Why Does Your Solar Water Heater Need A Solar Controller?

Non-pressurized solar water heaters are highly popular in Chinese households due to their safety and low cost. Their water tanks are open to the atmosphere and are not subject to tap water pressure, making their operating logic fundamentally different from pressurized systems. A solar controller designed specifically for non-pressurized systems ensures peace of mind, energy savings, and a long life for home solar water heaters.

Unique Requirements of Non-pressurized Systems: Why is a Controller Essential?

The open structure of non-pressurized water tanks presents several key challenges:

Manual filling is difficult: Users must climb onto the roof to open the valve or remember to manually turn on and off the fill button indoors, which can easily lead to overflows or emptying the tank.

Empty vacuum tubes and bursting: When the water tank is empty, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the heat-collecting vacuum tubes to heat rapidly, potentially causing them to burst.

Winter pipe freezing: Exposed water pipes can easily freeze in cold weather, preventing hot water from reaching the tank or cold water from reaching the tank. Fluctuating water temperature: Without a clear visual indication of the real-time water temperature in the tank, users rely entirely on feel, resulting in a poor user experience.

How do controllers solve these problems?

Our dedicated, non-pressurized controllers integrate multiple intelligent features, transforming traditional water heaters into modern smart appliances.

1. Automatic Filling

Function: The controller uses a water level sensor to monitor the water tank's status in real time. Simply set a target water level (e.g., 100%). When the water level falls below the set value, the controller automatically opens a solenoid valve to refill the tank and automatically shuts off when the water level is full.

2. Intelligent Freeze Protection

Function: Addressing the common concern about using solar water heaters in winter, the controller has a built-in intelligent freeze protection mode. When the temperature sensor installed in the pipe detects that the ambient temperature is approaching freezing, the controller automatically activates the heating cable to gently heat the pipes, effectively preventing ice formation. It automatically shuts off when the weather warms up, saving energy and power.

3. Precise Temperature Control

Function: The controller's LCD screen clearly displays the real-time water temperature. On days with insufficient sunlight or continuous rain, you can activate the electric auxiliary heating function with a single button and set a target temperature (e.g., 55°C). The controller automatically heats the water and maintains a constant temperature, ensuring comfortable hot water is always available.

4. Safety Protection

Function: Dry Boil/Dry Dry Protection:

When the water tank water level is detected to be too low, the electric heating function is automatically disabled, effectively protecting the heater rod and vacuum tube from damage caused by dry drying.

Overtemperature Protection: When the water temperature is abnormally high, the system automatically alarms and takes appropriate measures.

Leakage Protection: Provides safety protection for the electric auxiliary heating function.

Different types of solar water heaters require different controller models. Sunflower Solar will recommend the appropriate controller model based on your needs.