Solar Water Heater Maintenance Guide

The solar water heater is one of the most used solar products operated utilizing solar energy, which requires routine maintenance to keep the devices operating efficiently. Even the components of portable solar water heaters may need repair or replacement from time to time. For this, you should handle some of the maintenance tasks on your own and take steps to prevent scaling, corrosion, and freezing of the solar system.

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Let us discuss some suggested inspections (solar water heater maintenance/ solar water heater repair services) of the solar water heater and its components!

A-List of Periodic Maintenance for Solar Water Heater:- 

Collector shading- First thing you need to check for shading of the collectors (how often should a solar hot water system be serviced) on an annual basis and during the day time like mid-morning, noon, and mid-afternoon, because shading can greatly affect the performance of solar collectors. For example, vegetation growth over time or new construction on your house or your neighbor’s property may produce some shading that might not be there when the collectors of the solar water were installed. Therefore, the proper maintenance for collector shading is highly required to maintain the durability of the solar water heater.  

Collector soiling– Periodic cleaning for the solar water heater is necessary, especially in dry, dusty climates because dusty or soiled collectors may perform poorly to the system.

Collector glazing and seals- You should keep an eye on the collector glazing if any cracks happen and seals are in good condition. If you notice the plastic glazing is the extremely yellow color that needs to be replaced.

Plumbing, ductwork, and wiring connections- Look for fluid leaks at pipe connections of the solar water heater and check duct connections and seals properly, as it requires periodic maintenance. It’s important to remember that tubes or pipes should be sealed with a mastic compound, and all wiring connections should be tight.

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Roof penetrations, piping, duct, and wiring insulation- Flashing and sealant around roof penetrations should be maintained in good condition. And, also inspect the solar hot water system correctly and once in a while just to check for any damage or degradation of insulation covering pipes, ducts, and wiring.

Support structures, Pressure relief valve, and Dampers- Users should check all nuts and bolts attaching the collectors to any support structures for tightness, and the valve on liquid solar heating collectors is not stuck open or closed. Similarly, make sure the dampers in solar air heating systems are open and close properly.

Heat transfer fluids- It is recommended to replace the antifreeze solutions in liquid (hydronic) solar heating collectors periodically. Mineral buildup in the piping should be removed by adding a de-scaling or mild acidic solution to the water every few years if water with a high mineral content of hard water is circulated in the collectors.

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Storage systems- Check storage tanks of the solar water heater (solar equipment) for cracks, leaks, rust, or other signs of corrosion.

Wrap it up

The storage tank of the solar water heater may require replacement, usually after 10 years of use. However, the cost of the replacement of the solar water heater installation may high after enjoying 10 years of free hot water. Do Not Neglect Periodic Maintenance of Solar Water Heater!!