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Home > Research > Solar Thermal > SWAP > Ten Years After > Centro Area Site #837
Site 837

System type: Pumped - differential control
Installed: 1996
Inspected: 2003

System is not working.

Controller defective. Tested controller with manufacturer's tester. Failed all modes. Controller body was completely covered with insect residue. Controller had come loose from the wall and was placed atop system pump.

Interior
A/S valve stuck at 4 setting.
Tank fittings starting to rust. Especially the bottom port/solar fitting.
Cold feed plumbed into collector return line.
Water stains in utility room ceiling where collector loop piping penetrates ceiling. Result of water entry via roof flashing? Roof flashing and sealing appears intact.
Exterior
Freeze valve installed with exhaust tip against roof shingle. Touching roof.
Metal exterior portion of freeze valve is rusting very badly.
Collector sensor stretched taunt coming out of roof flashing.
Exterior senor wiring not secured or UV protected. Sensor/wiring leads connector should have been secured and protected from environment.
Exterior insulation covered with foil material. Insulation and foil material are still intact.
Small portion of exterior copper piping is exposed where insulation shrank or piping was not insulated from start.
Water stains in utility room ceiling where collector loop piping penetrates ceiling. Result of water entry via roof flashing? Roof flashing and sealing appears intact.