lp-364 Rev. 000 Rel. 007 Date 2.12.18
16
Figure 8 - Plumbing Collector Attachments, Including Pressure Systems.
Feed Elbows are usually installed on the bottom of flat plate collectors.
Part 8 - Maintenance
Under normal conditions the solar collector is maintenance free. Other
system components, such as the pump and glycol (if used) may require
periodic inspection and changing/maintenance. Please refer to the
documentation provided by the manufacturers of these components.
NOTE:
Apart from those maintenance items outlined below, any
system inspection, maintenance, or repair should only be completed
by authorized persons. The solar collector warranty coverage MAY BE
VOIDED if non-authorized persons attempt to maintain or repair the
solar collector or associated components.
THE FOLLOWING BASIC MAINTENANCE MAY BE COMPLETED BY
THE HOME OWNER:
A. Cleaning
Regular rain should keep the collectors clean. However, if the collectors
are particularly dirty, wash with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water or
glass cleaning solution, ONLY if the collector is located in a position
which DOES NOT require climbing onto the roof or use of a step ladder.
If the collectors are not easily and safely accessible, high pressure water
spray is also effective.
If cleaning is required and the above outlined methods are not suitable,
the company that supplied and installed the solar collector should be
contacted.
THE FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE MAY ONLY BE COMPLETED BY
AUTHORIZED PERSONS:
B. Insulation
The pipes running to and from the collector should be heavily insulated.
This insulation should be checked periodically (at least once every
3 years) for damage. For any insulation exposed to sunlight, ensure
protective cover/wrap/foil is in good condition. Replace as required.
Draining the collector must be done with caution, as released
water may be scalding hot. Take care when opening the drain
valve. Failure to do so could result in property damage,serious
injury, or death.
E. Other Components
Other parts of the system, such as the pump and storage tank,
should be serviced/inspected according to the manufacturer’s
maintenance guidelines.
C. Draining the Collector
If maintaining the system, or in preparation for extremely cold
conditions (extended snow cover), draining of the collector may be
required. To drain the collector of fresh water (open loop, direct flow
system):
1. Turn off the water supply to the solar storage tank.
2. If the storage tank or other system components are being
concurrently drained, refer to their instruction manuals for details. If
storage tank is not being drained, isolate piping to and from the solar
collector (isolation valves should already be installed). Immediately
open drain valves on both lines (or undo fittings). Never leave the
isolation valves in the off position while the collector is full of water
and exposed to sunlight. The water will heat and cause a pressure
increase which may rupture fittings/connections.
NOTE:
In good weather the water may be hot or have built up pressure,
so take care when opening the drain valve.
3. Allow the manifold to sit in a vented state for 5 – 10 min to boil dry
(may take longer in poor weather).
4. Always leave one drain valve or fitting open. Otherwise the system
may build up pressure when it heats. For draining of other types of
systems, please refer to specific instructions for the system.
D. Stagnation
Drain back systems -
These systems may be stagnated.
Pressure glycol systems
-
If left unattended for a significant length
of time (greater than 14 days) such as during a vacation, the system
will need a heat dump, a cover for the collector array, or to be
drained to prevent stagnation damage. Many solar controllers have
a vacation mode that allows for dumping the daily collected heat
each night. See controller instructions.
Part 9 - Troubleshooting
Inspection items marked with an
(H)
may be completed by the
homeowner, but only if investigation is clearly SAFE and EASY. Any
information obtained during an investigation can then be relayed
to the company that supplied and installed the system. Any other
system troubleshooting, adjustments, or repairs may be completed
ONLY by authorized persons.
A. No Hot Water
If there is no hot water, the problem will generally be related to the
gas or electric heating system, not the solar collector. The collector
simply pre-heats water, with final boosting completed by the electric
element or gas booster system. For a retrofitted solar system, please
contact the manufacturer/installer of your gas/electric water heater.
For a new solar water heating system, please contact the company
that supplied and installed the system.
B. Reduced Solar Contribution
Solar contribution is directly related to the amount of solar radiation
and the volume of hot water used. During the winter and periods
of rainy or particularly overcast weather, the amount of energy
produced by the solar collector will be greatly reduced.
As a general rule, the solar collector is sized to provide close to 100%
of your summer hot water needs, which, depending on your location
and hot water usage patterns, may result in between 40% - 70% of
your annual hot water energy needs. During the winter, increased
cloud cover and reduced solar radiation levels may result in solar
contribution as low as 20%. This is normal.
If, given similar environmental conditions, you feel the solar
contribution (as indicated by energy savings) has considerably
reduced, there may be a problem with your solar heating system.
This may be due to an incorrectly configured controller, pump
malfunction, or problem with the boosting system. In such cases,
please contact the company who supplied and installed the system.
INVESTIGATION
(H)
1. Does the circulation pump appear to be operating? In sunny
weather, the circulation pump should come on for 1 – 2 minutes
every 3 – 5 minutes. The pump may run very quietly. You may need
to touch the pump, or piping running to and from the pump, with a
solid object to feel for motor operation (slight vibration).
NOTE: DO
NOT USE FINGERS! THE PUMP MAY BE HOT!
