Figured I'd share something handy I learned after dealing with my solar water heater acting up last month. Turns out, a little regular checkup goes a long way. First thing, keep an eye on the panels—dust and grime build up faster than you'd think. I hosed mine down gently every couple months, and it made a noticeable difference. Also, learned the hard way to double-check the insulation on the pipes—mine got worn out and started losing heat, which kinda defeats the whole purpose, ya know?
Another thing is the pressure relief valve—didn't even know it was there until someone pointed it out. Giving it a quick test every now and then helps avoid some messy surprises. And don't forget about antifreeze levels, especially if winters get chilly where you're at. Had a neighbor whose system froze up one winter...not fun.
Anyway, I'm sure there's stuff I'm missing or haven't thought about yet. Curious if anyone else has some good tips or tricks they've picked up along the way.
Good points overall, but I'm not totally sold on the idea of hosing down the panels regularly. Sure, dust can build up, but in my experience, unless you're in a really dusty or pollen-heavy area, rain usually does a decent enough job. I've had solar water heaters on a few properties over the years and rarely had to clean them manually—maybe once a year tops.
Also, about the antifreeze...I get why you'd want it if winters are harsh, but I've seen systems run fine without it in milder climates. Antifreeze can degrade over time and sometimes cause corrosion issues if not maintained properly. So it's kind of a trade-off—depends on your local weather and how diligent you are about maintenance.
One thing I'd add though: keep an eye on your pump. Had one seize up on me once because I overlooked it for too long. Quick check every now and then saves headaches later.
