“solar” roof panels, paint blistering

[a1sysman]

Good morning all

Our hot water pair of “solar” panels on the roof are south facing.

Everything on the roof has been up a year now.

Both “solar” panels have severe case of black paint blistering, exposing silver backing.

I am asking fellow Kibkommers for advice - is the paint blistering to be expected, and what can be done to rectify please?





TIA

[MnM]

Not much help but if the paint is blistering it looks as if it isn't up to the job. Sorry to ask the obvious but is the installation under guarantee and have you contacted the installer?

[a1sysman]

Not much help but if the paint is blistering it looks as if it isn't up to the job. Sorry to ask the obvious but is the installation under guarantee and have you contacted the installer?

Thanks for your reply.

I will be contacting the builder tomorrow - he may have sub-contracted the roof plumbing installation work out.

It would be useful to know if paint blistering within the panels is to be expected after a year or if this indicates sub standard production, or some other issue.

[Navek]

Hi a1sysman,
Found this on YouTube.
Also, I wonder if Wood Burner paint/Matt Black could be used on them?

YouTube How To Video...
https://youtu.be/iV7rJ2gi4bQ

YouTube DIY Repairs
https://youtu.be/9Nd9k1rQPW8

[a1sysman]

Hi a1sysman,
Found this on YouTube.
Also, I wonder if Wood Burner paint/Matt Black could be used on them?

YouTube How To Video...
https://youtu.be/iV7rJ2gi4bQ

Thanks for the vid link. I watched all of it. Commendable prep and well executed task.

Since the panels have only been in situ 12 months is it to be expected to have to have to do such a paint job every year? Or do you think there is a quality deficiency in the panels production from the outset?

[gates]

I would leave it is not a problem they all do the same . The glass is very thin and is not advise to move it . The paint problem is best left nobody is going to change for free believe me I have the same on both my houses been there for 16 years still warming the water . It seems as soon as you touch or move them then there,s a leak

[dippersgirl]

I can tell you that on our guest house solar panels the paint is also blistering and has done so for some time, more than 4 years, but it seems to have made no difference to the quantity of hot water. They have been up there for at least 8 years. If you have a guarantee, maybe do something, otherwise, don't worry, we say

[aerhere]

Ours have been in situ since 2004, still in perfect condition, no peeling of paint at all.

[jofra]

Found this site 16 years ago, on how to make your own thermal panels using reclaimed parts....

[Navek]

Hi a1sysman,
We have never had any problems with our solar panels, circa 2006, not sure of the paint condition either.
Although yours are blistering, if there is no noticeable difference with the water temp,
I would leave well alone.
If they are still under warranty, have the supplier/installer check them ASAP.
To get a professional opinion.

[Bomdas]

My own experience is that the paint stays on but the inner cylinder rusts at the welds and starts to leak.
You may be lucky, but the cylinder heated by those panels often starts to drip after 3 or 4 years - there are several threads on the subject on this forum!
Recommended - (maybe mention it to your supplier and see how they react) but let it be, and change the whole lot when you need to.

[a1sysman]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will follow up with the builder in the first instance.