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Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are specific to Andalucia. Due to the differences in climate and architecture, the models and/or information can change from country-to-country. If you would like any more information on models or functions that are not covered here, please contact us directly.

How does the system dehumidify? Other dehumidifiers have compressors, drip trays, buckets, etc?

How much heat does a SolarVenti produce?

What sort of maintenance does my SolarVenti require?

What is the life expectancy for a SolarVenti?

What are SolarVenti’s primary functions?
What are the exterior SolarVenti panels made of?

Why is the PV-cell  built into the solar air panel?
Is the SolarVenti fan noisy?
What is the difference between a regulator and an on/off switch?

Does the panel have a right way up?

Can I change my mind about installation on a wall or roof?

How is the system delivered?

How many meters of piping can be laid?

How big is the SolarVenti box/packaging?

My house is over 90 sq m and it is a long way from one end to the other. What should I do?

Where can I see a system in operation?

What do I do in summer?

Can SolarVenti produce cool air for ventilation?

Very occasionally I hear a little buzzing, or clicking, sound coming from the fan. What is that?

What would happen if the system was switched off for several days?

Can I install the system myself?

Can the system alleviate allergies?

Is there a draught from the air injection duct in the wall after installation?

How does the system dehumidify? Other dehumidifiers have compressors, drip trays, buckets, etc?

SolarVenti heats air and ventilates. These two processes together lead to dehumidification.  Here is how it happens: Heated air can absorb more humidity than cold air (it acts as a sponge). When the cold damp air in your property gets replaced with heated air, (the air is expelled through vents, fire places, kitchen extractors etc) then you get rid of the humidity. In some cases, we recommend making an extra vent to maximize the passage of the air through the house.

How much heat does a SolarVenti produce?

This is dependant on several factors, namely the size of the panel, the intensity of the solar radiation that the panel receives and the ambient temperature. The SV14 will produce a 1000W per hour, when receiving a solar radiation of 800W per m2 (average solar radiation during the winter – Andalucía). This is roughly equivalent to the output of a standard sized electric heater. Please see technical test results.

What sort of maintenance does my SolarVenti require?

None. If the cover gets too dusty, just clean it with water. If you find that the cover is very greasy/dirty, use a few drops of mild washing up soap in a bucket of water and clean it with a cloth or a soft brush.

What is the life expectancy for a SolarVenti?

Most of the first generation solar air systems that were sold in Denmark during the late 80’s, are still up and running.  In the older models, the solar cell was installed separately, next to the panel. The durability of the solar cell (which is the most vulnerable component) in these models has been between 10-20 years. However, with the new compact SolarVenti which has the solar cell incorporated and therefore protected, the life expectancy is higher.  

What are SolarVenti’s primary functions?

There are 3 main purposes:

• Dehumidification

• Ventilation

• Heating

SolarVenti’s main task is to dehumidify and ventilate the property. The aim is to improve the ambient air quality. When selecting the right model, SolarVenti will also 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 have proven that SolarVenti reduces humidity significantly.

Furniture, cupboards and duvets will no longer feel and smell damp if doors and wardrobes are kept open while you are away. You can leave coffee, flour and salt in your holiday home without worrying about it forming lumps or going bad.

What are the exterior SolarVenti panels made of?

The frame and the back plates are made of aluminium. Making the SolarVenti easy to lift, move and install. Due to its construction, the solar air collector is immune to any form of corrosion – even in salty or very harsh environments.

The cover is made of UV-resistant Lexan (polycarbonate) which is shockproof and due to the double coating it has insulating properties.  Should it be scratched it can easily be replaced.  All screws and brackets are made of stainless steel and salt-resistant aluminium.

Why is the PV-cell  built into the solar air panel?

For many reasons, it is safer to transport, makes the installation easier, occupies less space and is more aesthetically pleasing. But the most important reason being, the PV-cell is protected against damage and the elements. It will not suffer from overheating when SolarVenti is switched off, because of air circulation through the perforated back plate.

Is the SolarVenti fan noisy?

When the fan is running at full capacity, the acoustic pressure is approx. 40 db (plus/minus 2 db, depending on solar radiation). All models can be switched off, and some are delivered with a fan speed regulator. 

What is the difference between a regulator and an on/off switch?

The regulator reduces or increases the fan speed according to the setting. It switches off the fan when turned to zero. Obviously the on/off switch only serves for starting and stopping the fan operation.

How do I achieve maximum output?
Please see our ‘choosing a model section’

Does the panel have a right way up?

The solar air collector panel can be mounted vertically or horizontally. The position is solely determined by aesthetics and the limitations of the building itself.

Can I change my mind about installation on a wall or roof?

Yes. All models are delivered with accessories for wall mounting. The same SolarVenti panel can be used for roof mounting. Please contact us beforehand, for further information.

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 the flexible pipe, vent, brackets and screws, etc, are packed within the box.

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 3 meters of (110 mm pipe) piping can be permitted (without affecting functionality)

In the case of the SV7 and SV14, 1 to 4 meters of (125mm pipe) piping can be permitted (without affecting functionality).

How big is the SolarVenti box/packaging?

The dimensions of the SV2 box are: 60 x 71 x 14 cm.

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.

 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 install a large panel, assuming internal distribution allows the air to circulate through the whole area. It’s of importance to ensure that there is a vent situated at the opposite end of the house. Alternatively, you can install two SolarVenti units, one at each end of the house.

Where can I see a system in operation?

Please contact us and we would more than happy to arrange a viewing.

What do I do in summer?

If the property is empty, the SolarVenti can be left running for airing and ventilation. If the property is occupied, then the unit can easily be switched off. The SV14 comes with a fan speed regulator, and thermostat. The SV7, SV3 and SV2 come with an on/off switch. The SV7 can have an optional regulator if desired. On the models delivered with a regulator, fan speed can be turned down to a minimum.

Can SolarVenti produce cooler air for ventilation?

Yes, it is possible to extend the system so that it blows cooler (ambient) air into the building. This requires an extra fan on the north side (shady side) of the building and a room thermostat which switches between the fans.

Very occasionally I hear a little buzzing, or clicking, sound coming from the fan. What is that?

The fan requires a certain voltage from the solar cell before it can start up. Once started, it requires less power to continue. If there is little solar radiation, then the fan may not be getting its required voltage. The low buzzing noise comes about, when the fan is just at its threshold.

What would happen if the system was switched off for several days?
Nothing will happen. The SolarVenti unit can be switched on and off without impairing its present or future performance. 

Can I install the system myself?
Yes, the SolarVenti system primary designed to be a DIY product. Any DIY savvy person can easily install a wall mounted SolarVenti. The only essentials are a power drill, hammer, chisel and a screwdriver.  Please see the installation section for further information.

Can the system alleviate allergies?
The system has 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. The air the SolarVenti blows through the building is very clean. The air is drawn into the panel through the back plate, passing through a series of perforated holes. It is then drawn through a felt, which acts a filter. This filtered air is then heated and blown into the house. Indeed, many existing and previous customers have commented how much their symptoms have improved, since having a SolarVenti installed.

Is there a draught from the air injection duct in the wall after installation?
No, if the installation instructions are followed closely. There will be no airflow in the duct when the unit is not working.