Solar panel problems

joho

Morning all,

Posting on behalf of friends. They have water heating panels on the roof. The panels are 9 years old, no longer manufactured, and in the entire time they've been in the house there has been a banging from the system.

My friend says this occurs randomly on any warm, sunny day, and sounds like it's coming from the cupboard that houses the hot water cylinder and expansion tank.

They've had 3 different 'specialists' out who've all tried much the same things but can't find the problem or answer their questions.

But what they really want to know is, if the panels can be left in-situ after they have been drained of glycol/decommissioned, or will this cause overheating/damage to the roof structure?

Or do the panels have to be physically removed from the roof once drained and switched off?

It seems to be a problem for several houses on their estate - good old Bellway! 

TIA for answers or advice.
Jo

bob2302

IMO this would be better off in the energy forum.

Heedtheadvice

Rather than drain the system maybe be better to resolve the problem. It could  b something as simple as pipework expanding beings held too tightly causing the  noise when a pipe does move.

Drain if wished but why waste the thermal heating ...

Vitor

I would remove, without ongoing maintenance fixings can deteriorate until the panels become safety hazards, particularly in high winds or during storms.

If removed right after decommissioning they might get a few quid selling them on.

NB if the 'banging' occurs on sunny days, chances are the water is getting extremely hot and starts 'kettling'; if the expansion tank or pressure relief valve is malfunctioning or undersized, the system might struggle to relieve this pressure, leading to sudden, forceful movements of water, which can cause banging noises.

It doesn't surprise me 'specialists' can't fix this; most fitters and plumbers are clueless on anything but the most basic S-plan systems.

joho

Thank you. I'll share your answers with my friend.