Servicing and Maintenance of Solar Thermal Systems
Low Maintenance Technology: - Because there are few moving parts, the risk of mechanical failure is minimal. A cursory check that leaves and debris aren't covering the unit and that grime is not accumulating on the surface should be sufficient. Owners can monitor the pressure and temperature levels of their system and consult us if they ever have any questions.
As a minimum we recommend that the heat transfer fluid is changed once every five years, and the system checked at the same time.
Kingspan recommend more regular annual servicing. We therefore offer annual or one-off check-up servicing appointments. This will ensure that your solar thermal system continues to function at the highest possible efficiency and it will prolong the life of the unit to make sure you get value for money for your investment.
Product warranties can be voided if damage is caused by unnecessary tampering to the system, or if servicing and internal maintenance is undertaken by an unqualified and unaccredited company. Listed below are the servicing and maintenance suggestions from the different manufacturers that we deal with:
Manufacturer Recommendations
KINGSPAN Servicing and Maintenance
Maintenance by the homeowner:
- PRESSURE: The user should check the pressure gauge at regular intervals to ensure that the system pressure is maintained at the correct level.
- TEMPERATURES: Users should regularly check the temperatures which the control panel is recording. If they have been excessively high i.e. over 170°C, it is recommended that the antifreeze level is checked by a qualified engineer and replaced if needed.
Maintenance by installers or other qualified company:
- FLUID: The antifreeze fluid should always be replaced after 7 years by a qualified installer.
- SERVICING: It is recommended that the solar system is serviced annually by a qualified engineer and immediately if the system shows evidence of having lost pressure or has discharged liquid at the pressure relief valve.
- The engineer will need to check the system pressure, flow rate, expansion vessel, anti-freeze level and the pH-level.
BARILLA Servicing and Maintenance
Maintenance by the homeowner:
- CLEANING: Regular rainfall will keep the units free of dirt and grime but if they do become dirty over time, Barilla recommend wiping the units with a warm soapy cloth. If the units are not safely accessible, a pressure-washer can also be used at a distance. If the owner faces any risk in attempting to clean the units; the installation company should be called to undertake the necessary work.
- LEAVES: Where possible, leaves should be removed if they accumulate around the tubes to ensure optimal performance.
Maintenance by installers or other qualified company:
- BREAKAGES: The collector will still operate safely even if one tube has been broken. It should be replaced at the earliest convenience to ensure optimum performance.
- INSULATION: Any insulation protecting pipes running to and from the collector should be checked for damage every three years to ensure minimum heat loss, replacing the insulation if necessary.
- DRAINING/REPLACING FLUID: If a leak occurs, or the anti-freeze fluid needs replacing, this should always be undertaken by a qualified installer.
- Other Components: Other parts of the system such as the pump and storage tank should be serviced/ inspected according to their manufacturer's own maintenance guidelines.
VELUX Servicing and Maintenance
Servicing should only be carried out by a competent installer in the installation and maintenance of unvented/vented solar water systems.
- Any spare parts used during a service must be authorised VELUX parts.
- Always disconnect the electrical supply before removing any electrical equipment covers.
- Never bypass any thermal controls or operate system without the necessary safety valves.
Water contained in the VELUX solar hot water system may be very hot, especially following a thermal control failure. Caution must be taken when drawing water from the unit.
Our Service and Maintenance Options
If your solar thermal collector is installed by Spirit Solar, we offer the following package:
Annual or one-off servicing includes:
- Inspection and servicing of the solar thermal unit (including the control unit, pipe insulation and the condition of the antifreeze fluid), ensuring that the system is running efficiently.
- Inspection and servicing of hot water cylinder.
- The inspection will not include the replacement of fluid, but this can be arranged at a small fee if needed.
We will also service Kingspan and Barilla solar thermal systems which were not installed by us. However we cannot take any responsibility for any mistakes made by previous installers and any necessary corrective work will incur an additional fee.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.