Thermal solar - the golden rules

Although most solar thermal systems are in working order, there are still too many errors, often the same ones. In 2016, a study based on the monitoring of 1,151 solar thermal installations indicated a great potential for improvement.

In view of this, a new publication has been produced and published by SuisseEnergie in collaboration with Swissolar, supported by the technical commission for solar thermal energy of the associations Swissolar, suissetec and ImmoClimat Switzerland and by Sebasol.

The brochure "The Golden Rules of Solar Thermal Energy" provides valuable tips, examples and illustrations to avoid the most common mistakes when installing solar thermal systems and to ensure that the requirements of cantonal legislation are met.

In the most common cases, insulation problems are encountered, with significant heat loss, pressure losses (friction), leaks leading to malfunctions, ineffective or incorrect temperature measurements, pressure problems or the installation of unsuitable components.

In addition, it should be noted that the technical documentation must be in the possession of the system owner as a basis for any necessary repairs or modifications, and that the owner must be able to understand the basic operation of the solar system and the control. Thus, the owner should be able to make simple checks and, thanks to an alarm system in case of a breakdown, be able to act quickly.

In conclusion, by being accompanied by a professional in the sector and by following these few golden rules, you can ensure that your installation functions optimally. The SuisseEnergie brochure contains all the necessary information and is available in French (Les règles d'or de l'énergie solaire thermique) and German (Die goldenen Regeln der Solarthermie).

Joëlle Fahrni, Renewable Energies section

Image: Gemeindewerke Erstfeld