SolaCatcher Africa

The African SolaCatcher

Many households in Botswana rely on electric “geysers” to produce hot water. These units can be very inefficient, especially in cases where they are left switched on permanently and are often located outdoors, thereby suffering significant heat losses (especially at night). Using a pre-heat solar system with inefficient electric “geysers” can yield significant energy and emission savings. The African SolaCatcher was developed through collaboration between SolaForm Ltd and Solamatics Botswana (Pty) to produce a pre-heat solar system suited to the African environment, that can reduce household water heating bills.

The Technology

The African SolaCatcher is a heat retaining integrated collector-storage solar water heater designed to work alone or supply pre-heated water to existing geysers (offsetting electricity consumption). The African SolaCatcher uses a double vessel, thermal diode technology developed by SolaForm and Ulster University to collect and store solar heat throughout the day, for either immediate daytime or later evening use. The African SolaCatcher is made from locally fabricated, sourced materials and components and incorporates a pressure rated, innovative heat exchanger to remove contamination and scale formation problems.

Technology Partnership

SolaForm Ltd, Ulster University and Solamatics Botswana (Pty) Ltd have been working together for over 6 years across several projects and have just recently formed a Contract Manufacturing Agreement to develop the African SolaCatcher in Botswana. Solamatics Botswana (Pty) Ltd was incorporated in Botswana and have over 24 years working in the solar industry, earning a strong reputation for quality equipment and an after-sales service that is the envy of the industry.