective setting or defective
sensors.
No hot water when the circulating pump is running
This indicates that the solar heating system has the air trapped inside the pump collector. Usually, the automatic air discharge valve located on the collector should allow the air to escape. If the air discharge valve is working properly, purge the system by opening the pressure relief valve with your fingers.
Tank Issues
- Storage tank cools down very fast at night.
This could be caused due to circulation pump not stopping at night or insulation of the tank is damaged.
- Water does not heat sufficiently on clear days.
This could be caused by dust on collectors, undersize system or damage to collector coating.
- Water, not hot enough or sufficient quantity of hot water, is not available. This could be caused by
Cloudy weather
Consumption too high
Frequent on-off of hot water tap
Collector has become dirty
Vapour lock in the collector. This can be removed by allowing it to cool & draining the system
Partial choking of the collector
- Little quantity of boiling hot water is received: this may be caused by
Vapor locking in the collector
Pinched inlet and/or outlet pipes
- Water not heated at all, although cold water flow is normal: this may be caused by
Consumption of hot water may be too high; Check use points and use pattern
The collector may be shaded with shadows from trees, building etc.
No flow of water through the Collector as it might be choked due to scaling; Get it checked from the manufacturer.
Installation issues
- Panels and frame Coming Loose From The Roof
If solar installation is not done properly, there is a danger that they could come loose. Solar panels and the frames should be regularly checked to make sure that they are still firmly in place. The panels can be refitted if they are found to be loose. Have the panels inspected frequently to ensure that there is no damage.
High Electrical Use
This may be caused by;
Lower element connected this can be corrected by checking the wiring
Thermostat set too high and this can be adjusted.
With the proper maintenance and service solar water heaters could last 20, 30 or more years. If the solar water heaters were installed and sitting on the roof for a long time, and due to normal wear and tear, some elements might need a closer look, replacement, and upgrades.
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