Hi David -
Doesn't sound fun. We experienced a similar problem with a 10-collector system with Schuco Slim-Vs about 3 years ago. The collectors had lots of condensation build up in them, especially during the rainy season. Schuco stepped up and gave us new 2nd generation collectors under warranty. The new collectors do not have the condensation problem. Apparently they redesigned the ventilation method. Generally speaking I like the Schuco product although now we're noticing a browning effect occurring near the in inlet and outlet pipes on the absorber plate on Slim Vs installed a few years ago. I have yet to deal with this issue. It sounds like Stiebel is still working out their design. You'll probably want to make sure that they have it fully figured out before replacing the old collectors under warranty otherwise you might have the same problem! Good luck with it. Best, August *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Dave Palumbo *Sent:* Monday, June 20, 2011 12:58 PM *To:* 'RE-wrenches' *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Stiebel Eltron SHW Collector condensation issue SHW Wrenches, Our first experience with SHW flat plate collectors with a condensation issue on the inside of the collectors’ glass cover. The system has two Stiebel Eltron Sol 25 collectors (88” x 48” each) with a 82 gallon single heat exchanger insulated tank in the basement of the home, with a SOM 6 solar loop controller. System installed fall of 2008. Condensation problem was first noticed by homeowner late last December. The collectors’ manufacturer, Stiebel Eltron, instructed us to watch and see if the problem resolved on its own. It did not. Stiebel then instructed us to drill small holes through the sides of the collectors near the top for venting and more holes through the sides near the bottom for draining the collector (see attached pdf for Stiebel’s venting advice). We did that in early May of this year. The homeowner called us back with the same condensation issue. Stiebel then sent a bag of plastic insert venting plugs that required us to drill out larger holes in the side of the collectors and pop these vent plugs in. Plugs appear to be an attempt at making more venting area while trying to keep the rain out. After we installed these plugs we still have the same issue, homeowner still sees condensation and poor performance from the SHW system. The homeowner is now asking for new collectors under warranty. Have others experienced a similar SHW collector problem? And have collector manufacturers stepped up with new collectors? Thanks, David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655** *www.independentpowerllc.com * NABCEP Certified PV Installer Vermont Solar Partner 23 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194
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