Top 9 Guidelines on Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Solar water heaters are a good investment in sustainability and cost efficiency. However, like all systems, they need proper care to perform optimally and last for decades.

You’re unlikely to be the one turning the wrenches or cleaning glass covers. Why do it yourself when there are water pump maintenance experts you can call to do the job? Even so, you must still learn the critical aspects of solar maintenance so you’ll know what things to look out for and when you need to call the professionals for some servicing ASAP.

This is the goal of this write-up. Read it and learn what you should pay attention to for a reliable, long-lasting solar water heating system.

  1. Regular inspections are a must.

Remember the saying ‘For want of a nail… the kingdom was lost’, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin? If your solar water heating system doesn’t get periodic inspections, you’re effectively sacrificing a ‘kingdom’ for a ‘nail’.

You see, maintenance checks are a minor expense (like a nail’s worth) relative to the cost of an excellent solar water heater (the proverbial kingdom in this context). A preventive maintenance schedule saves money in the long run by preventing costly emergency repairs. If you don’t do this, expect your superb sun-powered water heating system to fail sooner than expected.

Even the best, top-of-the-line systems need periodic check-ups. A solar water heater should undergo a detailed inspection every three to five years at the very least, but components like pumps, valves, and backup systems need more frequent attention.

During inspections, technicians look for performance issues such as leaks, clogs, or inefficient heat transfer. They also examine how well the system integrates with other components like water pumps and insulation.

  1. Keep collectors clean and shadow-free.

Collectors are the heart of a solar water heater. Dirt, debris, and shadows can drastically reduce their efficiency. Regular cleaning of the collector’s glass surface allows sunlight to reach the absorber, ensuring optimal heat absorption.

Additionally, watch for any new construction or growing vegetation nearby that might cast shadows on the panels. If shading becomes an issue, you may need to reposition the system or trim surrounding foliage.

  1. Check for leaks and insulation damage.

Leaks are a silent performance killer in solar water heating systems. Left unchecked, they can cause pressure drops and damage to insulated piping. Ask your service provider to inspect for drips and discharges in tanks, pipes, and joints.

Insulation, often overlooked, is equally important. Damaged cladding on pipes or tanks leads to significant heat loss, increasing energy consumption. Have any torn or worn insulation repaired or replaced during routine maintenance.

  1. Address hard-water issues before they escalate.

Hard water is a problem because it causes mineral scaling in pipes, heat exchangers, and tanks. This scaling can eventually block hot water outlets, reduce heat-transfer efficiency, and strain system components. Professional service providers recommend cleaning the heat exchanger and circulating a mild acidic solution (e.g., diluted vinegar) through the system every few years.

Do you live in the United Arab Emirates? The UAE has hard water, so scaling is a pertinent concern. If scaling is a recurring issue, it might be time to consult water pump suppliers in the UAE about integrating water softeners into your solar water heating and water distribution systems.

  1. Don’t neglect your backup systems.

Solar water heaters often come with electric or gas backup systems for cloudy days. This is not a particular concern in the UAE because of the almost year-round sunshine, but it still pays to ensure your backup system is maintained and will work if needed.

Backup systems need annual testing. Get your service provider over to inspect your backup heating components and thermostats. Replace any worn-out parts to guarantee an uninterrupted hot water supply, whatever the condition outside. You don’t want a backup system failure making itself known when your primary water heating system is down, and you need your backup to work.

  1. Monitor the storage tank for corrosion and sediment.

Storage tanks are prone to two main issues: sediment buildup and corrosion.

Sediment buildup reduces capacity and efficiency. Regular flushing by a professional helps keep this under control.

Corrosion is another problem. Many tanks come with a sacrificial anode rod designed to corrode so the tank can be spared. However, this rod must be replaced every few years, depending on the water quality and manufacturer’s recommendations.

If your tank starts leaking, call the experts immediately so they can assess whether a repair or replacement is needed.

  1. Prevent corrosion with material compatibility.

Corrosion doesn’t just affect tanks but also pipes and joints. Specifically, galvanic corrosion caused by joining dissimilar materials can lead to leaky pipes

Make sure that your contractor uses compatible connectors and jointing to ensure longevity in pipe connections.

  1. Keep mounting hardware in good condition.

The supports holding your solar water heater system in place may also be prone to weathering issues. Regularly inspect the physical condition of these supports. 

If you spot rust or other signs of degradation, repaint or repair them promptly to prevent further problems.

  1. Call the professionals when needed.

As the song goes, ‘If it’s something weird, and it don’t look good. Who ya gonna call?’ In this case, the experts, of course. Some maintenance tasks may seem simple, but most others require professional expertise. For example, flushing tanks and descaling heat exchangers require specialised equipment and expert knowledge.

Professional technicians will perform diagnostic checks and ensure that pumps, valves, and other mechanical components are running smoothly. Additionally, they’ll alert you to early signs of brewing trouble, saving you from costly repairs down the line so you won’t have to lose your proverbial kingdom, i.e., your beautiful solar water heating system.

Proactive Maintenance Matters

Neglecting solar water heater maintenance leads to cascading repercussions. A leak left unattended can corrode pipes; scaling in the heat exchanger can reduce system efficiency; and an overlooked backup heater problem can leave you without hot water when you need it.

This is why you should keep the above guidelines in mind and ensure you get maintenance service regularly. This is how you can ensure your solar water heater delivers consistent performance, saves energy, and lasts the full length of its expected lifespan.