Ellen G's posts

Originally the three panels supported both hot water and heating system.  It was installed about 30 years ago!!!  The heating system was too costly to "update" so it was disconnected - that is why there were 3 solar panels as the water only required one.  The two "disconnected" panel are still on the roof awaiting future possibilities!

Happy Holidays!
Ellen

I agree   As  complete "novice" at anything like this and a first time homeowner, I learned a lot from this experience.  First, really check out the contractor - I assumed he was good and knowledgeable - but making these mistakes with my money and the time it took to resolve the problem was very aggravating.  I assume the "experts" know ahead of time and anticipate the potential problems.  It was expensive (2,150!) to have him install the recirculating system - and very time consuming with all his mistakes - and now I have 2 -4 x 10 panels on my roof that are not being used - and my 1st month electric savings $4 per month. At that rate it is cost effective in 45 years.  But, I like being "conscious" and try to be energy efficient.

What he actually did was disconnect 2 of the 3 panels as the mfg. told him it was "too much" solar power for the drain back system  - and that only one panel would be sufficient. Since he made that alteration (without removing the panels from the roof) the system has been operational.  Thank for the reply.  I would never recommend the contractor I used as he obviously did not do his "homework" before he installed the system and t actually cause some damage when it overheated and melted the insulation.  Really bad job and I was very dissatisfied.

I need more information to make an informed decision - I do not want to start removing panels.  but he insists that the "power" from the 3 panels is what is causing the overheating.  I don't trust this contractor and need to get someone out who knows what they are talking about.  I am totally uninformed when it comes to this.  thanks for your feedback,
Ellen

He also said that the reason it got so hot is that all 3 panels were providing energy and it was "overload" and I need to remove 2 panel - I think I have hired an incompetent contractor

what was installed was a Radco drainback system - it has an 80 gallon water tank and 3 4' x 10' panels on my roof installed probably in the 70's

tom,
The problem is I was having the system "repairied" (the water heating system) - when he installed a component it almost fried!  Melted all the insulation on the copper - he then tells me that my panels were designed for heat and water and it is too much for just the water - so now he wants to remove 2 of the 3 panels -  My thoughts on this is that he should have known the solar requirements before he installed the component.  Now, I have spent 2,100 for a part that I cannot use unless he disconnects 2 of the 3 panels.  I don't trust this guy and do not know what to do at this point.  He says I can sell the panels - this is all new to me so I was hoping I could talk to someone.

I m new here on this site and just bought a house with solar panels for my water heater - the "repair" man who was restoring function to my solar hot water now wants to remove two 4' x 10' solar panels for my roof as when the solar system  was originally installed it was for heat and water - I don't know what to do - he says I can sell the 2 panels.  Can someone help me? I am in Oxnard Ca and need some consultation - I can be reached at (310)828-3107