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Author Topic: convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat  (Read 8298 times)

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Offline paulduignan

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convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat
« on: January 28, 2013, 12:23:17 PM »
Hi, interesting discussion, wondering if anyone can help me out.

I have a sola 60 system put in about 10 years ago. It seems to be still working OK, but the controller is now making the pump go all the time apart from at night. While it is hot here in Wellington at the moment, I think that it used to turn it on and off during the day as the heat built up in the panel.

I just want to replace the controller or maybe get a new one which is better but don't want to replace the wiring if I can avoid it or replace the panel which would be madness since it still works and the economics of such things is to keep them for as long as possible, not replace them at the very moment when you have paid them off! i.e. about now.

Anyway, Sola 60 seems to have died as a company and I can find out anything about either replacing this controller with a similar one or getting something new. Anyone out there would could help would be cool.

Thanks.

Regards,

Paul Duignan

Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/solar-heating-and-heat-pumps/9/convert-sola-60-controllers-to-a-solastat/1353/

Offline Plumber

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Re: convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2013, 12:46:18 PM »
Give Senztek a ring in Auckland, they manufacture a controller (solastat) with only 2 sensors like the old sola 60 ones with the difference that they now have a display, In theory plug and play :) I think they about $200.
Please note that the advice I am giving is only my opinion and not necessarily a fact.  Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Offline paulduignan

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Re: convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2013, 01:22:02 PM »
Thanks very much for that, have rung them.

Another quick question if you know. Am I right to think that my controller has gone if it just makes the pump stay on all day long. It turns off at night, but it does not stop at all during the day.

This seems to be new behaviour in that it used to turn itself on and off. The only other explanation is that we have such hot weather in Wellington at the moment that it is staying on all the time.

I presume that it should pump until the panel temperature gets too low and then it should stop, it will heat up again and then it will start pumping again.

I am concerned because we burnt out a pump at one stage because we put the plug in straight to the pump rather than through the controller, the pump worked continuously until it burnt out.

Anyway confirmation that even on a hot day the controller should be turning on and off would be useful.

Regards,

Paul Duignan

Offline integrated

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Re: convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2013, 06:29:43 PM »


Another quick question if you know. Am I right to think that my controller has gone if it just makes the pump stay on all day long. It turns off at night, but it does not stop at all during the day.

probably

This seems to be new behaviour in that it used to turn itself on and off. The only other explanation is that we have such hot weather in Wellington at the moment that it is staying on all the time.

depends on the system/pump etc, if the flow rate is controlled then pumps can and will stay on longer especially so in very good weather - a blockage in the system will cause the same symptom, ie calcium/lime buildup as it will restrict the flow not allowing quick heat transfer into stored water

I presume that it should pump until the panel temperature gets too low and then it should stop, it will heat up again and then it will start pumping again.

yes this is normally correct - they will run optimally @ a 10/4deg temp difference

I am concerned because we burnt out a pump at one stage because we put the plug in straight to the pump rather than through the controller, the pump worked continuously until it burnt out.

yes the pump has to run through a relay in the controller

Anyway confirmation that even on a hot day the controller should be turning on and off would be useful. 


yes - with a temperature difference controller the pump should shut off at some stage

get one like plumber said - they all have displays these days - set pump to come on at 10deg above stored and off at 4deg above stored

Offline integrated

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Re: convert sola 60 controllers to a Solastat
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2013, 06:39:12 PM »
actually before you do anything - if pump has been running fine for a long time previously it cant hurt to check the temp probes, clean them , throw some transfer paste on them and silicone them back in place to rule them out before forking for a controller

check type of system as well:

low pressure open vent? check exhaust
low pressure valve vent? check relief valve
mains pressure? check cold water expansion valve and temp/pressure relief

if valves/exhaust are relieving/dripping constantly then cold water could be getting passed by lower temp probe giving false reading and therefore pump operation


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