There is an analogy one might use as an introduction to troubleshooting solar systems: wires are to PV systems as pipes are to thermal systems. This implies that, aside from the occasional need to clean panel glazing, if you find something wrong with your solar system, it will likely have to do with pipes or wires. Fortunately for homeowners, in addition to being cheaper up front, solar thermal systems are easier to service yourself. There is no inherent need to worry about electrocution.

Maintenance and servicing of solar thermal systems typically involves three chores: checking the aforementioned piping and pumps for leaks, keeping the panels clean and shade-free, and inspecting the transfer fluid for freeze protection.

Checking for Leaks

This one is straightforward. Regularly inspect all pipes and pumps for leaks and fix them where you find them. In some cases, these services will be handled (at least for a few years) by your installer, depending on your warranty and whether or not you set up a service agreement. However, taking care of pipe leaks should not be very hard for you. Most are made of PVC, which is easy to find, easy to handle and easily repaired (most of the time) with naught but a hack saw and pipe glue.

Fixing problems with pumps may be a different story. Checking for leaks, of course, should be a part of your maintenance regimen. But pumps, being mechanical devices, may require a trained professional (i.e., electrician or mechanic) to address the issue. Your solar installer should be well-trained in identifying and rectifying any problems with pumps and other devices.

How’s the Heat Transfer Fluid?

There are several available heat transfer fluids for solar hot water systems. Which one you use should be planned out by you and your contractor and will depend mostly on your local climate. Most often, an antifreeze solution is used. These solutions, however, will degrade over time and need to be replaced every three to five years. Therefore, it is vital to the efficiency and health of your system that the fluid’s integrity be checked regularly for pH value, freezing point, and number of inhibitors. While fixing pipes is usually a simple task, addressing problems with heat transfer fluids is not so much. The best thing to do is contact your installer. This issue, along with the others, is a big reason why many solar thermal customers choose to have a service contract for solar thermal servicing.

The fact is these systems (hot water) are among the most inexpensive and cost effective solar systems. The amount of service is minimal and should not be a burden, especially in the face of energy savings. Including cleaning and clearing of collectors, most of the servicing is done by the homeowner. Therefore, it is also a good idea to compare the costs of signing a service agreement versus paying, once a year, for a contractor to come test the heat transfer fluid and the pump (if you have one). Granted, I am no solar thermal installer but I do have enough experience with my hands to know that much of the routine maintenance will be easily handled by most homeowners. The best thing you can do is use your own judgment about troubleshooting your solar thermal system. Just remember that any tinkering you do with the system equipment could void the warranty should that tinkering complicate things.

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Posted on September 3rd in Solar Thermal by Dan.