solar hot water heater

Posted January 12, 2010 By admin

solar hot water heater
I have a solar heated hot water heater, is the red pump on the front supposed to be VERY hot?

This question for anyone who has a solar heated hot water heater (especially someone who works on them). So far we have noticed that the water is very very inconcistant. Blazing hot (160) one day and today for example was just luke warm ~105 for our morning shower. It has an electric backup. We ran the dishwasher last night but that’s it!

I noticed the red pump on the front (the one that sends the water to the pannels I presume) is very very hot. Way to hot to touch for more than a second. Is this normal? Any other ideas?

Yes, it can be very hot. Mine was on the hot sunny days. Remember, the pump is circulating the water through the solar panels and if they have a lot of sun, the water is hot. It will not heat water overnight. That is why you have the water heater backup. You’re supposed to do your laundry and dish washing during the day when it is working at it’s maximum, which will be between 12 and 4 pm. Evidently you water heater is set too low if you want a shower hotter than 105. Personally I think 105 is just right for a shower.

Solar Hot Water Heaters By Walt Barrett