No Hot Water – Check that the water heater circuit breakers are in the “ON” position.  Turn the switch on the timer to “ON” and wait 15 minutes.  If the water doesn’t heat up, turn the timer switch and water heater circuit breakers off and remove the top access cover on the tank with a Phillips screwdriver.  Remove the insulation.  Check that the thermostat is set between 110 and 120.  Press the red button.  You should hear a click and the water will start heating when you turn the power back on.  You may be able to hear it boil.  If the button wasn’t popped out, call a service person or contact ECA for more info.

No Hot Water in the morning or a very high electric bill – Carefully touch the solar pipes or fittings above the solar tank (they are the smaller pipes) in the evening after 7 PM. They should both be cool or one just slightly warmer. If one is very hot and the other cool, it means that the hot water is rising up to the panels at night, cooling off in the cool night air, and cooling off the tank. This is usually caused by a failed check valve or incorrect design. Call a service person or contact ECA for assistance. If both pipes are hot, check to see if the pump is running. If it is, go to the paragraph below.

Pump Running at night – Check that the solar controller switch is set to “automatic.”  If it is, and the pump runs continuously at night, call a solar repair person or ECA. There is most likely a problem with the solar sensors, wire, or controller.  If the pump only comes on occasionally at night, perform the test described in the above paragraph.

Knocking noises heard in the tank – You probably have the solar high limit control set low and the pump is shutting off when the sun is still shining. This causes water in the panels to boil and send steam down into the tank. Set the high limit on your controller all the way up and have an “automatic cooling thermostat” installed that will leave the pump running into the evening to cool the tank down. You could also have a tempering valve installed if you need to limit the temperature of the water. Another solution is to have a 40 or 50 gallon tank added to your system to absorb that extra hot water and save it for a rainy day. If you need more info contact ECA.

 Annual Service

There are two parts to the annual service, tank/panel flush to eliminate buildup of calcites and dirt and system inspection.  The flushing method depends on which part of the island you live in.  If you live in a part of the island with a lot of dirt in the water the Complete Flush is needed each year.  For most of the island only the Short Flush is needed for years 1 – 4 and the Complete Flush every 5 years.

Short Flush of the tank and solar panels.

1.   Attach a hose to the hose bib located at the bottom of the tank.  Place the other end of the hose in a place where it can drain. Be careful not to damage plants with hot water. We usually place the hose end in a white bucket. Open the hose bib and flush for 2 minutes or until clear.  Repeat this on the 2^nd tank if you have a 2 tank system.

2.   Attach a hose to the hose bib located on the pipe that returns water from the solar panels to the tank (the one without a pump on it).  Open the hose bib and flush for 2 minutes or until clear.

Complete Flush of the tank and solar panels.

1.      Turn off the circuit breakers that power the water heater.

2.      Unplug the solar pump.

3.      Attach a hose to the hose bib located at the bottom of the tank.  Place the other end of the hose lower than the bottom of the tank, in a place where it can drain without damaging anything.  Open the hose bib and flush for 2 minutes or until clear.

4.      Turn off the 3/4” valve that supplies cold water to the tank.  Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to allow air into the tank.  Leave the hose bib open until the tank drains completely.

5.      Open the 3/4” cold water supply valve for a few minutes to stir up more dirt.  Close the cold water supply valve and let the water drain out.  Repeat this until the water is clean.

6.      Turn off the hose bib and open the 3/4” cold water supply valve to start the tank filling up.

7.      Attach a hose to the hose bib located on the pipe that returns water from the solar panels to the tank (the one without a pump on it).  Open the hose bib and flush for 2 minutes or until clear.

8.      Close the hose bib and remove the hose.

Yearly System Inspection

Check for:

1.   Evidence of water leakage from tank, pipes, panels, or relief valve. Check the pipe/tank connections carefully. Cut the black pipe insulation back if necessary. Leaks in these locations are common and can destroy your tank.

2.   Proper system operation (pump running in day time only, enough hot water, electric bill still down).

3.  Loose wires and wire connections.

4.  Tightness of panel mounting bolts – try to lift or push panels to make sure they are secure.

5.   Dirt on panels – clean if necessary.

6.   Cracked insulation – replace or paint it as necessary.

If you are unable for any reason to do this yourself and need assistance, call a solar company that specializes in maintenance. Contact ECA for suggestions.

Major Tune-up

We recommend a Major Tune-up be performed every 5 years by a solar service company which includes the following:

Check system operation;  wash the panel glass;  inspect the entire system for leaks;  inspect insulation;  sensors and wiring;  flush heater tank;  flush solar panels;  inspect system design; replace the tank anode rod;  paint the roof insulation;  inspect all caulked areas & re-calk where necessary. Note: The magnesium anode rod slowly erodes away, sacrificing itself protecting your expensive tank. Sometime after 5 years it is totally gone and the tank starts corroding and leaks. It is very important to have it changed out regularly.