Specifications

REGULAR CARE
15
COLLECTOR GLASS
Ensure the glass on your solar collector(s) is free of dust, salt spray or any other matter, which may reduce
the effectiveness of the solar collector(s). If the collector glass becomes dirty, hose down or if the solar
collector(s) are accessible, wash the collector glass with water and a soft brush when the solar collector(s)
are cool.
Have any trees trimmed which may shade the solar collector(s).
Rheem solar collectors have passed the AS/NZS 2712 requirements for resistance to hailstone damage, so
it is not normally necessary to fit a guard to a collector. Stone Guards are available for the HBT200 solar
collector to provide a level of protection to the collectors against vandalism or accidental damage. Refer to
your local Solar Distributor for details.
FLUSHING THE SOLAR COLLECTOR(S)
It may be necessary to flush the solar collector(s) if there is sediment in the water supply. This should be
conducted in the morning, within three hours of sunrise.
Warning: It is important flushing of the solar collector(s) be conducted early in the morning, within three
hours of sunrise, when the sun is low in the sky. The water temperature inside the solar collector(s) is lower
as the solar collector(s) would not have had a chance to gain as much heat as later in the day. Flushing the
solar collector(s) at a time later than this can result in the discharge of high temperature water and in some
circumstances, high temperature steam.
To flush the solar collector(s):
Open a hot water tap and allow the water to run for five (5) minutes prior to flushing the solar
collector(s).
Close the hot tap.
Wait a further five (5) minutes before attempting to flush the solar collector(s).
This will assist in the transfer of any high temperature water in the solar collector(s) to the solar storage
tank.
Warning: Exercise care, as water discharged from the solar collector(s) may be of a very high
temperature.
To flush the solar collector(s), follow the procedure “Bleeding the Solar Collector(s)” on page 11,
allowing the water to flow from the bleed valve drain line for five minutes before closing the bleed valve.
It is recommended to flush the solar collector(s) every five years. This will assist in keeping the solar
collector(s), solar cold pipe and solar hot pipe clear of sediment.
HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE AROUND THE SOLAR STORAGE TANK
Care should be taken when conducting general household maintenance, such as lawn mowing and grass
cutting, around the solar storage tank. Careless use of devices such as a whipper snipper could damage or
cut a sensor lead, or electrical cable or conduit.
If a sensor lead, or electrical cable or conduit is damaged or cut, solar contribution may not be achieved and
the freeze protection system may be rendered inoperative. In addition, if the electrical cable or conduit has
been damaged or cut, wiring may be exposed leading to a dangerous situation.