SunEarth Islander User manual

Rev. B, October 2020
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Islander Hot Water Station
Welcome!
By utilizing a Solar Thermal water heating
system you are helping to reduce your homes
dependence on non-renewable energy. We
hope you enjoy your pre-engineered Islander
Hot Water Station (HWS) for many years to
come. Thank you and welcome to the SunEarth
family!
Components
The components in your pre-engineered
Islander HWS include a (1) differential
controller with temperature sensors, a (2)
potable expansion tank, an (3) analog pressure
gauge, a (4) solar storage tank with backup
heating element, and a (5) circulation pump.
System Principles
When the differential controller detects an
adequate temperature difference between the
collector temperature sensor “T1” and the
bottom tank temperature sensor “T2” the
pump begins circulating tank water through
the system. Water moves through the collector
and absorbs energy from the sun, increasing
the temperature. The heated water then
returns to the solar tank ensuring hot water is
always available for delivery. On days without
adequate sun, the backup heating element
automatically turns on via thermostat to meet
the demand.
The Islander HWS is a direct, open loop system
and is intended for areas that have never
experienced temperatures below 35 degrees
Fahrenheit.
SOLAR RETURN
HOT OUT
SOLAR SUPPLY
COLD IN
2
5
1
4
3

2 Rev. B, October 2020
Operations and Maintenance
Typically, the pump should be on when the sun is shining and there is an adequate temperature
differential. The pump should be not be running at night or when the solar tank has reached its
default maximum set point temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The top of tank
temperature sensor T3 can be checked to ensure your system is functioning properly. For
safety, every system includes a thermostatic mixing valve to ensure hot water is always
delivered at 120 degrees F.
If you are unsure how to perform routine maintenance or
there are any critical problems found please unplug your
controller from the wall, close solar supply valve (1) and
solar return valve (2) by rotating clockwise, drain
collectors from the feed line and return line through ball
valve drains, then contact your service provider.
Service provider: _____________________________
Telephone: __________________________________
MANUFACTURED BY:
8425 Almeria Avenue Fontana, CA 92335
[phone], Fax
www.sunearthinc.com
1. Please refer to the SunSaver Installation manual for more detailed information.
2. Please refer to the Solar Tank Use and Care Manual for more detailed information
!
Maintenance/Interval
Yearly
5 years
Action
Caution: Before any maintenance action, please unplug your
controller from the wall.
Ref.
Inspect Plumbing for Leaks X
If any leaks found, contact service person immediately. 1
Clean and Inspect Collector Glass X
If collector glass is damaged, contact service person immediately. 1
Flush Solar Tank X
Flush a few quarts of water from the solar tank to reduce
sediement build up.
2
Cycle Through Controller Temperatures X
Ensure there are valid temperatures for T1-T3. 3
Inspect C ollector Pressure Relief Valve X
Lift Pressure Relief lever on top of Collector and discharge
several quarts to drain.
1
Inspect Insulation Integrity X
If any insulation is damaged or missing, replace with equivalent
insulation.
1
Inspect Solar Tank Relief Valve X
Lift T&P lever on top of Solar tank and discharge several quarts to
drain.
2
Inspect Solar Tank Anode Rod X
Shut off cold water supply and remove anode rod. Replace if
more than 6 inches of core wire is exposed.
2
Inspect Potable Expansion Tank X
Depressurize Solar Tank. Verify C harge Pressure equal to house
pressure adjust if necessary. If fluid expells, contact service
person immediately.
1
Flush Solar Collectors X
Attach hose to return line drain, direct hose to floor drain, rotate
return line ball valve and drain valve to flush for several minutes.
1
Check System Pressure X
Check analog pressure gauge. Ensure pressure is between 35
and 100 PSI.
N/A
Replace Solar Tank Anode Rod X
Shut off cold water supply and replace anode rod. 2
12