Even more solar water heating panels
When was the last time you looked closely?
The first two photos are of a Sola 60 installation which shows visible "discoloration" of the collector surface.
This 2.5 year old array of Sola60 panels appears to be barely working, despite the cloudless day (Refer next three photos):
What might be the mechanism that causes some of these examples of "discoloration"? The next two photos of a two year old Solahart give an indication of one of the factors: condensation
Here is another Sola 60 installation that shows deterioration of the collector surfaces (Please note the dates of the photos (31/03/2007)
Here are two photos of a Solahart installation that has significant visible deterioration to both collector surfaces. Again, please note the date on the photos (31/03/2007)
Here is another Sola 60 installation that shows deterioration of the collector surfaces (Please note the dates of the photos (31/03/2007)
Here are two photos of a Solahart installation that has significant visible deterioration to both collector surfaces. Again, please note the date on the photos (31/03/2007)
Solahart and Sola60 feature prominently. This is only because I have not found many other brands. My findings are not necessarily representative of the industry.
If you would like to learn more, or to contribute to the discussions, go to the Rusty Panels Discussion Group (click on link at the upper right of this page, or complete the registration box).
If you would like to learn more, or to contribute to the discussions, go to the Rusty Panels Discussion Group (click on link at the upper right of this page, or complete the registration box).
If you have an example of a good or bad solar water heating setup, then write to me here. Please include digital photos and contact details to verify the details.
The following two photos are of a pair of Solahart panels that 2.5 years old and visibly corroding.
No building consent.
Here is an ingenious home made solar water heating system. Unfortunately, it has no ventialtion/drain holes with the result that it is now flooded with condensation.
The two Solahart panels in the next three pictures are three years old. What appears to be corrosion can be seen on the panel surfaces.
Note the strip of bright white "corrosion" along the borders.
No building consent.
The following two photos are of a pair of Solahart panels that 2.5 years old and visibly corroding.
No building consent.
Here is an ingenious home made solar water heating system. Unfortunately, it has no ventialtion/drain holes with the result that it is now flooded with condensation.
The two Solahart panels in the next three pictures are three years old. What appears to be corrosion can be seen on the panel surfaces.
Note the strip of bright white "corrosion" along the borders.
No building consent.
This was inspected by a Branz official recently; but nothing said of the condition of the panels.
The Solahart panels in these two photos are one year old and what looks like corrosion can be seen on the collector surfaces.
Note the damage to the pipe lagging from birds.
No building consent.
Wow! Look at this home made solar array! Made by a good Kiwi bloke in his shed.
Here is another example of this resourceful fellow's fine work:
The Solahart panels in these two photos are one year old and what looks like corrosion can be seen on the collector surfaces.
Note the damage to the pipe lagging from birds.
No building consent.
Wow! Look at this home made solar array! Made by a good Kiwi bloke in his shed.
Here is another example of this resourceful fellow's fine work:
Labels: energy conservation, global warming, solar water heating
posted by Gary Moller @ 8:34 PM
6 Comments
6 Comments:
Are there any solar water heating panels that are guranteed to last longer than 10 years?
I am not aware of any. New Zealand would seem to have a particularly harsh environment, being essentially a coastal environment in most places. That sure is the case in Wellington! I think most of the panels have been designed and tested for hot, dryer environments like continental Australia, America and palces like Israel.
Honestly, I have no idea of how one would test solar panels for 10yrs durability for a place like Wellington.
I wonder how these panels get on in places liek the Pacific Islands? Can anybody out there tell us?
Gary, it appears that Solahart and Sola60 are the problems?
While that may appear to be the case, this may be more a reflection of who has been most active marketing-wise in Wellington when I carried out my random survey. The main problem is that most of the panels looked at were less than 4 years old, with many less than a couple of years. So, it is far too small a sample and too soon in the "panel life-cycle" to draw any firm conclusions.
The only conclusion may be that you need to do your research carefully before buying and to keep a close eye on your panels once installed.
I am hoping that plenty of SWH owner will write in with their exeriences and photos. Hopefully this will help identify those that should go the distance in places like windy Wellington!
Hi Gary
My diy panels have been up for 4 years now with no obvious sign of any deterioration in Wellingtons weather. Showing that panels made from quality materials and attention to detail in installation are the key points to longevity.
Cheers
Mike
As far as I know EECA and the Solar Industry have avoided this issue of longevity and the problems of progressive deterioration each year.
We need proper testing and subsequent guidance as to what are the most durable on the market.
Currently efficiency and payback are calculated on the flawed assumption that there is no deterioration of performance over the years. This is quite clearly wrong and outright misleading for consumers. This is most unhelpful for consumers who are trying to make a purchasing decision that is best for their circumstances.
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