It is normal for the hot water temperature relief valve to discharge a small quantity of water while heating. However, if it discharges more than 10 litres of water a day, there may be another problem. If it is continually running, try raising or turning the lever or knob gently on the PTR valve for a few seconds then releasing. If there is any foreign matter in the line, this may dislodge it.
 

Check that the isolating switch, which is generally found in the switchboard and marked ‘Hot Water', 'SHW (solar hot water)' or 'Water Heater', is in the ‘ON’ position. Check the electricity supply to which the hot water system is connected. If connected to an off-peak tariff, boosted heating hours are restricted. Also check to ensure the fuse at the switchboard is turned to the ‘ON’ position.

It is possible that the water level is below the desired level. To top up the level of water, lift the pressure relief valve lever against the spring pressure until you see water come from the overflow pipe. It is recommended that this valve is released every six months.

Check the power outlet to the controller is turn ‘ON’ and is plugged properly into the outlet. Check to ensure that shading from trees is not excessive and is not covering the collectors for all or part of the day. Insufficient light due to cloudy or overcast weather and low solar contribution during winter months may require you to use your booster (back up electric) switch more often.

This fitting is called an anti-frost valve and it will leak once the solar panel reaches 5 degrees and below. The colder the solar panel, the more it will leak. This is so the solar panel does not freeze and thereby risk damaging the solar panel. If the frost valve is constantly leaking during the day then it will need to be replaced by the manufacturer. This can be done simply by placing a service call.

Place your hand on the water pump located on the side of the tank. If the pump is vibrating then the water is circulating up and around the solar panels. Also, try feeling the two pipes with black insulation on them. If one of the pipes is hot and one is cold the system is working correctly.
PLEASE NOTE: THE PIPES CAN GET VERY HOT AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS. TOUCHING BARE INSULATED PIPES IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
 

Yes, this operation is normal. The gas booster will always fire up as the water that passes through it. Once the heat sensor registers that the water is at the set temperature it will turn the gas booster off. In most cases the gas does not ignite – it is just the fan that turns on then switches off.

Due to current plumbing regulations, any solar hot water system must have a tempering valve (a silver T piece with an orange cap) that reduces the hot water temperature to a maximum of 50 degrees. This temperature is factory set and can be reduced but not increased. This is to avoid the chance of young people of those with sensitive hands becoming scalded.

The pool of water around the base of the solar hot water is from the tank’s condensation drain, which is located at the base. It is perfectly normal to have this excess water, which actually confirms the solar hot water is working and heating the water.

You don’t have to do anything to the solar hot water if you want to go away as the solar hot water will continue to manage and service itself when there is no hot water required. Never disconnect the power supply to the pump for long periods of time as, over time, this may cause damage to the solar collectors.