What Is Solar Ventilation Pre-Heating?
Solar ventilation pre-heating is HVAC’s secret weapon in the renewable energy world. At its core, it’s about using the sun’s energy to warm up ventilation air before it even hits your building’s heating system. The star of the show here is the Fabric Transpired Solar Collector System developed by Sunreps. These collectors are designed to pre-heat fresh air for commercial rooftop heating and air conditioning units, as well as poultry broiler barns. The system connects directly to rooftop HVAC units, requires no electricity, and is built using mostly local materials and simple hand tools. It’s a smart, scalable solution that’s been tested and proven since 2011 by Sunreps, founded by John Wabel and attorney Hal Levi.
Main Benefits of Solar Ventilation Pre-Heating
Why does this matter? Because it delivers real, measurable savings and environmental impact. Here’s the lowdown:
- Each collector produces 2–5 therms per square foot per heating season (according to RETScreen data).
- Building heating costs and rooftop unit (RTU) run times are significantly lowered.
- Sunreps collectors use 80% locally available materials stocked by national suppliers like Home Depot and L&W Supply.
- No shipping costs or delays, no warehousing needed, and same-day access to materials.
- Viable in 31 states and worldwide above the 35th parallel north.
- Requires no electricity—just pure solar heat you can actually measure.
Training and Skill Development
Sunreps isn’t just about the product—it’s about empowering people. Their training program teaches HVAC pros, contractors, building engineers, mechanical engineers, and solar enthusiasts how to design, build, install, and test the most efficient solar air preheaters on the market. Participants get hands-on experience fabricating a real working system, mastering collector, ducting, and plenum construction. The training covers design principles and performance testing, making solar HVAC accessible and practical. Licensed pros can even earn microlicenses to install the patented system, while non-licensed folks can learn fabrication and testing, partnering with licensed contractors for installation.
Local Fabrication and National Supply Chain
One of the coolest things about Sunreps’ approach is its focus on local fabrication combined with a national supply chain. About 80% of the materials are locally available, meaning no long waits or shipping headaches. Builders and contractors can grab what they need from familiar suppliers like Home Depot or L&W Supply, often the same day. This setup cuts costs and speeds up projects, making solar ventilation pre-heating a practical choice for many buildings. Plus, it supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and warehousing.
Flexible Applications and Design Adventure
Sunreps’ solar collectors aren’t one-trick ponies. They’re flexible and field-proven, ready for all sorts of setups. Whether it’s rooftop units (RTUs) on flat roofs, wall-mounted units on industrial and commercial buildings, or even sunroom and leanto units for homes, the system adapts. This versatility means it can fit a wide range of building types and climates, especially in regions above the 35th parallel north. It’s solar HVAC that’s ready for whatever comes next—innovative, practical, and built to last.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promotes renewable solar heating solutions.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Encourages local fabrication and innovative HVAC integration.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Supports energy-efficient building heating systems.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Uses locally sourced materials, reducing waste and emissions.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduces carbon emissions by lowering fossil fuel heating demand.
About Sunreps and Its Mission
Established in 2011 by John Wabel and attorney Hal Levi, Sunreps has been at the forefront of fabric transpired solar collectors for over a decade. Their focus is solar space heating, with proven installations in agricultural sectors and commercial buildings. By pre-heating fresh air for rooftop HVAC units and poultry broiler barns, Sunreps is making solar HVAC simple, scalable, and local. Their patented system and training programs are designed to empower professionals and enthusiasts alike to lead the way in renewable energy heating solutions.
