Frequently Asked Questions

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The main replaceable components are the batteries and the pump diaphragm.

• AGM Batteries: Provide around 6–8 hours of use per day from early spring to late autumn. With a cycle life of ~1,200 cycles, you can expect a lifespan of around 3 years.
   
• Lithium-ion Batteries: Offer 3,000+ cycles, typically lasting 7–8 years.
   
• Pump Diaphragm: Usually requires replacement every 4–5 years.
   

Note: Battery life may vary depending on seasonal temperature and operating conditions.

 Minimal maintenance is required:

• Keep solar panels clean using only soapy water and a soft squeegee. never use harsh chemicals.
   
• Perform annual checks of batteries and diaphragm pressure.
   
• SAS offers an annual servicing option to handle these checks and ensure system efficiency.

 Run times depend on available sunlight and system configuration.

For a single pump / battery / panel arrangement:

• A 100Ah battery at a 5A draw = approximately 20 hours runtime.
   
• With an 8-hour daily cycle, that equates to roughly 2.5 full days per charge.
   

Cloudy conditions: solar panel charges at around 3A, leading to ~4 days of operation before reaching low voltage.
Sunny conditions: panel charges at around 12A, allowing the system to run indefinitely throughout spring and summer.

All systems are designed for straightforward installation.

• Most can be self-installed using our step-by-step guide
   
• SAS also offers a full installation service if preferred.
   
• Floating systems are advised to be installed by SAS due to their complexity and need for balance and positioning.

View our installation guides here: User Guides 

Yes, you can expand capacity easily:

• Add more batteries to store additional energy for cloudy or high-demand periods.
   
• Add more solar panels using suitable cable splitters. Most systems are designed with spare capacity in the charge controller to support an extra panel.
   

Adding a second panel is often the most cost-effective upgrade.

The overall footprint depends on your chosen system size.
In all configurations, the control unit and batteries are housed beneath the solar panels for compactness and protection. 

• Aim for a due south orientation for maximum sunlight exposure.
   
• Slight southeast or southwest angles are acceptable.
   
• Avoid shaded areas, as trees and foliage can significantly reduce efficiency.
   

We typically aim for uninterrupted 90° sun coverage from morning to evening.

• Low-pressure systems (Oxybox Standard): Up to 30 metres of airline. Longer runs are possible, but airflow may reduce — keeping lengths shorter improves performance.
   
• High-pressure systems: Can support up to 200 metres of airline, maintaining strong pressure for multiple diffusers.
   

All Solar Aeration Systems products include a 12-month warranty from the date of supply or installation.
This covers all parts and labour under normal operating conditions.