Problems with Solar Thermal?

jennyd jennyd

Problems with Solar Thermal? Created

As we've been having stalls with information about energy saving about micro-generation, we've met quite a number of people who are have had solar thermal panels installed but are experiencing problems with their system. One woman has already gone to such expense to try and solve problems without success that she has decided to take down the solar thermal panels and invest in solar pv instead! Does anyone have any insight into why people are experiencing difficulties? We live in an area with hard water - should they have been advised to have fltering put into their water system? Is it just a case of choosing a really reputable company? If the word gets round about difficulties, it will put people off investing, which would be a shame.

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harmony harmony

  (0)

You need a water softener fitted .this will improve not just the solar .but also your total house
plumbing and save on detergent costs.Dennis

user1576 user1576

  (0)

Jenny,

Our solar thermal specialist has provided me with the following information, I hope this helps!

Firstly people need to check if their installers where MCS approved (Microgeneration certificate scheme). I believe there have been cases where solar thermal technology has been installed by qualified plumbers which may not have been specifically trained on this type of microgeneration technology. If this is the case then the system may not have been correctly balanced which can have a big impact on how the system operates and also key parts such as expansion vessels may not have been fitted.

Hard water can be a contributing factor as lime scale is generated only when the water inside the cylinder heats up. MCS approved installers will always perform a survey and may recommend a water filter to be installed which softens the water prior to entering the cylinder which may help this. Our solar specialist will always offer a maintenance package with the installation which covers any issues that may arise.

If you are experiencing problems with your solar thermal system please contact your installer.

Thanks Helen

green-streets-coordinator-for-ham-and-petersham green-streets-coordinator-for-ham-and-petersham

  (0)

Hi Jenny,

Solar thermal panels need to be correctly balanced with the hot water needs of the property on installation as both oversized and undersized systems can have their problems. It is therefore very important to work with the installer at the early stages to ensure that the systems are sized correctly. Before installing your system you can check if installers are accredited through the MCS scheme on greenbooklive.com.

However, it may just be a simple problem with the controls (which can be altered) or the refrigerant (which can be replaced).

The refrigerant is the liquid that flows through the panels. If water is not being drawn off from the cylinder by taps, showers etc then the cylinder will remain hot, the pump won't circulate the refrigerant through the panels and this can sometimes make the refrigerant so hot that it overheats and degrades. This is only usually a problem in hot weather when not used for a long period of time (so be careful when you go on holiday). If this happens then the panels can be drained and a new lot of liquid can be installed.

We did a workshop for people back in March about solar technologies with the help of an installer and somebody that lived locally that had a system. I'll try to get the video up for you.
It may be worthwhile taking the names of those people and having a similar workshop for them.

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