SOLAR BOX

Efficient hot water using your existing cylinder

SOLAR BOX is a next-generation thermodynamic solar heat pump designed specifically for domestic hot-water production.

It is the ideal solution when you want to retain an existing hot-water cylinder or storage tank while upgrading it into a highly efficient renewable hot-water system.

Rather than replacing the entire installation, SOLAR BOX connects a compact indoor solar block and an outdoor thermodynamic solar panel to the existing cylinder. This reduces disruption, makes better use of equipment already in place and provides an economical route to lower-energy water heating.

The system is available with either one or two thermodynamic solar panels and can produce hot water at temperatures of up to 55°C, 24 hours a day.

Upgrade without replacing your cylinder

SOLAR BOX allows a suitable existing cylinder or storage tank to become part of a modern thermodynamic solar system.

The compact indoor unit contains the components required to collect environmental energy and transfer it efficiently into the stored water.

Key advantages include:

• Retains a suitable existing cylinder
• Compact and straightforward installation
• Available with one or two solar panels
• High-performance plate heat exchanger
• Dedicated domestic hot-water circulation pump
• Environmentally responsible refrigerant
• No glass or other fragile panel materials
• Reduced electricity consumption
• Lower associated carbon emissions
• Hot water available throughout the year

Thermodynamic solar technology

The outdoor thermodynamic solar panel collects heat from solar radiation, wind, rain and the surrounding air.

Unlike a conventional solar thermal collector, the panel does not rely solely on direct sunshine. It can continue absorbing environmental heat during cloudy weather and at night, helping the system provide dependable hot water throughout the year.

The lightweight panel is made from anodised aluminium with a durable protective finish. It contains no glass, rubber or other fragile components and can be installed on a roof, wall or suitable ground-level structure.

How SOLAR BOX works

A refrigerant circulates through a closed-loop circuit connecting the thermodynamic solar panel to the indoor SOLAR BOX unit.

As the refrigerant travels through the outdoor panel, it absorbs environmental heat and evaporates. The heated refrigerant then enters the compressor, where its pressure and temperature increase.

This energy passes through a high-performance plate heat exchanger. A dedicated circulation pump transfers heat from the exchanger into the water stored inside the existing cylinder.

After releasing its heat, the refrigerant passes through an expansion valve. Its pressure and temperature fall before it returns to the outdoor panel, where the cycle begins again.

Compact indoor unit

The SOLAR BOX indoor unit is designed to occupy minimal space while containing the essential components of the thermodynamic system.

Its principal components include:

• High-efficiency compressor
• Plate heat exchanger
• Domestic hot-water circulation pump
• Expansion and control components
• Electronic system controller

Because the system uses a separate existing cylinder, it offers considerable installation flexibility and can be particularly useful when replacing a conventional boiler or immersion-heater arrangement.

Thermodynamic solar panel

The lightweight outdoor panel is easy to transport and install, weighing approximately 8 kg and measuring around 2 × 0.8 metres.

Its design provides several practical advantages:

• No glass or fragile materials
• No routine cleaning required
• Resistant to moisture and corrosion
• No overheating or freezing problems
• Flexible roof, wall or ground-level installation
• Performance unaffected by ordinary dirt or ageing
• Estimated service life of approximately 25 years
• Solar Keymark certification

The panel has also undergone salt-fog corrosion testing representing extended exposure in demanding environments.

Reliable hot water throughout the year

Because the thermodynamic solar panel collects energy from the surrounding environment rather than relying entirely on direct sunlight, SOLAR BOX can operate during changing weather conditions and across the seasons.

The system can heat stored water to temperatures of up to 55°C and is designed to provide an efficient hot-water supply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Maximum return from existing equipment

Reusing a suitable cylinder can reduce the equipment and installation work required when moving to renewable hot-water production.

SOLAR BOX combines the financial benefit of retaining existing equipment with the lower running costs available from thermodynamic solar technology.

Further advantages include:

• Reduced dependence on direct electric water heating
• Lower domestic hot-water energy consumption
• Reduced carbon emissions
• Minimal routine maintenance
• Long panel service life
• Ten-year manufacturer’s guarantee for the thermodynamic solar panel

Flexible installation

The thermodynamic solar panel can be installed horizontally on a roof, wall, flat roof or suitable garden structure.

Its lightweight, robust construction makes it easier to integrate into different buildings without the weight and fragility associated with traditional glazed solar collectors.

The indoor SOLAR BOX unit can be positioned close to the existing cylinder, subject to the installation requirements and an assessment by a qualified installer.

A practical renewable upgrade

SOLAR BOX is particularly well suited to properties that already have a serviceable hot-water cylinder but need a more efficient method of heating it.

By combining existing storage with renewable environmental energy, the system provides a practical balance between installation cost, efficiency and long-term performance.