solar water heater performance

Tips for improving solar water heater performance

Would you like your solar water heater to deliver the best performance? Consider deploying the following tips.

1. Get rid of dust and other obstacles

The heating capacity of a solar water heater greatly depends on its exposure to solar radiation. The more it is exposed the better it will perform.

Obstacles such as dust, leaves, and other solid particles that have accumulated on the surface of the collector and screen can block a significant amount of solar radiation.

Weekly cleaning of the solar heater panels can go a long way in ensuring that your heating system performs to the optimum levels.

The good news is solar panel cleaning is a job that you can easily do on your own without requiring an expert’s help. You only need water, mild detergent, and a piece of cloth.

To avoid such problems in the future, make an effort to clear all the vegetation around the collector and the solar water heater in general.

2. Check the conditions for the solar water heater components

Inspect your solar water heater and take note of any signs of damages that will demand immediate repair.

The simplicity of the solar water heater makes it easy to do a round-check inspection.

You simply need to check one part after another. If you spot a damaged component, start looking for ways to work on it.

You can opt to repair the component or replace it with a new one.

In case of a repair, you should consider hiring solar water heater technicians near you.

Regular inspection of a solar water heater will help you avoid some costly since you will be in a position to detect the problem early enough before it escalates.

3. Check out for corrosion

As you continue using the solar heater, some parts can start corroding. Even the hardest metallic parts may not be spared by this scourge.

The steel part of the solar heater can be corroded by flowing water. The presence of mineral elements in the water can also accelerate the corrosion process. This is why it is advisable not to use hard water on some solar hot water heating systems.

Although most solar water heaters come with anode rods that protect the tank against corrosion, you should not ignore to do a manual inspection.

Inspect the anode rod regularly to ensure that it is in perfect condition. If not, consider replacing it.

Apart from replacement, it is also advisable to paint vulnerable parts of the solar water heater regularly so as to protect them from corrosion.

4. Proper solar water heater installation

It always starts with the installation of the solar water heater. If installed correctly, your solar water heating system will perform to the optimum levels.

The reverse is true for the poorly installed solar water heating panels.

Ensure that the collector is properly aligned on the roof so as to improve the collector efficiency. The more efficient it is the better it will perform.

You should also ensure that the collector is not surrounded by different types of obstructions such as buildings and trees. This will ensure that it absorbs solar radiation throughout the day.

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5. Repair all the leaks

As long as there is water involved, you should be ready to deal with the leaks. These problems can be due to water pressure, faulty pipes, or even external pressure.

While inspecting your solar hot water system, take note of the leakages and act on them immediately.

If the cause is water pressure, lower it using the valves. You can also adjust the valves accordingly to prevent a buildup of excess pressure.

If you start doubting the integrity of the pipes, consider upgrading them. Buy newer pipes that are of better quality.

6. Flush the storage tank to remove solid residue

As you continue using your solar water heater, chances are some mineral deposits and even solid residue will accumulate in the tank.

The situation will be worse if you are using hard water as it has high mineral content.

These solid materials have a negative impact on the operation of solar water heating systems.

One of the problems is the minerals can accumulate around the heat exchanger causing it to overheat.

They can also accelerate heat loss in the tank hence minimizing the efficiency of the solar water heater.

We cannot ignore the fact that the solid residue can cause water contamination.

The best way of dealing with this problem is by flushing the tank periodically.

Conclusion

It is always possible to get the best from your solar water heater, especially after you have discovered a decline in performance.

Even after buying the best solar water heater in China, do not neglect it. Give it the proper care and it will deliver the best results.

For the technical tips, consider hiring solar water heater experts.

In short, solar water heater lowers carbon footprint.

we cannot underrate the effectiveness of most solar water heating systems. For instance, a vacuum tube solar water heater operates at 80% efficiency.