Arctica Solar was founded in 2016 to engineer and manufacture durable, high performance solar air heaters for the Antarctic summer months (October through January) to help curb the use of environmentally hazardous and expensive fossil fuels for space heating. Arctica Solar air heaters have been in use in Antarctica since 2015 in the Queen Maud Land region. In 2018 Arctica Solar began engineering modular solar air heaters for use in a large range of markets and applications.
Optimized absorber materials combined with a patent pending convective heat transfer / air handling system and a uniquely low profile design. Fully enclosed, fully assembled from the manufacturer, or in a kit option. Designed to mount vertically or on a standard PV module racking systems. Designed for DIY installation or installation from your local handyman or HVAC installer.
To drastically reduce the price and increase the performance of modular manufactured solar air heater options.
To remake the category with a highly engineered, high DFx product.
To make you rethink what you thought you knew about solar air heating.
A high performance, high aesthetic, PV powered solar air heater. Avaliabile as a fully factory assembled unit. Click for more information below and check out our short introductory video.
Red Feather is a wonderful organization dedicated to improving the lives and homes of Hopi and Navajo. They've made this great video on the Arctica 1500 Series Solar Air Heater, Gen 2 and solar furnaces in general. Please visit their site and support their cause!
This tool allows you to see the total potential electricity savings from using a single Arctica Solar Air Heater for your application in your geography.
The heater is assumed operating at full capacity if the ambient temperature is below 21 C / 70 F, and is off if ambient temperature is above 70 F. The tool uses sunlight data from the
NREL TMY3 database and assumes a 80% heater operating efficiency and minimum available irradiance of 200 W/m2.
Enter your zip (US only) and your cost of electricity ($0.20 - $0.30 / kWhr for most US electrical customers) to see your estimated annual savings when using a Arctica Solar Air Heater.
What is a solar air heater?: Where a PV solar panel generates electricity, a Arctica solar air heater generates hot air for spacing heating applications.
Why would I use a solar air heater?: If you live in a colder climate and need heating during a portion of the year solar air heating can be a inexpensive and sustainable way to meet or supplement your heating needs. If you live in a sunny climate and need naturally warmed air for a specific process, like making beef jerky, hydroponics or aeroponics, Arctica solar air heaters are a natural choice.
How does it work?: Sunlight enters the heater and is collected by a special absorber panel. An optimized thermal exchange system uses heat captured by the absorber to heat incoming air and then delivers the air to the use space. The 1500 series heater uses a PV panel to operate the circulation fan, and is controlled automatically with a thermostat and temperature switch.
Do I have to plug it in?: In the 1500 Series, No. The heater provides its own power for air circulation via the PV panel.
Does it have a thermostat?: The heater ships with a heat-only thermostat, however it can work without a thermostat as well by just twisting the thermostat wire leads together.
How does it ship, and how much does it weigh?: Single heaters ship FedEx Ground in a cardboard box, similar to the way current single PV panels ship. Ship weight is about 68 lbs, 68" x 40" x 5". More than one heater would ship freight on a pallet.
Is it hard to install?: It is designed to install just like a PV electric panel by DIYers or solar installers. It does require routing of air ducting, so it is best to locate the heater as close to the point of use as possible. Please review the owners manual which has information about the install process at this link here.
Why not just use PV panels routed to a traditional space heater?: For producing heat, PV panels are terribly inefficient and take up a lot of space. At 80% end to end efficiency, an Arctica Solar air heater is the best choice for maximizing cost performance in space heating.
Would a window work just as well?: Yes and no, depending on your scenario. Windows do allow for collection of solar radiation, but are designed to let in light and keep out weather. Windows often have coatings which lower the energy collected from the sun for the purpose of heating and comfort of people and items in the living area. The heater is designed to deliver heat, so the use cases can be different. Installation of the solar heater is easier with fewer potential leak points than a window.
Stay in touch with the latest products, technology and adventures from Arctica Solar.
Happy to answer any questions you have, please send us an email, call us or send us a letter.
info@arcticasolar.com
Phone714.698.9779
