Copyright © 2014
Ikhwezi Solar (Pty) Ltd, Novatherm CC, Solar Assist (Pty) Ltd
17
Backup heating is generally preferable during
late afternoon and early morning, so that
maximum use of solar energy during the day
is taken advantage of.
The backup should not be set that it is on
during periods when the water is being used.
This because an element cannot heat the
water with any efficiency when water is being
used.
If hot water use is heavy during the evening
then it is vital that a backup heating period
be set for the early morning if one desires hot
water first thing in the morning.
13.8
Owner maintenance
To ensure that the system will perform reliably,
some preventative maintenance should be
performed by the home owner/user. If the system
is in a position which is not easily accessible or the
owner is not in a position to effect the points
below, a service technician should be employed to
carry out the maintenance.
The following should be performed annually by the
owner/user or his appointed technician:
Wash the glass cover of the collector with a
mild household detergent. The collector glass
and seals should be inspected.
Mounting brackets and straps should be
checked for signs of wear.
Pipe insulation should be checked for signs of
degradation and/or damage. Please note that
although UV resistant insulation is used, the
harshness of the South African climate means
that the insulation will not last indefinitely.
There is no warranty on pipe insulation.
Visually inspect pipework for signs of leaks.
A periodic inspection of pressure reducing
valves, expansion valves, vacuum breakers,
temperature pressure valves and tempering
valves should be conducted on a solar geyser,
just as it should be done on any conventional
electrical geyser. These valves allow for the
safe operation of the geyser and should be
inspected twice yearly.
The temperature pressure (TP) valve is near
the top of the water heater and is essential
that this valve operates safely. It is possible
for the valve to release a little water through
the drain line during each heating period.
This occurs as heated water expands by
approximately 1L out of 50L of its volume. If
continuous leaking occurs this may indicate a
problem with the valve - please report this to
your installer immediately. WARNING - Never
block the outlet of this valve. TP valves
should be checked for performance at
intervals not exceeding 6 months, or more
frequently in areas of high incidents of water
deposits (such as Calcium or Magnesium).Be
advised that in areas or periods of high solar
radiation there will be greater frequency of
this valve opening. In order to check the TP
valve the easing gear should be operated.
This is a black knob on the TP valve that
needs to be turned in an anti-clockwise
direction and some water allowed to escape.
Be aware that this water may be at a high
temperature. Before opening the valve make
sure you are well clear and be advised that
the geyser will be under pressure so water
may be expelled at a high rate. Guard
carefully against exposure to the water
whether through direct contact or through
back splash. Be careful not to confuse the TP
valve with the solar relief valve fitted on
some indirect systems. Please contact your
installer for advice if unsure.
If at any point the temperature at point of
use (e.g. bathroom) appears to be increasing
or decreasing, the temperature mixing valve
may need to be set or adjusted accordingly.
