Solar water heater FAQ: “Troubleshooting” easy to resolve


In the daily use of solar water heaters, common problems are mainly centered on equipment failure, environmental impact, improper use, and so on. Here are some common problems and their possible solutions:

1. Poor heat collection effect

Cause:

The surface of the collector tube or collector plate accumulates dust seriously, resulting in the sunlight not being able to fully irradiate.

Improper installation angle, the collector is not aimed at the sunlight, or is blocked.

Vacuum tube leakage or rupture, collector efficiency is reduced.

Insufficient light time, especially in rainy weather or winter.

Solution:

Clean the surface of the collector regularly to make sure there is no obstruction such as dust, leaves, etc.

Check the installation position and angle of the collector and adjust the orientation if necessary.

Replace damaged vacuum tubes and check the vacuum level of the tubes regularly.

Consider using an auxiliary heating device to ensure that hot water is still available when there is insufficient sunlight.


2. Unstable water temperature

Cause:

In unstable light, especially during seasonal changes or cloudy weather, hot water temperature varies greatly.

The auxiliary heating function fails to heat the water when there is insufficient sunlight.

The inner liner of the water tank is aging and the heat preservation effect deteriorates, resulting in a fast drop in the hot water temperature.

Solution:

Appropriately use the electric auxiliary heating function when there is insufficient sunlight to ensure stable water temperature.

Regularly check and maintain the electric heater, and replace the damaged electric heating element if necessary.

Replace the aging water tank or increase the insulation layer to improve the insulation effect.


3. Water tank leakage

Cause:

The water tank liner is corroded due to prolonged use or water quality problems.

Interface or pipe sealing is not tight, resulting in water leakage.

The water tank vent was blocked, resulting in excessive internal pressure, resulting in water leakage.

Solution:

Regularly check the condition of the water tank liner and replace or repair it if corroded.

Check and replace the seals or repair the pipe joints to ensure that the water pipes are connected tightly.

Clean the air vent of the water tank and keep it open to prevent excessive pressure.


4. Scale buildup

Cause:

When using solar water heaters in hard water areas, minerals in the water are deposited in the tank and pipes after heating, forming a scale, which affects heating efficiency and system life.

Solution:

Clean scale from tanks and pipes regularly, especially in hard water areas.

Consider installing a water softener to reduce scale formation.

Use a descaler for regular maintenance to reduce the effect of scale on the equipment.


5. Frozen pipes in winter

Cause:

Winter temperatures are low, water tanks or pipes are not insulated, and water freezes in the pipes causing them to rupture.

The anti-freeze device does not work properly, resulting in ice in the system.

Solution:

Before winter arrives, antifreeze pipes and wrap them with insulation.

Check and repair the anti-freeze device to ensure that the system can work properly in low temperatures.

Water heaters with an automatic emptying function can be used to avoid water remaining in the pipes for too long.


6. Failure of electrically assisted heating

Cause:

The electric heating element is damaged and does not work properly.

Circuit problems or controller failure causes the heating system not to start.

The frequency of use is too high, resulting in aging or overloading of the electric heater.

Solution:

Check the electric heater and replace damaged elements if necessary.

Check the circuit and control system to ensure they are working properly.

Try to avoid frequent use of electric auxiliary heating, especially in full sunlight, to reduce the load on electrical components.


7. Insufficient hot water supply

Cause:

Insufficient tank capacity to meet the daily hot water demand of the household.

Insufficient light time, insufficient water heating, and reduced hot water volume.

Excessive scale in the tank or pipes reduces the thermal efficiency and water capacity.

Solution:

Choose a water tank of suitable capacity according to household needs to ensure adequate hot water supply.

In case of insufficient sunlight, an auxiliary heating system can be used to supplement the hot water supply.

Clean the scale regularly to ensure the thermal efficiency and water capacity of the tank and pipes.


8. Leaking or clogged pipes

Cause:

Deteriorated or poorly sealed pipe joints, resulting in water leakage.

Scale or foreign matter in the piping, resulting in clogging and affecting water flow.

Solution:

Regularly check and replace deteriorated seals and joints to ensure tight pipe connections.

Regularly unclog the pipes to remove scale and impurities to maintain smooth water flow.


9. Shortened life span of solar water heaters

Cause:

Poor quality of materials or use of inferior products, the equipment is easy to age and damage.

Long-term lack of maintenance, resulting in severe wear and tear of the equipment.

Excessive reliance on electric auxiliary heating increases the load on the equipment.

Solution:

Choose quality-assured brands and products to ensure the durability of the equipment.

Regular maintenance and overhaul of equipment, timely replacement of aging parts.

Reasonable use of electric auxiliary heating to avoid overloading the equipment.


10. Control system failure

Cause:

Failure of the control panel or sensors, resulting in the inability to properly adjust the water temperature or start the heating system.

Power supply problems or line failure, affecting the normal operation of the system.

Solution:

Check the sensors and circuits of the control system to ensure that they work properly.

Regularly maintain and upgrade the control system to ensure it is stable and reliable.


Through regular maintenance, rational use, and timely resolution of problems, you can effectively reduce the common problems of solar water heaters in the process of use, to ensure long-term efficient operation of the equipment!