Frequently Asked Questions

A SolarVenti collector is a flat-panel unit mounted on a roof or wall. Sunlight heats air inside the panel, and a solar-powered fan draws outside air through the panel and into the building. The heated, dry air is delivered directly to the space — no batteries, no grid power needed.

The fan in each collector runs entirely from the integrated photovoltaic cell on the panel face. No mains power connection is needed for the basic unit. Controllers and supplementary fans may require a small mains connection — confirm with your supplier.

In Australian conditions, the delivered air is typically 20–40 °C warmer than outside air, depending on solar intensity and airflow rate.

See the performance datasheets in the Downloads section for model-specific flow curves.

Yes. Collectors are designed to be banked in rows and connected to a common duct. Larger installations use manifold ducting to aggregate airflow from dozens of panels, scaling output linearly.

Both — the collector heats ambient air and reduces its relative humidity. Lower relative humidity means faster moisture evaporation from crops, litter, sludge or building surfaces. The temperature rise itself also assists drying at lower ambient temperatures.

Controllers are available that switch the system based on temperature differential, humidity differential, or a timer. The base unit operates whenever sunlight hits the panel. See the Controllers & Transducers page for options.

The panel has no moving parts except the fan. The PV cell and fan motor carry manufacturer warranties — confirm current warranty terms with SVPro.

A single SVPro collector module measures 1,004 mm wide × 1,970 mm long × 300 mm deep (approximately 1 m × 2 m), with a solar collection area of 1.926 m × 0.656 m = 1.263 m². Physical casing footprint is 1.974 m × 0.704 m = 1.390 m². Weight: approximately 10 kg.

The recommended flow range for one SVPro collector is 90–120 m³/h. The collector has a solar collection area of approximately 1.26 m² per module. Multiple modules are combined to scale total airflow linearly.

Pressure drop through one module is approximately 25 Pa at 50 m³/h, 75 Pa at 100 m³/h, and 175 Pa at 150 m³/h. Fan selection must account for this to avoid throttling collector output.

SolarVenti collectors hold European Keymark and DIN Certo certifications. Performance has been independently verified by Fraunhofer test laboratories in Germany.

The absorber filter is made from 2 mm black polyester technical material, resistant to high temperatures. It acts as both the solar absorber and an air filter. The material area is 1.25 m² per m² of collector.

The cover is 10 mm UV-resistant, hail-resistant polycarbonate. Cover transmissivity is 84% ± 2%. This allows maximum solar gain while protecting the absorber from weather.

Air enters through a patented perforated rear wall into a plenum. It then passes through the black polyester absorber filter. The solar-powered fan in each module drives the air through this path, delivering warmed, filtered air to the duct.

Solair Pty Ltd is an Australian company based in Erina, NSW (ABN 17 151 686 565). Solair is the sole licensed distributor of SolarVenti solar air collectors for Australia and New Zealand, operating under the SVPro commercial brand.

SolarVenti is a Danish manufacturer of solar air collectors. SVPro is the commercial brand used by Solair Pty Ltd, the exclusive licensed distributor for Australia and New Zealand. All SVPro collectors are SolarVenti products, with the same certifications as sold globally.

Yes. The official Australian SolarVenti website is www.solarventi.com.au, operated by Solair Pty Ltd. The SVPro commercial/industrial range is presented on this site (svpro.com.au), while the residential range is at solarventi.com.au.

The SVPro range focuses on commercial and industrial applications. For residential installations, Solair Pty Ltd also distributes the standard SolarVenti range (SA3 to SA14 models). Visit www.solarventi.com.au for the residential product line.

Yes. Use the search box on the FAQ page to filter questions by keyword. Questions are also grouped by category so you can browse by topic — how it works, sizing, applications, installation, costs and more.

The main inputs are floor area, volume, air change target, and solar access. SVPro can calculate the number and size of collectors needed. As a starting point, each collector is typically sized for 50–150 m² of treated floor area depending on the application.

A north-facing surface (in the southern hemisphere) tilted at roughly 20–45° gives the best year-round output. East or west orientations reduce output. South-facing installation is not recommended.

Yes. Wall mounting is common for drying applications where a north-facing wall is available. The collector ships with brackets for both roof and wall installations.

A 10-collector bank needs roughly 35–40 m² of unshaded north-facing roof area. Contact SVPro for a site-specific layout.

The actual figure depends on collector count, building volume, and supplementary ducted fans.

For buildings with long duct runs or high resistance, supplementary in-line fans are recommended. SVPro lists compatible fan models on the Suggested Fans page, selected to match the collector flow rates.

As a guide: residences and offices typically require 3–6 air changes/h; warehouses and sheds 2–4 ACH; care facility rooms 6–10 ACH; gymnasiums and sports halls 8–15 ACH; drying applications 10–30+ ACH depending on drying load. Confirm with SVPro for your application.

As a starting point, allow 1 m² of SVPro collector for each 100 m³/h of airflow required. Each standard module provides approximately 1.26 m² of collection area.

Key design inputs: location and orientation of collectors, heating and cooling loads, airflow and air change rates, air temperature and humidity targets, duct pressure drops, building air tightness, distribution layout, and extraction vent sizing. SVPro provides design assistance for commercial projects.

Yes. The SVPro system can feed pre-heated, low-humidity air directly into an existing air handling unit (AHU) or HVAC duct, reducing the heating load on the main system. Integration requires a compatible connection point and back-draught damper.

Traditional aeration moves unheated ambient air through the grain mass. SolarVenti delivers air at 15–40 °C above ambient, significantly reducing drying time and allowing safe storage at higher initial moisture content without the running costs of gas or diesel dryers.

Actual performance depends on ambient conditions and collector sizing.

Yes. The collectors mount on the roof or north wall and connect to existing floor or wall ducts. SVPro can specify the duct connections required for common grain shed configurations.

Wheat, barley, canola, sorghum, corn, rice and pulse crops are all documented applications. The system suits any storable grain where moisture reduction or maintenance is required post-harvest.

Solar intensity in southern Australia is lower in winter but the system still delivers heated air on sunny days. Overcast periods slow drying but do not reverse it.

Contact SVPro for a site-specific estimate.

As a general guide: wheat ≤13.5%, barley ≤13.5%, canola ≤8%, sorghum ≤13%, corn ≤14%, rice ≤14%. SVPro grain drying targets these levels.

Maintaining grain at safe storage moisture significantly reduces insect activity and mycotoxin risk. Dry grain is also easier to treat with grain protectants. SVPro drying helps achieve and maintain dry conditions, supplementing (not replacing) integrated pest management.

Grapes/sultanas, apricots, figs, prunes, apples, tomatoes and other stone fruit are all documented applications. The collector delivers constant low-temperature heat suitable for preserving colour and flavour.

Temperatures above 70 °C can cause case hardening. The system is naturally throttled by the solar resource, limiting overheating risk.

Solar drying has near-zero operating cost once installed. Drying times are longer, but product quality is often superior due to gentler temperatures. Solar drying suits medium-scale operations of 1–100 tonnes/season.

Yes. The air passes through the collector panel only — there is no combustion or lubricant contamination. The collector is constructed from food-contact-compatible materials.

The SVPro system is controlled to stop operation when target moisture is reached (with a humidity controller) or after a set time.

Yes. Prune drying is a documented application. The gentle, consistent solar-heated airflow produces a superior product compared to high-heat tunnel dryers, with better colour retention and reduced case hardening.

Both. SolarVenti is used for raised-bed and greenhouse drying of cherry (natural process), parchment (washed), and honey-process coffee. The gentle, consistent heat reduces cracking and uneven drying.

See the References page and downloaded case studies for specific locations and scale.

Actual times depend on ambient humidity, layer thickness and collector capacity.

A differential humidity controller prevents operation on high-humidity days, which is important in tropical climates where ambient air may be unsuitable for drying.

Lavender, chamomile, peppermint, basil, thyme, oregano and other aromatic herbs are documented applications. Low-temperature forced-air drying retains essential oil content better than high-heat methods.

The SolarVenti system can be combined with a controller to limit maximum air temperature.

A ducted distribution system delivers air uniformly across the rack area. The fittings, dampers and diffusers page shows common duct layouts for herb-drying sheds.

SVPro's naturally throttled temperature range (limited by solar resource) makes it well suited to aromatic crops.

Collectors pre-dry freshly harvested macadamia nuts in their husks, reducing moisture from around 25–30% to a level suitable for further processing or on-farm storage. The heated airflow prevents mould growth and reduces processing energy costs.

The system scales by adding collectors; SVPro can provide a sizing calculation for your annual tonnage.

Yes. SolarVenti is used at both stages — initial field drying in husk and finishing drying of dehusked NIS (nut in shell). The temperature range suits both without risk of over-drying.

Contact SVPro for a site-specific drying schedule based on your annual tonnage and location.

The gentle, low-temperature forced-air drying that SVPro delivers is well suited to macadamia processing. Slow drying at moderate temperatures reduces the risk of shell cracking, which can damage kernels and reduce recovery rates.

Freshly harvested hazelnuts contain 30–40% moisture and must be reduced to under 10% for safe storage. SolarVenti delivers heated air to drying floors or rack systems, accelerating this process without the fuel cost of gas dryers.

Australia has a growing hazelnut industry in the high-country regions of Victoria and Tasmania where solar drying is viable.

Shell moisture is reduced to 6–8% over 7–10 days of SVPro solar drying. At this level, kernels shrink sufficiently for clean mechanical separation and are suitable for long-term storage without mould risk.

Yes. Solar air collectors are used to pre-dry sludge cake on covered drying beds, reducing volume and transport costs before final disposal or energy recovery. The heated air accelerates evaporation without combustion emissions.

Contact SVPro for site-specific estimates.

Yes. Wood chips, sawdust, bagasse and other biomass fuels benefit from pre-drying to increase energy density. SolarVenti can reduce moisture from 40–50% to below 25%, improving combustion efficiency.

Documented applications include municipal wastewater treatment (sludge cake drying), paper and pulp (biomass waste), sugar mills (bagasse), sawmills (wood chips/sawdust), and compost facilities. The system reduces volume before transport or energy recovery.

SVPro can supply motorised dampers and ducted exhaust systems to manage odour in covered sludge drying facilities. Contact SVPro for covered-bed configurations.

SolarVenti delivers fresh, warm, low-humidity air continuously during daylight hours, reducing mould risk and improving indoor air quality. Consistent ventilation helps meet infection control standards without the ongoing energy cost of mechanical HRV or HVAC systems.

Yes. Introducing solar-heated, low-humidity outside air continuously displaces stale air, CO₂ and airborne pathogens. AU-specific studies TBC.

Yes. Directing warm dry air against damp walls or under raised floors is a documented use case. The low-humidity airflow drives out moisture over weeks to months, depending on severity and collector capacity.

The system is passive during darkness and very low sunlight. Buildings retain heat and lower humidity from daytime operation. A controller can close dampers at night to prevent cold air back-draught.

The external collector surface should be kept clear of debris and shading. The internal filter (where fitted) should be checked annually. There are no consumables and no refrigerant.

Yes. Directing high-volume warm, dry airflow through flood-affected rooms and cavities is an effective drying method. SVPro collectors are used as a rapid drying intervention for buildings with water ingress from flooding or leaks.

The system displaces stagnant indoor air with fresh outdoor air, reducing CO₂ and airborne contaminant concentrations.

In summer, if outside air is hotter than the target indoor temperature, the controller can close the damper to prevent overheating. The system is most effective in winter and shoulder seasons for heating and drying in care facility applications.

The collectors deliver fresh heated air, removing humidity from sweat and reducing condensation on walls and equipment. Continuous ventilation during operating hours improves air quality without the energy cost of recirculation systems.

Yes. Pool halls are one of the highest-humidity commercial environments. SolarVenti delivers low-humidity outside air to displace evaporated water. It is typically used alongside pool blankets and proper circulation design.

In summer, if the outside temperature is lower than the studio target, the system adds fresh air with minimal cooling load.

Window condensation occurs when warm, moist indoor air meets the cold glass surface. By continuously introducing low-humidity solar-heated air, SVPro reduces the indoor dew point, eliminating most condensation at operating temperatures.

In southern Australia, the annual average is 4–6 PSH, sufficient for year-round useful operation except in very overcast periods.

The Suggested Fans page lists in-line duct fans matched to the pressure and flow range of SolarVenti collectors. Models are selected to avoid throttling the collector output. Contact SVPro for the current recommended list.

Each collector has an internal 12V DC fan matched to its output. Supplementary fans in the duct must not create back-pressure that stalls the collector fan. SVPro specifies fans with compatible duty points.

SVPro can advise if an existing fan is compatible once you provide the flow rate and static pressure characteristics.

Over-specifying a fan by more than 30% above required duty is generally poor practice — it increases energy cost, noise and capital cost. Select fans at or close to the duty point confirmed by the SVPro system design.

Centrifugal fans are generally better for higher airflow volumes, are more efficient at higher static pressures, and are quieter. Propeller fans suit low-static-pressure applications. SVPro recommends centrifugal inline fans for most duct installations.

SVPro recommends fans with CE certification covering electrical safety, mechanical integrity, EMC compliance, IP (ingress protection) and product safety codes. CE-certified fans indicate compliance with European standards applicable to commercial-grade equipment.

For indoor pool, greenhouse or sludge drying installations, IP55 or IP65-rated fans are preferred to resist moisture and particulate ingress.

Duct diameter depends on the number of collectors manifolded together. SVPro provides a duct sizing guide with each installation specification.

For installations adjacent to noise-sensitive areas (bedrooms, offices, care rooms), acoustic silencers on the supply duct are recommended. SVPro supplies compatible silencer models rated for the collector flow range.

A motorised back-draught damper closes when the collector fan stops (night, heavy cloud), preventing cold air from flowing backwards through the duct and into the building. It is a standard component in any installation with a long duct run.

Short flexible sections at the collector spigot are acceptable. Excessive flexible duct significantly reduces airflow.

In Australian climates, short exposed duct runs generally do not need insulation, but long exposed runs in alpine regions benefit from it.

A reduction fitting steps the duct diameter down from the manifold to a distribution branch. This maintains airflow velocity and minimises turbulence. SVPro snap-fit fittings include reducers matched to standard SVPro spigot and duct sizes.

SVPro motorised back-draught dampers operate on 24V. A step-down transformer from 240V mains is required. The controller output connects to the transformer, which powers the damper actuator.

SVPro offers differential temperature controllers, humidity-differential controllers, and programmable timer modules. The controller page lists current models with their input/output specifications.

Yes. A differential humidity controller compares indoor and outdoor absolute humidity and stops the fan if outside air is more humid than inside. A differential temperature controller does the equivalent for temperature.

SVPro supplies matched temperature and humidity transducers designed for the controller inputs. Indoor and outdoor sensors are included.

A differential humidity controller compares the absolute humidity of outdoor air with indoor air. If outdoor air is drier, it allows the fan to run; if outdoor air is more humid, it stops the fan and closes the damper, preventing introduction of damaging moisture.

Yes. A programmable timer module can restrict operation to specific hours — for example, avoiding early morning operation when dew points are high, or limiting operation to business hours in commercial buildings.

Typical accuracy for matched sensors is ±0.5 °C temperature and ±2% RH.

The mechanical installation is straightforward; electrical connections for controllers need a licensed electrician.

Each collector requires one spigot penetration through the roof sheeting, sealed with a standard flashing kit. No structural roof modification is needed for typical residential or commercial metal roofs.

This includes mounting, duct runs, damper and controller wiring.

Yes. The Downloads page includes installation manuals for current collector models. PDFs cover roof mounting, wall mounting, duct connection, flashing and controller wiring.

Always confirm with your local council for heritage-listed or bushfire-zone properties.

The manufacturer recommends a tilt angle of 60–90 degrees from horizontal for the SVPro collector. Steeper angles suit wall mounting; shallower angles (20–45°) are used for roof mounting where a lower tilt is required.

The SVPro module is rated to a maximum wind load of 1,500 Pa (1.5 kPa). This is sufficient for most Australian building locations, though exposed coastal sites should be assessed by a structural engineer.

The flashing kit is supplied with the collector or available from any roofing supplier. No special tools are needed.

The standard spigot boot can accommodate most roof types. An installer experienced with tiled roof penetrations is recommended.

A basic installation with no controller requires no electrical connection — the fan is entirely solar-powered. If a controller, motorised damper, or supplementary fan is added, a licensed electrician is required for the low-voltage or mains connection.

Multiple collectors are installed in a row with individual spigots feeding into a common manifold or main duct. Each collector has its own internal fan; no external connections are needed between collector units. The manifold aggregates the airflows.

Performance graphs for Australian capital cities are included in the performance datasheets.

Output drops proportionally with solar irradiance. On overcast days, output may be 20–40% of peak. The collector still delivers warmer-than-ambient air while there is diffuse light. Heavy cloud or rain essentially stops output.

Yes. In most Australian climates, winter solar resource is sufficient for useful output during the day. Winter air is cold and dry, so temperature rise above ambient can be large. Performance data for winter months is included in the datasheets.

Yes. The performance section and downloadable datasheets include modelled output for Australian capital cities and major agricultural regions.

High ambient relative humidity reduces the drying potential of the delivered air even when heated. A controller that checks outdoor humidity before running the fan prevents introducing humid air.

Instantaneous thermal efficiency is documented in the SolarVenti performance certification. At a recommended flow of 90–120 m³/h, efficiency varies with solar intensity and ambient temperature.

The References page links to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's daily solar exposure tool (bom.gov.au) and NASA's global solar exposure database. These provide site-specific irradiance data for sizing calculations.

Yes. The fan is powered by the integrated PV cell on the collector face. No grid power is consumed for the base unit. The product literature describes SVPro as carbon neutral in operation.

No. The integrated PV cell produces no power after sunset, so the fan stops. The building retains heat and low humidity from the day's operation. A back-draught damper prevents night air from entering through the duct.

This allows 24-hour operation for applications with a continuous drying requirement.

Night purging — drawing cool night air through the building — is possible when the system is fitted with a mains-powered fan and a controller. This removes heat stored in the building fabric, reducing next-day cooling loads. The collector's filter ensures clean airflow during purging.

Annual cleaning of the external glazing to remove dust and bird droppings. Check that duct seals and flashing remain watertight each year. The fan and PV cell require no routine servicing.

Australian Consumer Law provides additional guarantees independent of the manufacturer warranty.

Fan replacement typically requires removing the cover panel — documented in the service guide.

Yes. The black polyester absorber mat is also an effective air filter, described by SolarVenti as a "self-cleaning filtration system." Dust and particles are trapped on the absorber surface and periodically cleaned by airflow reversal or manual inspection.

For heavy soiling, the front cover can be removed and the filter vacuumed. Reinstall the cover after cleaning. Full service procedure in the installation guide.

The most common causes are: blocked or partially closed back-draught damper, blocked duct or filter, shading of the collector face, or fan wear. Annual inspection of the damper, filter and collector surface covers most issues.

UV resistance is rated for at least 10 years. Yellowing or cracking reduces transmission and efficiency, indicating the cover should be replaced.

Cost depends on collector model, quantity, duct configuration and location. Contact SVPro for a quote. As a guide, a small 2–4 collector system for a residential or farm building starts from several thousand dollars installed.

Payback depends heavily on the alternative energy cost being displaced.

Effectively zero for the basic collector — the fan is solar-powered and there are no consumables. If a controller or supplementary fan runs on mains power, add that load (~20–60 W typically). No fuel, no refrigerant, no filter replacements.

Dehumidifiers consume 300–1,000 W continuously and require regular filter/coil maintenance. SolarVenti has zero operating cost and no maintenance consumables. At commercial scale, the capital cost premium over a dehumidifier is typically recovered within 1–3 years of operation.

Gas dryers have high fuel cost and require safety compliance. SolarVenti eliminates fuel cost and fire risk from the drying system itself.

An HRV recovers heat from exhaust air but does not add solar energy. SolarVenti adds net heat from solar gain, making it more effective for drying and moisture control. HRVs suit continuous balanced ventilation; SolarVenti suits applications where heat and dryness are primary goals.

As a rough guide, allow 30–50% of the collector hardware cost for labour, ducting, fittings, flashing and controller. Contact SVPro for a full supply-and-install quote.

Contact SVPro directly to discuss payment terms. Farm investment loans and equipment finance through agricultural lenders may also be applicable for farm installations.

The Incentives page on this site lists current Australian and New Zealand programs. Federal and state grants for on-farm energy efficiency, agri-energy, and building sustainability may apply.

The Incentives page and your state ag department are the best current sources.

Confirm the methodology with your NABERS assessor, as solar thermal inputs are treated differently from grid energy savings.

Check ARENA's current funding rounds and your state DPI/DPIRD website. Programs open and close regularly.

SVPro (Solair Pty Ltd) is the sole licensed distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Sales are direct or through authorised dealers. See the Dealers page for regional contacts.

SVPro can also ship direct to most locations in Australia and New Zealand.

Contact SVPro directly for current stock and delivery timeframes.

Yes. SVPro distributes to New Zealand as part of the exclusive Solair licence. Contact SVPro for NZ pricing, freight and any local compliance requirements.

Use the Contact page to send an enquiry with your application type, building size and location. SVPro will respond with a specification and quote.

Use the Contact page on this site to submit an enquiry with your application type, location, building dimensions and any relevant drawings. SVPro will respond with a preliminary specification and indicative quote.

Include: application type (drying, ventilation, care facility, etc.), location (state and suburb), building dimensions (floor area, wall/roof area), current energy source being replaced, and any existing duct or HVAC infrastructure. The more detail you provide, the faster SVPro can respond with a specification.

The Downloads page on this site lists all technical datasheets, installation guides, performance data and reference documents grouped by type. PDFs can be downloaded directly.

Solar PV + heat pump is more complex, requires inverter and battery infrastructure, and has higher capital cost. SolarVenti is a direct thermal system — simpler, no battery storage losses, and lower maintenance. For drying applications, direct solar thermal is typically more cost-effective per kWh delivered.

No. Solar hot water collectors heat water in a closed glycol or water circuit. SolarVenti heats air directly and delivers it to the building. SolarVenti is an air solar collector; solar hot water is a liquid solar thermal collector. They are not interchangeable.

Passive solar relies on building orientation and thermal mass — it cannot be added to an existing building without major redesign. SolarVenti is an active retrofit system that can be added to any building with a north-facing surface.

No. SolarVenti adds heat and reduces humidity — it is a heating and ventilation system, not a cooling system. It is not a substitute for air conditioning in summer. It complements HVAC by reducing the heating and dehumidification load in winter and shoulder seasons.

Conventional unheated aeration fans move ambient air, which may have insufficient drying potential on humid days. SVPro raises air temperature by 15–40 °C above ambient, dramatically increasing drying capacity. At the same airflow rate, heated air removes 2–5× more moisture per hour than unheated air.

Greenhouse solar dryers are passive structures — they can overheat product and provide no airflow control. SVPro is an active system with temperature-controlled, force-dried airflow at a consistent rate, giving better product quality and more predictable drying times.