FAQ — Nordic Sunwall

Everything you need to know about our solar air heating systems — for farms, homes, schools, swimming pools, sports halls, care homes, and public buildings.

Do you have a question that is not listed here? Please feel free to contact us.

General Questions

1. How much does a Nordic Sunwall system cost?

We deliver complete systems tailored to your situation — whether you have a balcony, a garden, a school, a swimming pool, or a care facility.

Nordic Sunwall — the smart solar collector
A perforated black aluminium sheet with a matte powder coating for maximum efficiency (83% peak). The system lasts 25+ years and delivers free heat from the sun. Suitable for both private individuals and institutions.

For those with a smaller budget
We supply the same system at cost price + 10% to vulnerable groups, seniors, care homes with limited budgets, and humanitarian organisations.

Because every situation is unique, we offer a free, no-obligation custom quote. Contact us with your dimensions and requirements, and you will receive a fixed price with a clear specification.

2. How much can I save on my gas or electricity bill?

Savings depend on your specific situation, but here are realistic figures.

For balconies and gardens
A balcony system saves 7 to 10% on your annual gas bill. You can set your thermostat up to 6°C lower on sunny days. Payback time: 1.5 to 2 years.

For schools, swimming pools, and institutions
Large ventilation systems consume a lot of energy. Nordic Sunwall can save up to 30% on ventilation heating costs. Payback time is typically 2 to 4 years.

For care homes and nursing homes
Lower energy costs mean more budget for care. Warm, fresh air means healthier lungs for vulnerable elderly residents.

We provide a site-specific energy assessment with your quote, so you know exactly what to expect.

2b. Why is the saving lower in the Netherlands than in Eastern Europe or Scandinavia?

In the Netherlands, the average gas saving is 7 to 10% per year. In countries like Poland, Sweden, or Norway, savings can reach 30–40%. This difference has nothing to do with the system — it is all about the climate.

In the Netherlands:

Winters are shorter and milder
Many days are cloudy
Fewer sunlight hours per day

In Eastern Europe and Scandinavia:

Winters are longer and colder (often below 0°C)
The air is drier and clearer — less cloud cover
More sunlight hours per day in winter
The sun sits lower but shines brightly on clear days

The result: A perforated solar panel delivers much more heat per m² in Poland or Sweden than in the Netherlands, simply because there is more winter sun.

Good to know: Even in the Netherlands, you save money — and your home or building becomes fresher and healthier. The system pays for itself in the Netherlands within 1.5 to 2 years.

3. What temperature does the system deliver?

That depends on the setting.

For balconies and gardens (standard mode)
The temperature rise is 15 to 30°C above the outside temperature.

For institutions

High-flow mode (ventilation): 25°C to 35°C rise above outside air. Suitable for continuous ventilation preheating.

Low-flow / high-temperature mode: Up to 80°C rise above outside air. Suitable for specific applications where higher temperatures are needed.

Temperature rise means the increase above the outside temperature. If it is 10°C outside, the outgoing air can reach 90°C in high-temperature mode.

4. Does Nordic Sunwall work in winter?

Yes, absolutely. This is the question we hear most often.

A solar collector does not need warm air — it needs sunlight. Even on a freezing winter day with a clear sky, the sun delivers 400 to 700 Watts of energy per square metre.

The plate heats up to 60°C to 80°C — even when it is freezing outside. The air drawn through thousands of perforations absorbs that heat and enters your home or building as pleasant, preheated ventilation air.

So yes: on a sunny winter day, Nordic Sunwall works perfectly.

Operation & Technology

5. What happens on cloudy days or at night?

The system works best in direct sunlight. On cloudy days, the output is lower. At night, the system produces no heat.

That is why we offer an optional thermal battery.

For home use
A marble slab or a gravel cabinet on wheels can store heat for the evening. The gravel cabinet also doubles as a side table — practical and functional.

For institutions
A larger gravel bed or water tank can be installed for heat storage. During the day, excess heat is stored; at night, that heat is slowly released.

When the system is off, your existing heating works normally. There is no risk of cold air being blown into your home or building.

6. What happens with rain or snow?

The perforated aluminium is designed for outdoor use. Rain washes dust away, which actually improves performance.

Snow temporarily covers the panel, but as soon as the sun shines, the black plate warms up quickly. Snow melts and slides off, or falls through the perforations. Within an hour of sunrise, the plate is snow-free.

Unlike systems with a glass or polycarbonate cover — where snow stays put, melts slowly, and can even form ice — our unglazed design is quickly operational again. As long as snow sits on a glass system, its output is zero.

7. What makes Nordic Sunwall more efficient than other solar air heaters?

Our design is specifically developed for maximum heat transfer. Unlike simple flat plate designs, our internal structure is engineered to significantly increase the contact surface with the air. The airflow is forced along more hot surface area in a controlled path.

Combined with optimised airflow dynamics and high-quality materials, we achieve a peak efficiency of 83% — one of the highest on the market.

8. How does the colour affect performance?

We offer one standard finish for maximum performance: matte black. This provides the highest solar absorption and peak efficiency.

Our matte black finish absorbs approximately 95% of solar energy. Other colours are available on request but reduce efficiency.

For maximum energy savings, choose black.

Applications

9. Is Nordic Sunwall suitable for my home or building?

Yes. Nordic Sunwall works on any sun-exposed location with sufficient space.

For balconies and gardens
An aluminium collector that you hang on the balcony railing or place on a stand in the garden in a quarter of an hour. No drilling, no installers, no hassle. Ideal for renters, seniors, and families with a modest budget.

For schools
Better air quality means better learning outcomes. No more stuffy classrooms, no more cold drafts from open windows. Fresh, preheated air without extra heating costs.

For swimming pools
Fewer chlorine fumes, fewer burning eyes, a healthier indoor climate. Warm air can hold more moisture and chlorine — the result: a more pleasant swimming pool for everyone.

For sports halls and changing rooms
Warm, dry air without cold drafts. No cold feet after showering, less mould, and a healthier environment for athletes.

For care homes and nursing homes
Vulnerable elderly people need clean, warm air. Our system delivers that — without sending the energy bill through the roof. More budget for care, less stress for residents.

For town halls, theatres, and museums
Visitors notice the difference: a fresh, comfortable indoor climate without the heating working overtime. Lower energy costs, satisfied visitors.

For flat roofs and gardens
No suitable wall? No problem. With a freestanding frame at 30–45°, you can place the system anywhere with enough sun.

Not sure if your situation is suitable? Request a free site assessment. We will visit, measure your location, and give you a clear quote.

10. Can I use Nordic Sunwall on my balcony?

Yes, absolutely. We offer a special balcony package that fits almost any balcony.

The balcony package includes:

Aluminium collector (matte black, perforated) customised to your balcony
Slim frame with insulated backing
Flexible hose (125 mm) to bring warm air inside
Quiet 12V fan
Small solar panel for the fan
Clear installation manual

Benefits:

No drilling — just attach to the railing
Removable — take it with you when you move
Save 7 to 10% on your annual gas bill
Payback time of 1.5 to 2 years

For people with a modest budget, we supply this system at cost price + 10%.

Visit our balcony page for more information and package options.

11. Can I place Nordic Sunwall on a flat roof or in the garden?

Yes, absolutely. We also offer freestanding systems for flat roofs and gardens.

Benefits of roof and garden installations:

No suitable wall? No problem
Optimal angle (30–45°) for maximum winter yield
Larger systems possible (4 to 20+ m²)
No visible changes to the building facade

The system includes:

Frame (aluminium or galvanised steel)
Perforated aluminium panel with matte black coating
Insulated hose to the inside
Fan and solar panel

Installation & Maintenance

12. How long does installation take?

For balconies and gardens
Installation takes about an afternoon. You attach the collector to the balcony railing or on a frame in the garden, run the hose inside, and connect the fan to the solar panel. No special tools required.

For institutions
Installation of a standard system usually takes 1 to 2 days, including mounting the panels, installing the fan, ducts, and controller, and connecting to your existing ventilation system.

Larger systems take more time. We provide a clear schedule with your quote.

13. How do I install the balcony system myself?

Installing a balcony system is simple and takes about an afternoon.

What you need to do:

Attach the collector to the balcony railing with clamps or rope
Leave 2 to 3 cm space behind the collector for airflow
Run the hose through a window or balcony door (use a draught stopper)
Place the fan at the outlet (inside or outside)
Connect the fan to the solar panel on the balcony

No special tools required — just basic tools.

And the hose?

For optimal results, we recommend a hose length of up to 5 to 8 metres with a diameter of 125 mm. Longer than 8 metres, the fan struggles too much and the air cools down on the way.

Do not forget: insulate the hose! Without insulation, you lose up to 10°C of heat before the air enters your home. A simple insulated hose or insulation wrap keeps the heat in.

Place the fan preferably on the inside (pulling), not on the outside. This way, the hose is under negative pressure — if there is a leak, cold air is pulled in rather than warm air escaping.

14. Can Nordic Sunwall be used without heating?

Yes. We also offer a non-heated version.

Non-heated: The perforated panel only, without fan or ducts. Ideal if you want to upgrade later.

Heated: Full system that captures solar energy to preheat your ventilation.

We can install the non-heated version now and upgrade to heated later if your needs change.

Subsidies & Comparisons

15. How does the subsidy work?

For institutions and private individuals, there are various schemes available.

ISDE subsidy (for private individuals and institutions)
The Investment Subsidy for Sustainable Energy is available for solar boilers and heat pumps. Nordic Sunwall is an air-water solar collector and may qualify — depending on your situation. Ask about it in your quote.

SDE++ (for institutions and businesses)
The Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production is available for agricultural and commercial applications. You pay the full amount and apply for the subsidy yourself (we can help with the application).

Municipal schemes
Many municipalities have funds for energy saving in vulnerable households. Check with your local council for options.

We are happy to help you find the right scheme for your situation.

16. How does Nordic Sunwall compare to a heat pump?

This is a common question. Here is the honest answer.

A heat pump:

Is a huge investment (often €50,000 to 100,000)
Installation is complex and requires a specialist
Runs on expensive electricity
Payback time is long

Nordic Sunwall:

Is affordable — a fraction of a heat pump
Installation is simple — DIY or local installer
Runs on free sunlight — no fuel costs
Payback time is short — often 1 to 2 years
Virtually no maintenance — aluminium does not rust

The smartest solution: Use both. A heat pump for year-round comfort. Nordic Sunwall to save on heating costs.

17. What is the difference between Nordic Sunwall and a system with glass or polycarbonate?

Some systems use a glass or polycarbonate cover. That sounds attractive, but it has important drawbacks.

The disadvantages of glass/polycarbonate:

Snow stays put — as long as snow sits on the glass, output is zero
Condensation and ice — moisture can freeze inside and block sunlight
Less air volume — air must flow behind the glass, which limits maximum volume
More expensive and heavier — glass and polycarbonate are costly and sensitive to breakage

Nordic Sunwall is unglazed:

No glass, no condensation, no ice
Snow melts and falls through the perforations
Air flows straight through the plate — perfect for high ventilation volumes
Lighter, simpler, and much more cost-effective

For ventilation preheating, unglazed is the better choice.

Customisation & Advice

18. How big should my system be?

That depends on three factors: the size of your space, the insulation value, and your ventilation needs.

For balconies
A standard balcony package is 3.6 m² (1.2 × 3.0 metres). Fits almost any balcony. Custom sizes available on request.

For gardens
The size is flexible — from 2 to 6 m², depending on available space and your heat requirements.

For institutions

Small space (up to 50 m²): 2 to 4 panels (4 to 8 m²)
Medium space (50 to 150 m²): 4 to 8 panels (8 to 16 m²)
Large space (150 to 300 m²): 8 to 16 panels (16 to 32 m²)
Very large space (300+ m²): 16+ panels

But note: These are guidelines. The exact number depends on orientation (south is best), insulation, and desired temperature level.

That is why we do this: we make a free, no-obligation calculation based on your specific situation.

19. Can I combine Nordic Sunwall with a thermal battery?

Yes, and that is one of the smartest choices you can make.

With a thermal battery, you can store daytime heat for the evening or night.

For home use
A marble slab or gravel cabinet on wheels stores the heat. The gravel cabinet also doubles as a side table — practical and functional.

For institutions
A larger gravel bed or water tank is installed for heat storage.

Benefits:

You save on heating costs in the evening and at night too
A stable and healthy indoor climate
The investment is low and lasts for years

Ask about the possibilities in your quote.

20. Is there a special version for institutions?

Yes. Nordic Sunwall is specially developed for demanding environments.

Corrosion-resistant coating — resistant to moisture and aggressive substances
Washable dust filter — against dust, fluff, and feathers
Insulated duct — prevents condensation
Robust mounting — resistant to weather influences
25+ year lifespan — aluminium does not rust

Nordic Sunwall is built to last for years in the challenging environment of a school, swimming pool, sports hall, or care facility.

Still have a question?

We are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us.

📧 info@nordicsunwall.com
🌐 nordicsunwall.com

We usually respond within 24 hours.