Solar water heater faults and how to fix them

Most solar water heater faults are simple with known causes: weak heating is usually dust build-up on the panels or low sun; water not hot enough can be a capacity smaller than the home needs or a backup-element issue; a leak needs a check of the piping and connections. This article covers the common ones and their fixes, and when you need a specialist.

Problem 1: water isn’t hot enough

• If it’s winter/cloudy: output naturally drops — the backup element should run. Make sure it’s working. (Details in Does a solar heater work in winter?.)
• If it’s all the time: the capacity may be smaller than your home needs (especially if the household grew), or the panels are dusty, or there’s new shade on the roof.
• The fix: clean the panels, check the backup element, and if it persists request a check.

Problem 2: gradually weaker heating

Usually dust build-up on the panels reducing sun absorption. The fix is simple: periodic panel cleaning. It’s the most common cause and the easiest fix.

Problem 3: water leak

Needs a check of the piping, connections and insulation. This needs a technician — don’t delay it so it doesn’t affect the roof or efficiency.

When do you need a specialist?

Periodic cleaning you can do yourself. But a leak, backup-element electrical issues, or persistent weakness after cleaning — these need a technician. Aurora follows up after the sale ⚠️[PROOF: service details]. (Wider view in Installation & maintenance.)

Book a free inspection or Call Aurora if you have a fault that needs a check.