In order to maintain solar water heating systems, you have to pay adequate attention to their care. If you don’t do so on a regular basis, it will compromise the efficiency of the panels. Solar water panels trap the energy from sun and to ensure that they function properly, you will have to clean them regularly. Ideally, you can use the same tools that you use to clean your home windows. Just ensure that you don’t allow dirt to settle on the panels for a long time.
Just like conventional water heaters, solar water heaters too need regular servicing on regular basis. The only difference is that they have more parts and if you don’t take care of them, then the panels will spoil in no time. The parts that you should check regularly are the valves, pumps, insulators, seals, wirings, controls and the pipes. Usually, it is advisable to clean the heating system annually and tune them after every five years.
The Annual Servicing
When carrying out the annual servicing of your solar water heating systems, you have to split the process in to two further steps. The first step is to panel/tank flush to get rid of all the dirt. That and a system check. Depending on the environment and season, you can adjust the dirt washing times.
Short wash of the Solar Panels and Tanks
- The first step is to attach a pipe to the opening at the bottom of the water tank. Connect the pipe to a hot water safe drainage area and let the water drain out.
- Fill the tank again with some water and let the water drain out again. Repeat this process two more times.
- Attach the pipe to the opening that returns hot water from the solar panel to the tank and let this water drain out once.
- After the first drain, you will notice that the water is clearer now.
Full Wash of the Solar Panels and Tanks
- For a complete wash of the panels, power down the heater and disconnect the solar pump.
- Attach a pipe to the bottom of the water tank and drain out all the water.
- Turn off the valve that supplies cold water in to the tank and open the hot water valve.
- This process will pull all the dirt together and you can drain it out easily.
- Repeat this process once or twice more to ensure that the system cleans up.
Yearly Inspection
Check the tanks, panels, and valves for any signs of leakages, on a yearly basis at the very least. Check all the connections thoroughly. If you notice an increase in your bills, then it’s a sign that your panels are having some problems. Check for lose wirings and connections and if necessary, tighten the connections.
However, if repairing the problem seems beyond your abilities, call the experts here at Mesa Plumbing Company in Tempe and we will help you to repair the solar water heating systems at affordable costs.