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Why is there visible condensation on the
inside of the top Lexan plastic layer of my
SolarVenti solar air collector?:
Once the SolarVenti has been installed, there
will be visible condensation on the Lexan
plastic finishing coat on the inside of the
solar air collector at regular intervals. This
is quite normal and will in no way damage the
system.
When the warm air in the solar panel meets the
cold air – or at any rate colder air – outside
the panel, the condensation will become visible.
When two extremes in temperature meet,
condensation will appear at the “dewpoint”
which, in this case, is on the top Lexan plastic
layer of the solar air collector.
Therefore, condensation will be most common when
the solar air collector starts up after an idle
period (short or long) due to cloudy weather.
This is when the difference in temperature
between the warm air in the panel and the cold
air outside will be greatest. You can avoid the
visible condensation by switching off the solar
air collector for an hour or two depending on
the weather conditions. When the panel cools
down the condensation will disappear.
How does the SolarVenti work from a technical
point of view?
The system is free to run and is not connected
to the main electricity supply. It is supplied
with electricity via a solar cell. When the sun
shines it warms up the air in the absorber and
the integrated solar cell produces electricity
for the built-in fan which blows the heated air
into the house.
Fresh air from outside is sucked / pulled in
through a perforated back plate and a 2 mm layer
of felt. The air velocity is so low that only
extremely small amounts of dust, pollen etc. are
drawn into the system.
When the system is running, air flow remains
inside the panel. When the system is switched
off, it cools itself down – even if there is
bright sunshine. The heat rises inside the solar
panel and exits via the felt and the back plate
(open construction).
Is maintenance of a SolarVenti system
necessary?
No, it is maintenance-free. Rain and snow wash
dust, pollen and other impurities off the system.
Can dust get into the house or into the
system?
No, the air is filtered through the felt. The
felt cannot get clogged as the air is drawn into
the absorber through the whole of the rear of
the panel.
A special filter can be used if you wish to
filter the air more.
What is SolarVenti’s primary purpose?
The main task is to dehumidify and ventilate the
house. The aim is to improve the quality of the
air and lower humidity. This makes the house
better to live in and the air easier to warm up.
In many cases, SolarVenti will result in
significant savings in heating bills.
When a house is continuously ventilated with
dry, warm air, the risk of damp, rot and mould
will be reduced in the long term.
Many years of experience and use of the system
have proven that SolarVenti reduces humidity
significantly.
In practice, SolarVenti’s
dehumidification/ventilation eliminates
condensation on windows and doors which could
cause them to bind.
Furniture, cupboards and duvets no longer feel
and smell damp as there is no longer damp in the
house.
And you can leave coffee, flour and salt in your
holiday home without worrying about it forming
lumps or going bad.
The SolarVenti system is an additional heat
source, but it also an indirect source of extra
warmth. It provides a supply of air which is
warmer than the air already in the building.
However, dehumidification provides an indirect
source of heat: The heat supplied by the main
energy source (central heating, wood-burning
stove etc.) will be more efficient and
distribution quicker when the air is not damp.
And a completely dry house makes better use of
the heat from the sun through the windows than a
damp house does.
How does the system dehumidify? Other
dehumidification systems have compressors. This
one doesn’t.
It is true that the SolarVenti itself does not
dehumidify. The system has a dehumidifying
effect due to the fact that it sends dry, warm
air into the building at times when the air
outside is at its driest and cleanest, i.e. when
the weather is relatively clear.
The best weather for dehumidification is
actually a cold, clear winter’s day with a
little snow on the ground. The air is
particularly dry and clean and the reflection
from the snow gives the system an extra boost.
What are the exterior SolarVenti panels made
of?
The frame and the back plates are made of
salt-resistant aluminum. This makes the
SolarVenti easy to lift, move and install. Due
to its construction, the solar air collector is
immune to corrosion – even in an aggressive
environment.
The “glass plate” is not glass but UV-resistant
Lexan (plastic) which has insulating properties
and does not splinter if the SolarVenti is
dropped during transport for example.
The Lexan plate is shockproof and will not even
break if you kick a football at it. It is also
very easy to replace.
The Lexan helps to keep the total weight of the
system down. It is much lighter than glass
which, by the way, does not insulate very well
either.
All screws and rivets are made from stainless
steel and salt-resistant aluminum.
What is the life expectancy for a SolarVenti?
Based on the experience of Danish customers with
the early version of the holiday house pack, in
which the solar cell was positioned next to the
panel, we expect the life expectancy for the solar cell
to be 10 – 20 years. This is the most critical
component in the panel. Our new solar cells –
which are placed inside the solar panel – will
presumably last longer.
The fan is one of the best and quietest on the
market - a Sunon with double-row ball bearings
and, in theory, 30,000 hours of operation which
corresponds to approx. 25 years of wear and
tear.
Why is the solar cell built into the panel?
It makes it easier to position the system on the wall or roof, and it looks nicer.
The solar cell is more protected from plugs,
footballs, wind and other types of weather when
it is built into the panel.
When the system switches off on a hot summer
day, the temperature in the absorber will not
exceed approx. 80 degrees centigrade. According to
scientists at DTU (The Technical University
of Denmark), this regenerates the solar cell and
actually lengthens its lifetime in comparison to
a solar cell which is mounted on the outside of
the solar air collector.
How much noise does a SolarVenti make?
When it is running at full capacity, the
acoustic pressure is approx. 40 db (plus/minus 2
db, depending on solar radiation).
This corresponds to the noise from a very quiet
extractor fan and we have not yet had any
customers who have been bothered by the noise
from the SolarVenti. Moreover, the noise level
(air flow) can be adjusted using the fan’s
regulator. When the fan is turned down the
temperature of the injection air will rise.
What is the difference between a regulator
and a on/off switch?
The regulator can reduce the speed of the
ventilator (air) and, thus, increase the heat of
the air while reducing the noise level. The
regulator can also be switched off if you turn
it to zero.
The on/off switch only has an ON/OFF function.
What is the optimal position for the system?
The system should face as close to due south as
possible and have as little shade, from trees or
other buildings, as possible..
Is it best to mount the system on a wall or a
roof?
In theory, it is best to mount the system on a
wall because the sun goes down at 12 degrees centigrade to
the horizon (at our latitude) in the winter.
If you mount the panel on the roof, it must be
tilted to 60 degrees centigrade in order to catch the
winter sun. The pitch also ensures that dirt
does not collect on the surface of the panel and
snow does not lie on the light-permeable
surface.
Lastly, the pitch is required to ensure that the
solar air collector panel can release heat when
the system is switched off, e.g. on a warm
summer day.
Does the panel have a right way up?
The solar air collector panel can be mounted
vertically, like a door, or horizontally. The
position is solely determined by what looks
nicest and the limitations of the building
itself.
Can the system keep the house frost-free?
At our latitude, temperatures must be extreme
before the system is not able to keep the house
frost-free. However, we cannot guarantee that
the system will keep the house frost-free. We
also export to Greenland where temperatures of
45 degrees centigrade below zero are not uncommon. The
situation is quite different here.
There is also a great difference in the way in
which houses are insulated and there are other
crucial factors. For example, the way in which
the air circulates differs from house to house.
It is also of significant importance that the
system has the right dimensions and is
positioned correctly. The system must also have
enough time/sun to ensure thorough
dehumidification. Once the system has had
sufficient time to dehumidify existing damp in
walls, floors, ceilings and inventory, and the
house is thoroughly dry, it will be a lot easier
to keep the building frost-free.
Can I change my mind about installation on a
wall or roof?
Yes, we can always send our roof set on
afterwards. All models are delivered with
brackets for the wall.
How is the system delivered?
The system is delivered in the form of a
do-it-yourself pack in a shock-proof cardboard
box. All accessories, such as flexible pipes,
vents, valve frames, straps, brackets and
screws, are packed in a components box which is
packed in the large cardboard box.
What happens when the system blows warm air
into the house?
The system creates slight excess pressure in the
house. This constantly “pushes” the old air out.
The air will try to get out where the house is
not tightly sealed, e.g. at doors, windows,
ceilings and floors. You can send the air in the
direction you want using the house’s air escape
vents. If you position the air escape vent(s) at
the opposite end of the house to the injection
air duct, the warm air from the solar air
collector will be optimally distributed
throughout the whole house.
If you wish to adjust, or examine, the effect of
the system on the whole house, you can start by
closing all vents apart from the air escape vent
which is positioned furthest away from the
injection air duct. You will then be able to
feel (or measure) whether the air reaches the
end of the house. If you open the other vents
you will get an impression of the effect of the
distribution of the warm, dry air.
How many meters of piping can be laid?
In general, shorter pipes give a better
utilization of heat.
If the piping must be longer than the lead-in
through the wall, you should use smooth pipes in
order to reduce resistance/pressure loss.
In the case of the SV2 and SV3, 1 to 2 meters of
smooth piping is the standard length.
In the case of the SV7 and SV14, 1 to 4 meters
of smooth piping is the standard length
(straight piece).
In the case of the SV30, 1 to 5 meters of smooth
piping is the standard length.
If you need longer piping than the above, of if
you need to run a pipe downwards into a cellar
for example, you will usually have to install an
extra fan.
How big is the SolarVenti box/packaging?
The dimensions of the SV3 box are: 96 x 67 x 19
cm.
The dimensions of the SV7 box are: 120 x 80 x 19
cm.
The dimensions of the SV14 box are: 224 x 77 x
15 cm.
The dimensions of the SV30 box are: 302 x 105 x
12.5 cm.
The box for the roof set measures: 71 x 41 x 21
cm.
The dimensions of the SV30 solar cell box are:
97 x 36 x 15 cm.
SolarVenti blows new air in. Where does the
air come out again?
The air will automatically be drawn to the
places where it is easiest to get out, e.g. to
vents in kitchens and bathrooms or other vents
and openings in the house. If possible, let the
air blow directly into the most important room
and open the doors to other rooms. You should be
aware that a chimney damper in a chimney which
is not in use will create an outlet for the air
in the room. (There are further details in the
answer to the question: “What happens when the
system blows warm air into the house?”)
My house is over 90 sq m and it is a long way
from one end to the other. What should I do?
One possibility would be to set up a larger
solar panel (SV30 is 3 m2). If you ensure that
there is an air escape vent at the other end of
the house, the air from the SolarVenti will
automatically be drawn to it.
Another possibility would be to mount, e.g., 2
SolarVentis on the house, one at each end.
Where can I see a system in operation?
Please contact one of our many distributors
around the world. See "Dealers
& Fitters: World Wide" to see list.
Can I switch off the system if the summer is
hot?
All models can be switched off. They all have a
built-in on/off switch. A supplementary
regulator enables you to adjust air flow and
temperature on the larger systems if the people
in the building are close to the air injection
duct. The small systems can only be adjusted
using the air injection vent on the ceiling or
the wall. All systems have a switch so that they
can be switched off completely.
In addition, most of the systems – apart from
the SV2 and SV3 – are supplied with a variable
electronic regulator so that you can turn down
the air flow. When the air flow is turned down.
the temperature of the injection air will
increase.
Can SolarVenti produce cool air for
ventilation?
Yes, it is easy to extend the system so that it
blows cool air into the building. This requires
an extra fan on the north side of the building
and a room thermostat which switches between the
fans.
You can increase the cooling effect of the extra
fan on the north side of the building by drawing
the air through a “cooling pipe” (which is
buried in the ground) before it is injected into
the building.
Read more.....
The air is not quite as warm as promised in
the brochure?
If the system is under one year old, it will
often blow in more air than expected. This
results in lower temperatures and is due to the
fact that the solar cell produces an
extraordinary amount of electricity to begin
with. After approximately one year, the solar
cell’s electricity production will stabilize at
the specified level.
The extra amount of air to begin with is usually
an advantage as it dehumidifies the house more
quickly. If you want warmer air, you can adjust
the temperature by turning down the damper at
the air injection duct, or by turning down the
electronic regulator if the system has one.
I have a SolarVenti system. Sometimes it
doesn’t start to work before I give the fan a
little nudge. Why is that?
The fan requires a certain voltage from the
solar cell before it can start up. Once it has
started it is easier for it to continue. If the
sun is weak, for example if it does not directly
hit the panel or the sun is behind a cloud, you
might hear a low buzzing noise from the fan
(which is trying to start).
It is difficult to define the best conditions
for the system. A small cloud in a clear blue
sky can cause more problems than even cloud
cover. This is due to the fact that even cloud
cover emits a lot of indirect radiation.
NB: Be careful not to put your finger in the fan
when it is running. Even though the fan is small
it is powerful when it is running - powerful
enough to give you a nasty surprise.
SolarVenti only runs when the sun is shining.
What does this mean?.
When the sun shines, the air is warmed up and
this is what produces the dehumidifying and
warming effect. Otherwise, the system would just
inject the air from outside directly into the
house.
Frost and sun often go together. The sun tends
to shine on really cold days. On a frosty, clear
day almost all of the moisture will lie just
above, and very close to, the ground. Therefore,
all of the air above this is very dry and
suitable for injection into the house.
What would happen if the system was switched
off for several days?
The SolarVenti dehumidifies a house over a
period of time. During cloudy periods nothing
will happen. When the sun shines again, the
limited amount of damp which has accumulated in
the meantime (and which you will probably not
even notice) will be extracted relatively
quickly.
What would happen if the upper section of the
SolarVenti was in the shade?
If, for example, you mount an SV14 in a vertical
position on the wall of a house, and a large
overhang prevents the sun from reaching the
upper third of the panel, this will still be
alright. The solar cell is in the bottom/lower
half of a vertical panel. The shade from the
overhang will result in a slightly smaller
amount of heat from the solar air collector in
the summer, when the sun is high in the sky.
However, in the winter, when heat is really
needed, the sun will be low and the SV14 panel
will not be in the shade.
If you mount an SV7 high up on the wall, under
the overhang, this will cause problems. The
solar air collector will probably remain
switched off most of the time. The solar cell is
in the middle of the SV7 panel and if it is
mounted high up under a large overhang the cell
will be in the shade for too long. The problem
can be solved by mounting the SV7 a little
further down the wall.
Can I install the system myself?
Yes, anyone who is a little talented in the use
of ordinary tools will be able to install a
system. The SV14, which is the largest of the
small models, weighs 19 kilos and is light
enough for most people to handle. The SV30 is
our heaviest model. The solar panel weighs 28
kilos. In this case, two people will be needed
if it is to be installed on a roof and it would
also be advantage if there were two people
involved in the installation of the system on a
wall.
Can the system alleviate allergies?
We believe that the system must have an effect
in relation to allergies and asthma. It
dehumidifies and has a drying effect, which
creates the worst possible conditions for fungus
and mould. Also, the air the system blows
through the building will usually be very clean.
The only possible downside is the fact that the
system may draw in pollen from outdoors.
However, the air velocity of the injection air
is so low that it would only draw in very small
amounts of dust and pollen and, apart from that,
the fresh air is drawn in through a perforated
back plate and 2mm of special felt.
Many customers have told our installation
engineers that they have noticed an improvement
in allergic rashes and asthma after installation
of a SolarVenti. In some cases, the symptoms
have disappeared altogether.
How difficult is it to mount a SolarVenti and
how long does it take?
It is fairly simple to install a SolarVenti and
anyone who is a little talented in the use of
ordinary tools will be able to install a system.
The SV3 takes about 1 hour to mount on a wall.
The SV7 takes about 2 hours to mount and the
SV14 about 3 hours.
The roof model takes about twice as long in each
case.
Is there a draught from the air injection
duct in the wall after installation?
No, if the solar air collector panel and the
pipe through the wall are mounted correctly,
there will be no draught through the air
injection hole when the fan is not working at
night.
Can you mount a on/off switch, a regulator
and a thermostat on the same system?
Yes, SV Regulator Unit works as a thermostat, a
on/off switch and a regulator.
Is there a risk that smoke from my
neighbor’s chimney will be injected into the
house instead of fresh air?
“A good indoor climate comes from outdoors”:
Fresh air is only available from outside; but
polluted air also comes from the outside. So, of
course, it is possible to draw the smoke from
your neighbor’s chimney into your living room
but it could also come in through an open window
if the wind is blowing the "wrong way".
The position of the SolarVenti determines which
type of air you will draw into the house.
The SolarVenti “breathes” – takes in air –
through the multitude of small holes on the
panel. If the air intake is placed where the air
is normally clean, the injected air will also be
clean. In general, the cleanest and driest air
will be at the top of the house. In practice,
this means that you should not install the
SolarVenti close to the ground.
You should concentrate on finding a position in
which the solar panel can face south and where
there is as little pollution as possible from
wood-burning stoves, extractor fans etc.
Should the indoor air injection duct from an SV
14 solar air collector be mounted on the
ceiling, at the top of a wall, in the middle of
a wall or at the bottom of a wall?
Most people would say that it should be at
floor-level. However, it appears that it is
irrelevant whether it is on the ceiling or on
the top, bottom or middle of the wall. The
volume of injected air is of much more
importance to the result.
Should the indoor air injection duct from an
SV 14 solar air collector be mounted on the
ceiling, at the top of a wall, in the middle of
a wall or at the bottom of a wall?
Most people would say that it should be at
floor-level. However, it appears that it is
irrelevant whether it is on the ceiling or on
the top, bottom or middle of the wall. The
volume of injected air is of much more
importance to the result.
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