With the arrival of spring, increasing sunlight hours and decreasing heating usage, it's the ideal time to take care of your solar thermal system and ensure it's ready to operate efficiently during the summer months, when the demand for domestic hot water increases.
During the winter, the system can accumulate debris, dirt, or minor damage that reduces its efficiency. Careful maintenance in spring helps maintain system performance, extend its lifespan, and optimize energy savings.
Solar maintenance: what checks to perform in spring
Here are the main tasks to plan to keep your solar thermal system in top condition:
1. Cleaning Solar Panels
Rain and snow aren't enough: dust, leaf debris, or smog can create a film that reduces solar absorption.
For effective cleaning:
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Use warm water and a mild detergent.
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Avoid abrasive tools that could damage the surface.
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Choose times of day that aren't too hot to avoid thermal shock.
2. Check the pipes
The pipes connecting the panels to the tank must be leak-free and well-insulated. In spring, it's important to:
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Check the gaskets for leaks.
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Check for cracks or signs of wear.
3. Check the heat transfer fluid. h4>
Over time, the heat transfer fluid can degrade. Check:
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Level, clarity, and pH,
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Presence of impurities or cloudiness,
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Freezing point (useful for next winter).
4. Control unit and pump functionality
Make sure the electronic control unit correctly detects the temperature and activates the fluid circulation when necessary. The pump must be quiet and have a constant flow.
When should you contact a specialized technician?
If you notice leaks, drops in hot water production, or if the system is more than a year old since the last check, it is advisable to request a professional inspection. An expert can service internal components, update management software, or recommend specific replacements.
How to maintain high performance throughout the year
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Schedule regular checks, especially in dusty or polluted areas.
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Protect your panels from intense weather events, such as hail or excessive exposure to UV rays.
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Monitor your hot water production: a sudden drop is often the first sign of a problem.
Insights and solutions for wall-mounted boilers
If your system needs an update, visit the Wall-Mounted Boilers you can find next-generation solar thermal panels, integrated domestic hot water systems, and accessories to optimize solar energy management.