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Renewable Energy: Filsolar - Solar Thermal

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthormzthomps
    • CommentTimeJan 3rd 2012
     
    I've got two filsolar thermal flat plat style panels approx 2.1msq each fitted in 2005. During the recent install of some solar pv panels on the same roof, the solar installer noticed that both the panels had split .

    Luckily I have a letter from the solar installer which referred to a 10 year warranty on those panels, which they are following up on with Filsolar (albeit Filsolar rather slow to respond).

    Apparently this is common. Anyone else had problems with Filsolar kit or flat panels?

    Thanks,

    Mark
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeJan 4th 2012
     
    I have Filsol FP solar thermal panels - I don't recognise the name Filsolar though, are they one and the same company? Filsol are based near Llanelli in west Wales. Where have your panels split - do you mean the plastic covers or the pipework inside? I have had no problems with mine (I have 4 panels) as yet, but it could be that they have split without me realising it.
  3.  
    Certainly not aware of Filsol failures being common (if it is indeed Filsol you've got - the stainless 'lilo' collector). As far as I was aware they had an excellent reliability record. CAT have some on the self-build house - not sure how long they have been up, but a good few years.
    • CommentAuthorcrusoe
    • CommentTimeJan 6th 2012
     
    If the panels themselves HAD split mzthomps, you would be mopping up and noticing a distinct lack of solar hot water. As NP points out, these are about the most reliable panels going, due to SS, robust collectors. Also the highest performing ones! Likely splits in the acrylic cover, which is a service item and simply unscrews. May be worth ordering the rubber seals at the same time if these panels are old (they have been made since 1981).
    • CommentAuthormzthomps
    • CommentTimeJan 10th 2012
     
    Yes typo on my part - they are FilSol panels. The covers have cracked but I am led to believe the panels themselves have cracked rather than split as no water has escaped. I haven't looked myself.

    No update yet from SolarTech.

    Its good to hear that they are supposed to be reliable. Will let you know when I get an update.

    I really hope that I don't need to replace the acrylic cover as a regular serviceable item (not under warranty). Its hard to get to safely without scaffolding, so quite time consuming and expensive to do. Will significantly lower the returns from the system.
  6.  
    It's all conjecture, but I cannot see how the panels themselves can 'crack, not split'. I wonder if the selective coating could simply have crazed? (Never heard of that happening). If it isn't leaking, the collector isn't 'broken', would be my simplistic view. I cannot see how it could be.

    As to the cover cracking, again, I have never heard of this. I do hope you get it replaced under warranty.

    Good luck.

    Nick
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeJan 10th 2012
     
    mzthomps - like NP above, I cannot believe that the panels themselves can crack or split. They are essentially two sheets of S/S welded together so that the grooves on each sheet line up to form mini-channels which the water flows through. Writing as the owner of Filsol panels myself, it would be good if you could post on the forum again when you have identified exactly what the problem is.
  8.  
    By the way, mzthomps, off-topic, but does your user name reflect a liking for (former East) German motorcycles? I love 'm. Rode them for years. On the oter hand, if it doesn't, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.....
    • CommentAuthormzthomps
    • CommentTimeFeb 1st 2012
     
    Update.
    Jeff - I checked with SolarTec who confirmed the panels are apparently warped not cracked or split as per earlier post. The cover has split also. FilSol are visiting on Friday; so far they come across very professional. Will keep you posted...

    P.S.
    No I do not have a liking for German motorcycles! :)
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeFeb 1st 2012
     
    Posted By: mzthompsUpdate.
    Jeff - I checked with SolarTec who confirmed the panels are apparently warped not cracked or split as per earlier post. The cover has split also. FilSol are visiting on Friday; so far they come across very professional. Will keep you posted...

    P.S.
    No I do not have a liking for German motorcycles! :)


    Thanks for the update. I think you will find them very helpful. I just turned up at their factory one day and said that I was thinking of having some of their solar thermal panels installed and the MD gave me an impromptu tour of the facility! I am surprised the panels have warped - maybe the mountings are not too clever or the panels have seriously overheated? Our system has an automatic drain down in the event the panels get too hot.
    • CommentAuthormzthomps
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2012
     
    Final update on my topic. FilSol changed the panels - they were very very warped all over - so much so it had pushed against the covers and caused them to crack. The design has changed since those were made in 2005 - now thicker (heavier also!) with additional strengthening. Hopefully that's it. Top marks to FilSol for sorting this out under warranty without quibble!

    Mark
    •  
      CommentAuthorSteamyTea
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2012
     
    Did you take any pictures of the damage?
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeFeb 13th 2012
     
    Posted By: mzthompsFinal update on my topic. FilSol changed the panels - they were very very warped all over - so much so it had pushed against the covers and caused them to crack. The design has changed since those were made in 2005 - now thicker (heavier also!) with additional strengthening. Hopefully that's it. Top marks to FilSol for sorting this out under warranty without quibble!

    Mark


    Mark - glad to hear you got the problem sorted. As I said in my earlier post, I thought Filsol were a good outfit and would be keen to sort out the problem. My panels are from 2009 so presumably must be of the new design. I wonder how many other earlier versions are out there and whether other owners unknowingly (as yet) have the same problem as you?!

    Jeff B
    • CommentAuthormzthomps
    • CommentTimeMay 4th 2012
     
    Unfortunately looks as though FilSol have gone into Administration.
  15.  
    Yes, I'd just read this. What a shame. I really rate(d) their panel.
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeMay 4th 2012
     
    <blockquote><cite>Posted By: mzthomps</cite>Unfortunately looks as though FilSol have gone into Administration.</blockquote>


    <blockquote><cite>Posted By: Nick Parsons</cite>Yes, I'd just read this. What a shame. I really rate(d) their panel.</blockquote>

    Where did you read this chaps - I couldn't find anything using Google? Agree, a great shame if true. Wonder if the downturn in demand for solar PV had anything to do with it, rather than anything to do with their solar thermal panels?
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeMay 15th 2012
     
    mzthomps and Nick Parsons: Further to my earlier post (May 4th), I see that Googling Filsol now automatically transfers you to the "Tomorrows Energy" website, with the message that all enquiries about Filsol are now being handled by them. As an owner of Filsol ST panels I have been in touch with Tomorrows Energy to see exactly what the situation is. Expecting a call back, so will let you know how I get on.
    • CommentAuthorJeff B
    • CommentTimeMay 16th 2012
     
    Had a call back from Tomorrows Energy. It seems they have bought some of the assets of Filsol but will not be honouring any warranty issued by them or continuing to manufacture/distribute Filsol panels. I don't really understand why then you are redirected from the Filsol website to Tomorrows Energy website in the first place. Basically it looks like we Filsol panel owners are on our own as it were, when/if it comes to a breakdown situation. Does anyone know if their 10 year guarantee was an insurance backed scheme? Pretty academic anyway I guess as there won't be any Filsol panels out there to replace faulty ones!
  19.  
    Jeff, thanks for sharing this. It is a real shame. I don't think the market is buoyant enough for SWH to make a re-birth likely, especially as the majority seem to favour evacuated tubes. Nevertheless, a good panel, and sad to see it go.

    Nick

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