Why do solar thermal systems need to be serviced?

A solar thermal panel system is a significant investment, from which you expect a number of returns: the knowledge that you are making a positive contribution to reducing the country’s and the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, as well as a demonstrable cost saving in the medium to long term.

It therefore makes good sense to look after your investment and not leave its operational efficiency to chance.

What can go wrong with solar PV panel system?

Solar thermal panels have almost no moving parts, and the panels themselves have an expected productive life of 20-25 years, so what can go wrong? A number of things, because the other components in the system do have moving parts, are subject to fluid pressures, and rely on a wide range of electrical wiring and switching:

System failure due to poor quality installation
Damage from debris, wildlife and adverse weather
Corrosion of panel surfaces and wiring
Failed inverters (shelf life shorter than the panels themselves)
Clogged pipes – leaks from joints and seals
Pump and component failure
Overheating
Battery failure
A combination of any or all of the above

If you don’t know if your solar thermal system is working properly, or if you suspect that it might not be, you should really find out. And you should do so on a regular basis, which is what solar thermal system scheduled servicing is all about.

Unless you’re an experienced and trained solar technician or engineer, it will very difficult to diagnose any solar installation problem and remedy it if you don’t know the root cause.