A question from Portugal about condensation in a Kf181 Solahart

Dear Gary

I installed the 30 days of a panel Kf181 Solahart in Portugal. A few days began to condensation as seen in the picture.
The installer said this is normal and that when the sun is stronger, condensation will disappear.
The days here in Portugal has varied between sunny days with low humidity (0 to 10 C) and rainy days (from 10 to 15 º C).

What do you think of should I do? Order replacement panels?

I would also like to know the opinion about the brand Solahart. Here she is riding high. And the other brands, also give that problem?

Regards
Paulo

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Gary replies:

As you browse this website you will see numerous examples of Solahart and other brands with multiple installation faults and serious problems with corrosion.

The Solahart above is showing the precursor for fatal corrosion. I would never personally have this installed on my roof since it has the same corrosion and performance issues of the failed Sola60 brand (Please refer to the examples of sola60 on this site as well as the Branz technical reports). There is no solution from industry to the condensation problem, other than to downplay its significance.

The photo above also indicates that there is a problem with insulation of the pipe work - or should I say - lack of insulation. All pipe work to and from the storage cylinder and the solar panels should be properly insulated.

Solar water heating systems should be closed circulation systems with heat exchange within the cylinder. Open circulation systems have problems with internal scale buildup and corrosion which progressively reduce the system's thermal efficiency. I am not sure if this one is a closed system. If it is not, I would be inclined to have it removed.

I wonder as well about how secure the panel is fastened to the roof. It must be securely bolted to the underlying structural framework and any boltholes properly waterproofed to last for at least a decade.

Having said this, the panel in the photo may be due for the scrapheap by 5-8 years.

Make sure you get these matters resolved well within your warranty.