One component of the system is the exterior all-metal cladding; however a significant amount of the science behind SolarWall is in the internal framing design and component shapes.  Years of research has eliminated the need for the glass covering that is standard for other solar collectors, thereby ensuring that it can be easily integrated into commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. The elimination of glazing has reduced costs, improved system efficiency, and shortened the ROI timeframe.

Specially perforated collector panels are installed several inches from a south facing wall, creating an air cavity. (Southeast, southwest, east, and west wall are also possible.) The metal cladding is heated by the solar radiation from the sun, and ventilation fans create negative pressure in the air cavity, drawing in the solar heated air through the panel perforations. The proprietary manufacturing equipment and design process - for both the panel and the framing system - are used to control the amount of airflow through the perforations.  This maintains a consistent draw across the entire wall surface and ensures the cooler air beyond the heated boundary layer is not introduced into the air stream.

The air is generally taken off the top of the wall (since hot air rises) and that ensures that all of the solar heat produced is collected.  The heated air is then ducted into the building via a connection to the HVAC intake.  Since the air entering into the air handler has already been preheated – anywhere from 30-70F (16-38C) on a sunny day, and less on a cloudy day – this solar heating reduces the energy load on the conventional heater. The heated fresh air is then distributed into the building through the existing HVAC system or with separate air makeup fans and perforated ducting. 

Interior Fan

Rooftop HVAC Unit

As well as providing on-site renewable energy, the SolarWall® technology is also commonly specified when increased ventilation air is required, or for building remediation purposes when exterior cladding has to be replaced.  In retrofit applications, SolarWall systems are one of the few technologies that can be: a) easily integrated into an existing building, and b) cost-effective in reducing a large amount of energy.  

The SolarWall technology can also make an excellent improvement to a HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) system by preheating the incoming ventilation air and increasing its efficiency.

 Performance and Economics

Typical SolarWall Construction

1-SolarWall panels on typical block wall construction 2-SolarWall panels on typical metal wall construction

Summer Cooling

SolarWall® provides summer cooling by preventing solar radiation from striking the south wall of a building. Warm air between the solar panelling and the building rises and is ventilated through holes at the top of the cladding. This reduces cooling loads in the building. Fresh ventilation air is drawn directly into the building by way of by-pass dampers.

Indoor Air Quality

Installing a Solarwall system allows companies and businesses to meet ventilation standards required by code, without spending a prohibitive amount on an ongoing basis to heat that air.  Good indoor air quality is the result of an adequate, continuous, supply of fresh outdoor air. ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) states that the best way to avoid illness due to poor indoor air quality is to increase the volume of fresh air entering a building. The negative impact of uncontrolled entry of outdoor air is increased heating costs. SolarWall solar energy systems can solve this problem by using solar energy to preheat ventilation air.

Maintenance

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