Solar Heating System Resources?

[nwagner]

Yesterday afternoon's inspection had a Solar Water Heating System with a backup natural gas unit. Are there any useful resources out there for us inspectors? I never expected to encounter one.

I couldn't say a thing about the system's proper installation, all I could do was identify most of the components. Not that the client cared, since he didn't bother asking for the plumbing to get de-winterized after my insistence. I got the impression that I was hired strictly to make the deal go bust by reporting that the massive roof was leaking all over the freaking place.

[Barry Adair]

Nick,

Here's some basics for ID purposes...way too many different systems and improper/wrong installations going on to give a detailed list. Check for brand system, provide website or install link if available, look for roof damage at attachment points and piping entrances, leaks/corrosion at all piping and under collector(s) if applicable and observe routing...the rest requires specialist evaluation, imo many units are older and orphaned around here

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consume.../mytopic=12850

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-I...-water-heaters

also click on the PATH links

here's a short list of some of the US companies

http://www.ucan.org/energy/energy_ef...tified_by_srcc

[nwagner]

Originally Posted by badair

Nick,

Here's some basics for ID purposes...way too many different systems and improper/wrong installations going on to give a detailed list. Check for brand system, provide website or install link if available, look for roof damage at attachment points and piping entrances, leaks/corrosion at all piping and under collector(s) if applicable and observe routing...the rest requires specialist evaluation, imo many units are older and orphaned around here

http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consume.../mytopic=12850

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-I...-water-heaters

also click on the PATH links

here's a short list of some of the US companies

http://www.ucan.org/energy/energy_ef...tified_by_srcc

Thanks a bunch Barry! Now I know which type of system the property has and it helps to have a course of action for future solar water heating systems.