My solar panels don't seem to be working properly
Most the solar panels fitted on Futures properties are the thermal type.
This means that they provide a means to heat up the hot water supply. This is linked to a gas boiler, so the supply will also be available even when it’s not sunny.
The solar panel hot water system works independently of the gas boiler, and the boiler will light if the panels can’t produce enough energy to heat the water.
On a clear sunny summers day, the panels should provide a bath full of hot water without the need for the boiler providing back-up. The best way to test that your panels are working is to turn off your boiler in the morning for hot water on a day when the sun is shining. Run a hot tap in the afternoon and see if the water is warm. If you notice that you have no hot water at all please report this to us, as there may be an issue with the panels.
The solar panels are meant to provide support for the boiler for hot water output, not to replace it all year. On cloudy days or in winter and autumn the majority of the hot water will be supplied by the boiler, with very little support from the panels.
Please note higher electricity bills don’t necessarily mean that the solar panels aren’t working.
All Futures thermal solar installations are serviced and checked for correct operation within a 12 month timeframe. The only exception to this rule are properties that are shared ownership. In this instance Futures are not responsible for their maintenance.
You shouldn't need to interact with your solar installation as it works automatically when there's enough sunlight.
If you believe the system isn't working check that it's turned on at the fused spur. You can also check the pressure gauge on the system is reading above 1 bar (usually it will read between 1-2 bar). If the reading is below 0.5 bar and you believe the panels aren't working we would need to come and take a look as you can't add pressure yourself. This gauge should not be confused with the pressure gauge on the gas boiler or central heating system, which will have it's own pressure gauge, usually located on the boiler itself.
How do I report a repair?
You can report a repair to us at anytime, anywhere using My Account or contact us via Live Chat. Let us know when reporting that you’ve followed the advice and what you’ve tried to get it working, this helps us to assess what to do next to get the right person for the job.
