solar panels with unvented cylinders

[plumb_know]

Hi everyone,

I am qualified to work on unvented cylinders but have no experience with solar panels. I have a customer which has a leaking unvented cylinder with solar coil attached.

am i legally allowed to replace the cylinder,is their regulations with solar?

if so, is it easy to drain the coil, is the coil water separate to the water that goes up to the panels as i know anti freeze needs to be added to panel water.

advise much appreciated

 

[Timmy D]

Not sure about the regs but the solar loop will likely be filled with glycol as the heat transfer liquid, not water.

When draining/topping up, a pressurised tank/solar pump is typically used.

You should also check the ph of the fluid as it degrades.

 

[Chuck]

advise much appreciated

I think you'd be very unwise to undertake work on solar thermal systems without some formal training. The sun is an uncontrolled heat source so the heat transfer system has to be kept working correctly to avoid damage. I'm a big fan of manufacturer-based training courses. Something like this perhaps:

Training Courses | Worcester Bosch

Join Worcester Bosch for a comprehensive Solar training experience. With over 25 years of experience, we offer industry-recognised training both online and in our nationwide academies.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

note that you need your G3 as a pre-requisite.

 

[plumb_know]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the responses, yeah i advised the customer to get specialist in as had bio boiler as well so knowing my luck one or the other would play up after cylinder replaced and i wouldn't have a clue how to fix. will look into some courses when i get some time. Wish manufactures would offer weekend courses so i didn't have to take time off work though