57
Troubleshooting Guide (continued) :
Problem
Possible
Cause
Suggested Solution
Poor Solar
Heating
Contribution
(Compared to
previous
output at
same time of
year)
Cont’d
Increased hot
water
demand
●
Check if hot water demand from the property has increased which
would reduce the % of contribution from the solar collector even with
the same level of output
Insufficient
flow rate
●
Check flow gauge for proper flow rate and check pump operation if flow
rate is insufficient
●
Adjust restrictor screw on flow meter to increase flow rate
●
Check heat transfer fluid pH, Colour and viscosity as it may need to be
flushed and replaced
Partial
Shading of
Collector
●
Check collector location for shading or accumulation of snow. If
accumulation of snow is an issue the ensure installation angle is
increased to least 45°.
Heat Loss
from Pipes
●
Check that insulation is still in good condition with no exposed hot
pipes
Damage to
Evacuated
Tubes
●
Check that evacuated tubes are all intact and that the getter at the
bottom of the tubes remains silver coloured
Heat Pipes
Not
Operating
●
Check that heat pipes are making good contact in the manifold header
and are hot at the condenser tip
Scale build
up in Plate
Heat-
Exchanger
●
Follow manufacturers recommendations for dealing with scale build-up
Thermosipho
ning
●
System may be reverse thermosiphoning at night. Ensure check valve in
pump station is working
Insufficient
Pump Run
Time
●
Not Applicable for Variable Speed Pumping
●
For Standard ON/OFF Pump Operation ensure the pump is running for
long enough to transfer the heat from the collector to return to the
cylinder – carefully monitor the return line to check. Reduce dTMin value
slightly if required.