Annual Maintenance Checklist for Solar Hot Water Systems
As solar energy gains popularity, homes and businesses are embracing the benefits of solar hot water. As with any investment, proper upkeep ensures your solar hot water system remains reliable, cost-effective and has an extended lifespan. Regular inspections, cleaning, and minor adjustments are key to preventing costly repairs and maximising your system’s efficiency.
The latest Clean Energy Australia Report revealed a significant rise in residential solar installations in 2018, with over 2 million households using solar PV systems by year’s end. This momentum continues to grow, as more Australian families embrace renewable energy every day. The benefits of powering your property with solar are undeniable, especially when it comes to supplying endless hot water to your household or business.
This guide covers essential maintenance tasks homeowners can handle themselves typically once a year, but for optimal results, it's recommended to have a professional carry out inspections and maintenance whenever possible. Recommendations are to have your solar system inspected by a solar expert every 5 years.
✅ Inspect Solar Collectors
Inspecting your solar collectors is crucial to maintaining your solar hot water system efficiently.
Importance of Inspection
Regular maintenance, such as checking for damage or debris on your solar panels, is essential for efficient solar water heating. Solar panel maintenance can help prevent issues in your hot water system, as dirty solar panels can affect energy transfer, reducing solar energy efficiency. Cleaning solar panels and addressing any potential issues in your solar system is crucial.
✅ Look for Leaks
Checking for leaks in your water systems is vital for efficient solar system operation and cost efficiency. Additionally, if you discover a leak, it can be repaired before it has time to cause damage.
Signs of Leaks
Look for any signs of moisture around pipes, storage tanks, or connections in your solar hot water systems. Drips near the cold water supply valve or pressure relief valve indicate potential issues, as do unusual sounds coming from your system. Leaks in your solar water heating system affect efficiency as they cause your water heater to work harder, which in turn will increase your energy bills.
✅ Check System Pressure
Monitoring system pressure is crucial for the efficient operation of your solar PV system and water heating setup. Regular checks can prevent issues and ensure longevity.
Checking System Pressure
To maintain optimal system pressure, regularly inspect the water tank and storage tank. Use a solar panel maintenance guide to check your flat plate solar water heater. Ensure your energy system’s pressure is within the recommended range. Address any potential issues promptly. Incorrect pressure can damage your system over time and lead to collector shading, impacting the heat pump performance. Proactive and preventative maintenance, including checking the anode rod and bottom tank, can help avoid problems.
✅ Assess Insulation
Assessing the insulation of your solar water heating system is essential for efficiency and cost savings. Proper insulation minimises heat loss in water heaters and tanks.
Importance of Intact Insulation
Intact insulation on pipes and tanks in solar water heaters reduces heat loss. It ensures the system operates efficiently, protecting your system. Without proper insulation, potential heat loss can occur, affecting the performance of your flat plate solar system and leading to increased energy consumption.
✅ Test the Pump
Testing the pump is essential for maintaining your solar water heating system’s efficiency. The pump circulates water between the solar collectors and the storage tank, ensuring consistent heating.
Role of the Pump
The pump moves water through the system, transferring heat from the solar collectors to the water tank. This circulation is crucial for maintaining the desired water temperature. Listen for unusual noises, which can indicate pump malfunctions. Check for vibrations or leaks around the pump. If water isn’t circulating properly, it may be a sign of a blockage or malfunction.In addition to this overview on solar hot water maintenance, for more detailed information on maintaining your system, refer to the owner’s manual. It provides specific care instructions for your make and model and will also include troubleshooting tips to help you address common issues on your own.
✅Check the Booster
Solar hot water systems have a booster that is a backup heating element used to ensure you have hot water even if your solar system isn't producing enough heat. This can occur during extended periods of cloudy weather or at time high hot water demand. Booster backup is available in gas or electric power. To check an electric booster locate the switch and make sure it is turned on and the timer is correctly set. Gas boosters make a sound when the unit ignites, if you dont hear a sound the booster may not be firing.
Benefits of a Booster
it guarantees hot water all year round regardless of the weather elements. You can have peace of mind even if your hot water demands exceeds normal usage.
If you prefer to leave your solar hot water maintenance to the professionals, the team at Service First are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 1300 375 908
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