Solar panel maintenance

[paz]

I have heard something about having to put anti-freeze into solar panels?  We have had our apartment for 3 years and never done anything like this.  Can anyone give any advise re this and how to do it and when/how often.  Thanks.

[wingnut]

Paz i think someone is winding you up, the water in your solar panel is the hot water that comes out of your tap, I dont think you want a shower in anti freeze do you,.

[Liz 101]

Actually, no it's not a wind up & has been discussed before, here's the link to the most recent

{A Link to an old CBF topic was here - no longer available}19124

[doll]

its for the winter paz
if you empty the tank because u not using the water
there is nothing to freeze.. thats why they leak expansion.
if your in an aparment are other people using the water.

[jono]

I would advise you not to use antifreeze until you have checked out what kind of solar tubes have been used in your system.If they are "Direct" ones you do not need to do any maintenance or very little.I would guess yours are not the "Direct" tubes if they are over 3 years old paz. But better to be safe than sorry I say      jono

[Alan Keating]

For those seeking the full UK information, here it is: -

9. Maintenance
Most solar water heating primary systems will benefit from annual inspection checks.
A user should not be put in danger in carrying out these checks, so if a minimum competency is required for the inspection, this should be clearly stated in the information provided at handover.

An example list of items to be checked as part of a solar heating system maintenance list could include the following:

1; collector glazing is undamaged
2; collector glazing is reasonably clean
3; where visible, absorber paintwork or coating is sound
4; the roof fixings are firm and the roof covering satisfactory following a visual inspection
5; fluid levels in the cistern, drainback or expansion vessel are checked against the specified levels
6; pressure levels are checked against the specified levels
7; electrical controls and temperature sensors are operating correctly
8; the circulating pump is operating without due noise
9; pipework insulation is firmly in place
10; there are no condensation or damp spots, particularly around the pipework and fixings in the roof space
11; all safety and information labels are in place.

For fully filled systems, the most important item to be checked is the quality and quantity of antifreeze. This should be tested at least every five years, for system pressure, glycol concentration and acidity. This is done with a small refractometer and pH strips available from specialist solar antifreeze suppliers, as well as by observing the pressure gauge against the commissioned settings. Some antifreeze products also require regular replacement. The gas side of the expansion vessel should also be checked against commissioned settings noting this can only be done with the vessel isolated hence great care should be taken during sunny conditions.(STEAM)

Drainback systems also require the fluid to be checked but if containing plain water, then evidence of corrosion should be checked by way of extracting a small sample.

Whilst this may appear "over the top", it is what should be done to ensure your system works correctly and for a long time.

I trust this helps.