
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
Increased hot water demand
• Check if hot water demand has increased, which would
reduce the % contribution from solar even with the same
level of output
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
• Check flow gauge for proper flow rate, check pump
operation if flow rate insufficient
• Adjust restrictor screw on flow meter
• Check heat transfer fluid pH, color and viscosity, may
need to be flushed and replaced.
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
Partial shading of collector
• Check collector location for shading or snow build up. If
snow buildup, ensure bottom of collector is raised off
roof, and angle of install is at least 45
°
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
• Check that insulation is still in good condition with no
exposed hot piping
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
Damage to evacuated tubes
• Check that evacuated tubes are all intact and the
bottom is still silver
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
• Check that heat pipes are making good contact in
header, and are hot at the tip
Poor Solar Heating
Contribution (Compared
to previous output at
same time of year)
Scale build up in brazed plate HE
(if BPHE used)
• Flush sediment from tank
• Back flush BPHE with vinegar (or equivalent)
• Install sieve and clean out valve before pump on BPHE
loop.
Poor Solar Contribution
(Compared to expected
levels)
• System may be reverse thermo-siphoning at night.
Ensure check valve after or in pump is working. May
need to install heat trap (downward U shaped pipe) on
return line close to tank.
Poor Solar Contribution
(Compared to expected
levels)
Insufficient pump run time
• For normal ON/OFF pump operation (not variable
speed) ensure the pump is running long enough for the
heat from the collector to return to tank - feel return line
with hand (careful) to check. Reduce dTMin value
slightly.
Poor Solar Contribution
(Compared to expected
levels)
Pump cycling too long and
dissipating heat
• dTMin value set too low, especially if closed loop
system (applies to ON/OFF or variable speed)
• T2 sensor too low in tank, always reading cold water.
Move to correct location.
Poor Solar Contribution
(Compared to expected
levels)
Excessive tank heat losses
• Insulate both the hot and cold water pipes connected to
the storage tank. A check valve (spring not flap) on the
cold and hot pipe close to the tank will help reduce heat
migration up the pipe.
• Insulate any exposed fittings and valves on the storage
tank. DO NOT impair the operation of the PTRV.
IF ELECTRIC
Electric not heating water
• Check operation and power supply to element
• Replace element if necessary
• Check controller boost settings
IF BOILER or GAS TANKLESS
Booster not heating water
• Check gas/fuel supply
• Check operation of boiler/heater
• Check controller boost settings
• Check operation of tempering valve
Increased hot water demand
• Install larger capacity boiler/booster
• Revise boost settings of controller
• Install larger storage tank
Intermittent short
batches of cold water
when showering
• Check operation of tempering valve
Intermittent short
batches of cold water
when showering
Faulty tankless gas booster
operation (if post gas system)
• Check operation of tankless gas booster
Apricus Solar Collector Installation & Operation Manual - USA
Copyright 2011 – Apricus Inc Doc: A7-05.4.12-PB Page 2 of 129
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