If you’re facing high electricity bills and suspect your solar hot water system isn’t working efficiently or at all, here are a few signs to check:
- Water Isn’t Hot Enough: If your water is consistently lukewarm or cold when the circuit breaker is turned off, especially on sunny days, your solar hot water system may not be functioning properly.
- Booster System Running Constantly: Solar hot water systems often have electric boosters for those rainy and overcast days. If your electricity usage has increased, it could mean the booster system is constantly running, indicating that the solar system isn’t heating water effectively.
- Check the Circulation Pump is Powered On: In a solar hot water split system with the tank located on the ground, a circulation pump is responsible for moving cold water to the collectors and returning hot water to the tank. This pump requires a connection to a power outlet, so make sure it is properly plugged in and switched on. Without this vital power connection, the solar system is unable to operate.
- Pump Not Circulating: If you have a split system, check the circulation pump. If it’s not running during sunny periods, it may indicate the system isn’t functioning properly. Conversely, if the pump runs continuously, even at night, this is another sign of a potential issue.
- Pump Hot or Overheating: If the circulation pump is hot or overheating, it could indicate several potential issues including blocked or restricted flow, a faulty pump motor or lack
of ventilation. These factors cause the pump to work harder than necessary causing it to overheat. - Inspect the Controller Monitoring System: Solar hot water systems come with a controller that displays performance data. Be sure to check it for any error messages or significant drops in performance. Common indicators of an error include default codes, flashing red lights (rather than solid lights) and sensor errors.
- Leaking or Damaged Components: Inspect your system for visible signs of damage, such as leaks around the tank or pipes, or damaged solar panels, which could prevent the system from functioning correctly.
- Dirty Solar Collectors: Dirt, dust, leaves and other debris on the collectors’ surface block sunlight reaching the solar panels, reducing their ability to absorb heat effectively. This results in less heat being generated and can reduce efficiency significantly.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your system inspected by a solar hot water repairs specialist to diagnose the issue and restore optimal performance, potentially saving you on energy costs. Contact our friendly team of experts at King Solar Man today on 0416 075 682.