What Issues Should Be Paid Attention To During Flat Panel Solar Construction In Autumn And Winter

What issues should be paid attention to during flat-plate solar construction in autumn and winter?

After the Autumn Rain Comes the Cold – Winter Is Around the Corner!

As the first autumn rain falls, the air gets cooler, mornings and evenings turn chilly, and winter is knocking at our door. For those who rely on solar heating systems, this change of season is a clear reminder: now is the time to prepare for frost protection.

At Soletks Solar, we want to remind all our dealers, contractors, and installation teams: when installing and pressure-testing flat-plate solar systems, please follow the correct standards carefully. Doing so will prevent damage caused by freezing water inside the system – damage that can lead to serious cracks, costly repairs, and unhappy customers.

Why Is Frost Protection So Important?

A flat-plate solar system is full of collectors and pipes. Water runs through these channels to absorb and transfer heat. If water remains in the pipes during cold weather, it can freeze. When water freezes, it expands – and that expansion creates enormous pressure.

This pressure can cause pipes inside the collector to split or burst.

Even worse, once cracking occurs, the cost of repair is high. In many cases, the whole collector must be replaced. For a running project, this means downtime, loss of income, and frustrated users. In short, frost damage is preventable, but once it happens, it’s often irreversible.

Three Golden Rules from Soletks Solar

1. Always use antifreeze and air pressure for testing

Do not use ordinary tap water for pressure testing. Instead, use antifreeze fluid, together with air pressure testing. This method ensures both accurate testing and safety against freezing.

2. Choose the right antifreeze fluid

The antifreeze you use must be suitable for the local climate. We recommend the manufacturer’s standard antifreeze. If you buy your own, make sure its freezing point is at least 10°C lower than the lowest local temperature.

For example, if the coldest local temperature is -15°C, your antifreeze must work down to at least -25°C.

3. If you use tap water, follow strict steps

Sometimes installers still use tap water for pressure tests. This can work, but only if you do the following:

Immediately drain all water from the system after the test.

Use an air pump to blow out any remaining water inside the pipes.

Refill the system with antifreeze right away.

If even a small amount of water remains, it will freeze once the temperature drops below 5°C. Frozen water expands, cracks the collector channels, and causes leaks. This type of damage is often beyond repair.

Real-World Example

Last winter, several projects failed because water was left in the system after testing. When temperatures dropped overnight, the pipes froze and burst. The damage cost tens of thousands to fix. Later checks showed that the issue was not product quality – it was improper installation.

This shows once again: good frost protection is essential.

Extra Tips for Winter Protection

In addition to correct installation and testing, ongoing maintenance is also important. We recommend that contractors and service teams run a full check before winter:

Look for leaks or damp spots in the system.

Check that the antifreeze level and quality are up to standard.

Test circulation pumps and controllers.

For end-users, a simple tip: during extreme cold nights, try to avoid heavy water use, so the system runs more steadily.

Our Commitment

Soletks Solar is more than a manufacturer. We care about safe operation and long-term value. That’s why we share reminders like this – to help partners reduce risks during the cold season and keep systems running safely.

After all: “With each autumn rain, the cold comes closer – prepare now to stay safe later.”

Let’s take frost protection seriously. By paying attention to these small details, we can avoid big problems and keep every system running smoothly through the winter.