Solar Hot Water, Panel Crack Advice

silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 06:39
Last edited 30/08/2018 - 09:07 by 1 other user

Hi All,

My solar hot what solar panel decided to crack yesterday due to the cold Melbourne weather, warranty on the unit is 5 years and I have been there 5 years 10 months. I called my builder they put me to Chromegen who install and provided the product, I tried to call them to and they would not help at all as it’s out side of warranty.

Any advise what I should do? I was expected product like this to last for at least 10 years. Seems that everything builders use are terrible quality.

I want to put a bit of pressure as I had a plumber come out yesterday to by pass the solar and he advised he can’t keep up, apparently he goes these units aren’t made for this type of climate

• 

  [Deactivated] on 30/08/2018 - 07:53

  +2

  Your panels probably don't have a anti frost valve to withstand cold nights. Unfortunately you cannot claim this on warranty.

  • 

    silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 08:36

    Should t have they installed it ?

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 30/08/2018 - 09:15

      They should but some don't. When you get yourself a new panel make sure it has the afv. About $100 after market if it doesn't have u can screw it in yourself.
      If I were you I would go up on the roof & see the damage & try to fix it with some flex tape without getting plumbers involved.

      • 

        silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 20:15

        Is it that easy ?

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  altomic on 30/08/2018 - 09:00

  +1

  "ADVICE"

  photo of the crack required

  • 

    silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 09:35

    I jumped on the roof it’s in the corner inside the manual it’s black can’t see nothing unless I open the panel

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 30/08/2018 - 09:52

      You might have to get a plumber in & bypass the solar for now until you figure out what to do with it. You can still use gas hot water.

      • 

        silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 20:14

        All done 160 dollars waited till 8pm they were flat out

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  steff on 30/08/2018 - 09:14

  What brand/units are these OP?

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  silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 09:21

  +1

  Metricon build house

  Chromagen unit

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 30/08/2018 - 09:41

    +1

    That's the worst brand you could possibly have but I guess you had no choice. If you put a service call to chromagen I think it's $170 for service call plus parts for non warranty cases.
    Also check your pt valve on the tank I bet it's rusty & leaking like a fountain. Use pliers & remove it then get replacement from bunnings.

    • 

      silkysmooth on 30/08/2018 - 20:17

      Just got plumber to by pass the solar system. Every one I called said it’s the worst brand. Heaps of people complaining