Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about our modular Solar Air Heaters and our 40ft Solar Heating Containers.

If your question is not listed here, please feel free to contact us.

General & Container Questions

1. What exactly is a Solar Air Heater?
The sun shines on a black-coated, perforated aluminium plate. An energy-efficient fan draws the outside air through the microscopic holes. The air is heated to 40–50°C (104–122°F) and flows directly into your room. No water, no pipes, no chemicals — just air. Simple and reliable.
 

2. What is the 40ft Solar Heating Container?
We have scaled up our proven technology into a world-first: a mobile 40ft container. By combining a 30m² transpired solar collector on the side with a massive 10m³ thermal gravel battery inside, we deliver 24/7 off-grid heat. It is completely plug-and-play, requires no diesel, and can be rented or bought for farms, construction sites, or remote locations.
 

3. Who is this technology suitable for?

• For homeowners: Perfect for apartments, balconies, and houses with flat roofs where there is no space for a heat pump or solar boiler.
• For agriculture & industry: Ideal for stables, warehouses, and construction sites.
• For remote locations: The 40ft container provides off-grid heating for mining camps or disaster relief.

Performance & Technology

4. Why does a transpired collector deliver more usable heat than a glazed collector?
A glazed (flat plate) collector gets hotter (up to 80°C), but only while the heat is trapped. As soon as you distribute the warm air, the collector loses almost all its heat. Furthermore, glass reflects sunlight, and heat transfer to the air is moderate.

Our transpired collector (uTSC) works fundamentally differently: the fan draws outside air continuously straight through the perforated plate. The plate gets slightly less hot (40–50°C), but there is virtually zero heat loss to the outside air.
Scientific research confirms that unglazed systems like ours achieve a thermal efficiency of 55% to 80%. The result: a 2m² system delivers up to 1,000 Watts of usable heat into your room — often twice as much as a glazed collector.
 

5. How much heat does a 2m² system deliver?
In bright sunlight, a 2m² module delivers up to 1,000–1,200 Watts of heat. The fan only uses 20–30 Watts. Net, the system blows almost 1,000 Watts directly into your room — comparable to a large electric heater, but completely free.
 

6. How does the Container deliver heat at night?
The container features an intelligent 50/50 bypass. During the day, the sun heats your building while excess heat is stored in the 10m³ gravel battery. At night, the fan draws cold air through the hot gravel, heating it to 30–40°C before blowing it into your building. This provides 100+ kWh of stored heat for up to 20 hours of nighttime heating.
 

7. Is this technology already used on a large scale?
Yes, absolutely. This is not experimental technology. Worldwide, more than 1 million square meters of transpired solar collectors have been installed.

• Logistics giants: FedEx and DHL use this technology for their distribution centers.
• Auto and retail giants: Factories of Ford, Toyota, and Walmart apply these systems.
• Steel giant: Tata Steel (UK) is one of the largest producers of the special perforated plates.
• Governments: Numerous military bases and airports in North America already run on this technology.
  What these global giants have been doing for decades, Transpired Solar now brings to the private market.

nstallation & Practicalities

8. Is the system suitable for apartments and balconies?
Yes, absolutely. The compact 1 x 2 meter module is easy to mount on a balcony, facade, or shed. No major installation, no pipes. Ideal for (rental) apartments where a heat pump or solar boiler doesn't fit.
 

9. Can I install the system myself?
Yes, if you are handy. We supply the system complete with an installation manual. Prefer professional installation? We or one of our partners can handle the installation for you.
 

10. Why prefab cabinets and not mounted directly on the facade?
A prefab cabinet (module) offers huge advantages over loose plates mounted directly on the wall. Our cabinets are produced perfectly airtight in our own factory, ensuring optimal airflow and maximum efficiency. Installation is extremely fast and plug-and-play. Furthermore, the cabinets are fully relocatable; if you move or renovate, you can easily disconnect the unit and take it with you. You invest in a flexible system, not a fixed part of the building.
 

11. What happens at night or in the summer?
At night and in heavy cloud cover, the fan switches off automatically. A backdraft damper prevents cold drafts. In the summer, you can switch the system off or use a bypass so you don't get too much heat inside.
 

12. Do I need a permit?
For a collector on your own balcony or facade, a permit is often not required. For an apartment (HOA/VvE) or a historic building, you should check the rules. We are happy to think along with you.
 

13. How long is the payback time?
Depending on gas prices, your location, and heating behavior, a module often pays for itself within a few years. Because you can turn off your central heating boiler more often on sunny days, you will notice the savings directly on your monthly energy bill. For the 40ft container, rental often offsets diesel costs immediately, while purchase payback is typically 3-5 years.

Materials & Maintenance

14. You have three different material thicknesses (0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm). Does this affect heat output?
No. The heat output (peak efficiency and temperature rise) is virtually identical for all three thicknesses. Efficiency is determined by the selective coating and the 1.6 mm perforation pattern, not the metal thickness.
The difference lies in application and strength:

• 0.5 mm: Lightweight and flexible. Shipped rolled up. Ideal for balconies, DIYers, and weight-sensitive projects.
• 0.8 mm and 1.0 mm: Extra sturdy and impact-resistant. Shipped flat on a pallet. Ideal for stables and industrial applications where plates must withstand strong wind, hail, or physical impact. They have slightly more thermal mass (warming up a fraction slower, but retaining heat slightly longer if the sun disappears).
  You invest in a thicker plate for extra durability and longer lifespan under harsh conditions, not for more heat.
   

15. Can the Solar Air Heater be used for dehumidification?
Yes, absolutely. It is one of the most efficient ways to dehumidify. Cold outside air contains little moisture. By heating it by 25 to 40°C, the relative humidity drops dramatically. This bone-dry, warm air is continuously blown inside, displacing humid air.

• For homes: Prevents musty rooms, damp sheds, or fogged windows. It prevents mold without an electricity-guzzling dehumidifier.
• For businesses/warehouses: Keeps the workspace dry, preventing rust and mold on inventory, while providing fresh air.
• For stables: Wet bedding and high humidity cause ammonia, foot problems, and lung disease. Our system blows large amounts of warm, dry air into the stable, drying the bedding fast and displacing damp air. The result is healthier animals and less loss — all powered by free solar heat.

Want to know more or request a quote?
Would you like to know which model fits your project best? Contact us for free advice or a custom quote.

📧 Email: info@transpiredsolar.com
📱 WhatsApp: +31 6 2044 7198 (Text Only Please)