7
ABNORMAL INDICATIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
High or low pressure -
Low pressure in the glycol loop could indicate a leak. High pressure in the system
under full sun could indicate high temperatures in the solar collectors caused by stagnation. Call for service.
No hot water -
If there is no hot water in cloudy conditions, the reset button for the electrical element may
need to be reset. Very hot water on sunny days could trip the element. If this is a nuisance, you can lower the
overall temperature of the system by changing the setting of the heat dump.
Leaks -
If there is a leak in the glycol solar loop, it will be necessary to shut down the system and drain it in
order to make the repair. Call for service.
Do not perform work on a solar heating system under full sun
conditions unless you are a skilled solar technician.
If there is a leak in the potable hot water portion of
the system, do not make repairs under full sun conditions.
Power failure -
A power failure during sunny periods will shut down the solar pumps and cause a no-flow
situation. Temperatures within the panels will get very hot. It is not necessary to do anything. When the
electrical power returns, there may be considerable noises from expansion and contraction, but normal
operation should resume within a couple of minutes.
Electrical problems -
If there is a problem with the electrical control, the system is likely to run constantly
or not at all. Problems with the temperature sensors are indicated when the display flashes a high or low
temperature indicates a series of dashes (---------). This indicates a short or open circuit in the sensor wiring
or a defective sensor. Turn the controller to the “ON” position until it is convenient to make the repair. The
solar system will run constantly until it is repaired, which will not harm the system.
SHUT DOWN
It is not necessary to shut down the solar system if the building will not be occupied for a brief period of
time. If no hot water will be used for more than 60 days or if the water must be shut off to the heat dump, it
would be best to shut the system down by doing the following:
•
Disconnect the electrical power.
•
Drain the system.
•
Cover the solar panels with a tarpaulin.
HAZARDS
Solar collectors can become very hot when they are in direct sunlight and no fluid is taking away the
heat. Use great caution when collectors are in this condition. Do not stand near the collectors or the
pressure relief valve.
Do not work on a solar heating system when it is in direct sunlight without covering the panels.
The solar heating system can generate SCALDING HOT WATER. Never send water of this
temperature directly to faucets or other fixtures. Always provide an approved anti-scald valve to
lower water temperature to the fixtures by mixing cold water in with the hot
.
