Vacation and Extended Shut-Down

Care and cleaning of the water heater.

NOTICE: Refer to the Hydrogen Gas Caution in the Operating Instructions.

!DANGER: Use extreme care to avoid falling while on a ladder or the roof. If a roof section does not appear to be solid under foot, do not subject it to any added weight until it is adequately reinforced.

Once your system has been installed and tested by the technician, it operates automatically and requires little attention. However, there are several precautions you should be aware of to ensure your complete satisfaction with the system, and some steps you must take if you are going to be away from home for a long time, and when the seasons change.

Vacations or Brief Absences

If you are going to be away from home for an extended period, two weeks or more - you may consider deactivating the system so that it does not continue to heat the water tank while hot water is not being used in the house.

Deactivating or reactivating this system requires you to access the system on your roof.

Deactivating the System

If you choose not to perform the procedures listed below, call your authorized service technician to deactivate or reactivate your system.

Deactivating the system is easy to complete in a few steps.

1.Turn OFF the power to the system at the or at the main solar breaker switch near the main power breaker box.

2.Cover the collectors with cardboard or other sturdy light- blocking material. Tie or tape the material securely so it will not blow off.

When you return, simply reverse the procedures to reactivate the system.

1.Uncover the collectors carefully to avoid scratching the surfaces.

2.Turn ON the power to the system or at the main solar breaker switch near the main power breaker box.

NOTICE: If this system is your only source of hot water, be sure you turn on the power to the backup at the circuit breaker.

This system requires about four (4) hours to heat a tank of cold water using the backup heater.

A warm tank will heat in less time.

As with any other hot water system, gas, electric or solar, you should not drink water directly from the faucet.

Severe Cold Weather, Snow or Extended Absences

If the collectors are likely to be covered with snow for an extended time, or if the system will not be used for one month or longer, the water heater and piping should be drained to prevent freezing or stagnant water. After a long shut-down period, the water heater’s operation and controls should be checked by qualified service personnel. Make certain the water heater is completely filled again before placing it in operation. Call your local dealer and arrange for a qualified service technician to perform this operation.