Solar air heaters are an innovative and eco-friendly solution for heating homes and buildings. They work by using the sun’s energy to heat the air within a building, which is then distributed through a ventilation system. The heat is generated by solar panels, which absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into heat. This heat is then transferred to the air through a heat exchanger, which is usually made of metal.
Solar air heaters are a great option for off-grid or remote homes and buildings, as they do not require a connection to the power grid. They are also a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option than traditional heating methods that rely on fossil fuels. Additionally, they don’t produce any emissions, making them a clean energy source.
There are several different types of solar air heaters on the market, each with its own unique design and capabilities. Some of the most popular types include:
- Passive solar air heaters: These are the simplest and most cost-effective type of solar air heater. They do not require any additional equipment or electricity to operate and rely solely on the sun’s energy to heat the air. Passive solar air heaters typically consist of a solar panel or glazing on the south-facing side of a building, and an air duct or channel that runs through the building to distribute the heated air.
- Active solar air heaters: These are more advanced than passive solar air heaters, and typically include additional equipment, such as fans or pumps, to help circulate the air and improve heat distribution. They also typically include a thermal storage system to store the heat generated by the solar panels during the day for use at night.
- Direct gain solar air heaters: This type of solar air heater uses a large south-facing window or skylight to admit solar energy into a room or space. The window or skylight is usually insulated with a heat-absorbing material such as masonry or thermal mass, and the solar energy absorbed is stored and releases it at a slower rate to the room or space.
- Indirect gain solar air heaters: This type of solar air heater uses a solar collector, typically located on the roof of a building, to absorb the sun’s energy. The collected solar energy is then transferred to a thermal storage system, such as a water tank or masonry wall, which then releases the heat into the building.
- Industrial or large scale solar air heaters: These are typically used in industrial or commercial settings and are a larger version of the other types of solar air heaters. They are designed to provide heating for large buildings, factories, or warehouses and typically have a more complex design that include multiple solar panels and a thermal storage system.
One example of a product on the market is the Sun-Mar Excel non-electric self-contained toilet which has a solar air heater built in. This system uses a small solar panel to power a fan that circulates air through a heat exchanger, heating it before it enters the building. This is a great option for homes or buildings that are not connected to the power grid.
Another example is the Solairworld Solar Air Heater it’s a solar panel-powered, wall-mounted unit that uses the sun’s energy to heat the air, which is then circulated through your home via your existing HVAC ductwork. This system can be integrated with your existing HVAC system and can provide up to 30% savings on your heating bills.
In conclusion, solar air heaters are an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for heating homes and buildings. There are several different types of solar air heaters on the market, each with its own unique design
