What Is a Solar Air Heating System?

SolarWall is a solar air heating system that preheats high volumes of fresh air for industrial facilities. Its patented micro-perforated façade captures solar radiation and uses it to heat air directly.

Unlike conventional solar collectors, the system can heat large airflows. Consequently, it helps lower heating costs and carbon emissions while increasing the use of renewable energy in industry.

A Global Leader in Solar Heat Energy Production

Since the 1970s, SolarWall has been deployed in more than 8,000 industrial facilities in over 40 countries. More than 50 years of renewable-energy engineering experience help reduce heating costs and minimise carbon emissions.

Its patented micro-perforated façade uses solar radiation to heat air directly. This design supports high-volume air heating and offers a durable, fossil-free and environmentally responsible system approach.

Airtes Industrial: Supporting the Energy Transition in Industry

Airtes Industrial supports industrial energy transition with engineering, consultancy and implementation services. Each project starts with facility-specific energy analysis, feasibility work and implementation planning.

System integration is designed to suit existing boiler, HVAC or heat-pump infrastructure. Therefore, the initial investment can be optimised while energy savings and payback potential are improved.

Airtes Industrial combines OG-100-certified technology with local engineering expertise to offer a decarbonised, efficient and sustainable production model.

Certificates and Standards

SolarWall systems have been tested and approved by independent organisations worldwide. Relevant certificates and standards include:

• OG-100: performance certification issued by ICC-SRCC
• TÜV Rheinland: system reliability and quality-test approval
• ISO 9001 / 14001 / 50001: quality, environmental and energy-management standards
• CBAM: production infrastructure aligned with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Our Vision and Mission

Why SolarWall?

• Long-life renewable heat production: it is designed to provide renewable heat energy for at least 50 years without performance loss or maintenance requirements.
• Dual insulation effect and passive conditioning: installed façade or roof areas gain an additional insulation function that supports energy efficiency.
• 10–30% efficiency improvement in fossil-fuel systems: renewable alternative energy use can support more efficient heating processes.
• Waste-heat regeneration and hybrid integration: waste-heat potential can be assessed from building or system energy models to design a hybrid solution.
• Digital energy and carbon-monitoring platform: energy use, carbon footprint, solar-energy use and savings can be monitored and reported.

Integration with Existing Systems

SolarWall is designed for direct integration with existing heating and ventilation systems. It is mounted on the exterior façade. The fresh-air intake is positioned behind SolarWall, and preheated air enters through the existing AHU, air-handling unit or extract-fan arrangement.

Existing boilers, rooftop units or air-handling units can remain in place. SolarWall works as a preheating source and can be connected to the existing BMS or automation system to operate when needed.

Project Process

• Preliminary analysis and site survey: fresh-air demand, façade suitability and energy profile are reviewed.
• Feasibility and simulation: energy gain and ROI are calculated for the area, climate and operating hours.
• Proposal and approval: the technical scope, investment cost and expected payback period are presented.
• Engineering: mechanical, architectural and structural details are prepared, and integration is defined.
• Manufacturing and installation: panels are produced and installed quickly on site.
• Commissioning and verification: the system is started, measurements are taken and performance is verified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it produce heat when the sky is cloudy?

Yes. SolarWall responds to diffuse as well as direct solar radiation. In cloudy conditions, it generally provides a 5–15°C fresh-air temperature rise. Airflow comes from the existing HVAC or extract-fan system; SolarWall preheats that air.

Do panels degrade or do the holes become blocked?

SolarWall panels are aluminium and are designed for UV exposure, temperature differences and outdoor conditions. Because the micro-perforations operate in the direction of air intake, dust and particles are not drawn in; rain and wind clean the surface naturally.

How does temperature vary during the day?

The panel surface warms quickly in the morning and fresh-air temperature can rise by 10–20°C. Midday is generally the most efficient period, when a 25–40°C temperature difference may be achieved. Output declines gradually in the afternoon but continues.

What is the typical project payback period?

For facilities with high fresh-air demand, payback is generally 1–2 years. It may be 1.5–3 years at medium use and 2–4 years with limited operating hours or seasonal use. Operating hours, airflow, fuel type, climate and façade affect the result.

What incentives and financing options are available?

VAP, EBRD-GEFF green finance, KOSGEB support, green bank loans, ESCO performance contracts and tax benefits may be considered. Eligibility must be assessed against each project’s scope and application criteria.

Can it be installed on existing buildings?

Yes. SolarWall can be retrofitted to existing buildings. Including the support structure, the panel system creates an approximate vertical load of 15–20 kg/m². Many industrial and commercial structures can accommodate it without structural revisions.

How long does commissioning take?

Engineering and approval typically take 2–4 weeks, manufacturing and procurement 4–8 weeks, site installation 3–10 days and commissioning 1–2 days. The system can generally be operational within 6–10 weeks.

Is the façade or the roof the better location?

The façade is generally the best location. SolarWall is optimised for vertical façade applications and captures winter sun more efficiently. Roof installation is possible, but shading, wind and angle losses usually make it a secondary option.

How is thermal-output performance verified?

Thermal performance is measured in accredited laboratories in accordance with standards. SolarWall is tested under OG-100; thermal output, efficiency and annual energy production are verified. Actual projects can calculate instantaneous and annual thermal gain from airflow and inlet/outlet temperatures.

Contact Airtes Industrial for a SolarWall Solar Air Heating System

The appropriate SolarWall solution should be selected after reviewing your facility’s fresh-air demand, façade suitability, operating hours, existing heating system, energy consumption and carbon-reduction targets.

Contact us for detailed information, a site survey and a project-specific assessment.