Upgrading and renovation of residential solar energy systems

Preparation before idleness

System check

Before being idle, conduct a comprehensive inspection of all components of the solar energy system. Including solar panels, water tanks, pipes, valves, controllers, etc. Check whether the solar panels are damaged or cracked, as these damages may further deteriorate during the idle period and affect subsequent use. For instance, minor cracks may gradually expand under sunlight exposure and temperature changes, leading to a decline in the performance of solar panels.

Check if there is any leakage in the water tank. The sealing property of the water tank is crucial for maintaining water quality and the normal operation of the system. If leakage is found in the water tank, it should be repaired in time to prevent water loss during the idle period, which would cause waste of resources and may also affect the service life of the water tank.

Check whether the pipes and valves are blocked or damaged. Clogged pipes can affect the circulation of water or medium within the system, while damaged valves may lead to problems such as water leakage. You can touch the pipe with your hand to feel if there are any abnormal temperature changes, or judge whether the pipe is unobstructed by observing the water flow.

Cleaning treatment

Thoroughly clean the solar panels. Use a soft damp cloth or sponge, dip it in clean water and gently wipe the surface of the solar panel to remove dust, bird droppings, leaves and other dirt. These dirt will block the sunlight and reduce the power generation efficiency of the solar panels. If the dirt is difficult to remove, a neutral cleaner can be used, but it should be noted that the cleaner must not corrode the surface of the solar panel. When cleaning solar panels, it is advisable to do so when the sunlight is weak, such as in the early morning or evening. Avoid operating during the high-temperature period at noon to prevent the panels from cracking due to excessive temperature differences.

Clean the inside of the water tank. After long-term use, scale, impurities and other substances may accumulate in the water tank, affecting water quality and hot water supply. Special water tank cleaners or acidic substances such as white vinegar can be used. Add them to the water tank as per the instructions, let it soak for a period of time, and then rinse it clean with clear water. When cleaning the water tank, be sure to close the water inlet valve and the power supply (if there is an electric auxiliary heating) to ensure safety.

Clean the impurities in the pipeline. The drain valve of the pipe can be opened to allow the water inside to flow out, and at the same time, the pipe can be rinsed with clean water to flush out the impurities inside. If there are stubborn impurities in the pipeline, professional pipe unclogging tools can be used for handling.

Maintenance during idle period

Protection of solar panels

If severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong wind or hail may occur during the idle period, protective measures should be taken for the solar panels. The solar panels can be covered with rainproof cloth or special protective covers for solar panels to prevent damage caused by rain, hail and other factors. At the same time, make sure the protective cover or rain cover is firmly fixed to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.

Regularly check the protective condition of the solar panels. Especially after bad weather, it is necessary to check in time whether the protective cover or rain cover is damaged or displaced. If so, repair or adjust it in time.

Water tank management

For hot water systems, if they are idle for a long time, the water in the water tank can be drained. Emptying the water tank can prevent the water inside from deteriorating and breeding bacteria during the idle period, and also reduce the corrosion of the water tank. When draining the water tank, close the water inlet valve and open the drain valve to allow the water in the tank to flow out naturally.

If the water tank cannot be drained, make sure the water quality inside the tank is good. An appropriate amount of disinfectant, such as chlorine tablets, can be added to the water tank regularly to prevent bacterial growth. The dosage of disinfectant should be determined based on the capacity of the water tank and the water quality conditions. Generally, it should be used in accordance with the requirements of the instructions.

Maintenance of the electrical system

If the solar energy system is equipped with electrical control components such as controllers and inverters, the power supply should be cut off during the idle period. Cutting off the power supply can prevent electrical equipment from being damaged due to prolonged power-on during idleness and also save energy. Before cutting off the power supply, make sure the system has stopped running and cut off the power in accordance with the correct operation steps.

Regularly inspect the appearance of electrical equipment. Check for any signs of moisture or damage. If any abnormality is found in the electrical equipment, it is necessary to contact professionals in time for repair or replacement.

Anti-freezing measures (applicable to cold regions)

In cold regions, anti-freezing measures should be taken during the idle period to prevent the water in the pipes and water tanks from freezing and expanding, which could cause the pipes and water tanks to burst. Insulation materials such as foam plastic and rock wool can be wrapped around pipes and water tanks to reduce heat loss. The thickness of the insulation material should be determined based on the local temperature conditions. Generally, it is necessary to ensure that the water in the pipes and water tanks does not freeze at the lowest temperature.

If conditions permit, the anti-freezing function of the system can be activated. Some solar systems are equipped with anti-freezing devices, such as electric heating tapes, which can automatically start at low temperatures to heat pipes and water tanks and prevent freezing. Before activating the anti-freezing function, it is necessary to check whether the anti-freezing device is working properly.

Enable the check after it is idle

Component inspection

Before reactivating the solar energy system, check each component again. Check if there are any new damages to the solar panels, such as dents caused by hail or scratches from debris blown off by the wind. If damage is found on the solar panels, the extent of the damage should be evaluated in a timely manner and replaced if necessary.

Check whether there is any leakage in the water tank, pipes and valves. You can fill the water tank with water and observe whether there is any water seeping out at the connection points of the pipes and valves. If water leakage is found, it should be repaired in time to ensure the sealing of the system.

Check whether the connections of the electrical equipment are loose. Long-term idleness may cause the connections of electrical equipment to loosen, affecting the normal operation of the system. You can use tools such as a screwdriver to check if the connecting screws are tightened. If any are loose, tighten them in time.

System debugging

After reenabling the system, system debugging needs to be carried out. First, open the water inlet valve to fill the system with water, and then check whether the water pump, fan and other equipment are operating normally. Observe whether the rotation direction of the water pump is correct and whether there is any abnormal noise from the fan.

Conduct performance tests on the solar energy system. The performance of the system can be evaluated to return to the normal level by measuring indicators such as the power generation capacity of the solar panels and the hot water supply temperature of the water tank. If poor system performance is found, the cause should be identified and dealt with in a timely manner.