Health Check & Antifreeze Change

All solar hot water systems use antifreeze as it's heat exchange liquid to protect it from freezing in the colder months. This liquid degrades over time and should be changed every few years so we recommend a Full Health Check every four  years to review the system and check the quality of the liquid to ensure it is working as it should to protect your panels from low temperatures in the winter. During our 4 yearly assessment we will:

• Inspect the solar array for any damage or material failure (if access is available otherwise from ground level visual assessment)
• Inspect any visual pipework and insulation
• Check the performance of all system valves and controls
• Check the circulation of the system
• Test the quality of the anti-freeze liquid
• Drain down and dispose of old fluid where necessary
• Supply new anti-freeze and recommission where necessary

Taking care of your Solar Thermal System

It is important that you give your solar thermal system an occasional inspection yourself to check for any obvious issues, and arrange regular check ups to  ensure that your system continues to work at its maximum efficiency and getting you the most out of your investment.

Keep Them Clean. The variability of The Great British Weather is such that dirt and dust are not likely to build up on your solar panels, making them pretty much self-cleaning, but it is worth keeping an eye just to make sure that there is no build up of grime that can reduce the effectiveness of the panels. 

Look out for Over Hanging Trees. Keep an eye out for any infringing greenery that has sprouted up and may be overshadowing your roof and blocking the precious sunlight from your panels. (Make sure that you check with the necessary authority before you start lopping down trees!).

Cast an occasional eye over the system. Every now and again do a quick visual check to make sure there are no obvious faults. That there are no leaks around the joints (antifreeze has a distinctive pungent smell), that the pressure is as it should be, the fan comes on when it is supposed to, there are no obvious cracks or damage etc.