Old solar systems in new splendor

The vast potential of solar thermal energy was recognized early on. As far back as ancient times, burning and concave mirrors were known to convert the sun’s energy into usable heat for humans. Since the oil crisis in the 1970s, solar water heating and heating support have become standard in environmentally conscious construction. Since the 1980s, tube collectors have been conquering the world market and continue to gain popularity today.

The first solar thermal systems that were put into operation are now over 30 years old and often still work perfectly.

However, in recent years, the risk of extreme weather conditions has been increasing more frequently. While we can seek shelter inside during storms and bad weather, our solar system on the roof is exposed to the elements without protection.

Although older solar systems still provide good yields, a storm can quickly damage a tube. A fallen tree, a heavy hailstorm, and suddenly, one or even several tubes are damaged. Owners of older solar systems then face a dilemma. Often, the manufacturers of their systems are no longer on the market. However, there is no need to panic. Contrary to popular belief, the entire system does not have to be replaced.

AKOTEC offers thousands of collectors with older systems from well-known manufacturers a fair and sustainable alternative to a new solar collector. The fact is: Even older collector systems still have a valid purpose and can continue to provide high yields for many years. By simply replacing the tube, the yields previously achieved can be restored.

To keep these older systems from other manufacturers, which are no longer active on the market, working to the satisfaction of their owners, AKOTEC is the right point of contact. The Brandenburg-based solar collector manufacturer provides replacement tubes based on its globally recognized vacuum tube technology. The AKOTEC tube has outstanding features that upgrade the nearly 30-year-old collector systems of its customers into modern, high-performance, and durable systems that will continue to work reliably for at least the next 25 years.

Thanks to the state-of-the-art AKOTEC tube, concerns about unpredictable weather conditions are a thing of the past. The tubes have undergone a special hail resistance test by TÜV Rheinland. In the hail impact test, according to Hail Resistance Class 4, the tubes were hit with 40mm ice balls at a speed of 100 km/h. The result: AKOTEC full vacuum tubes withstand hail with flying colors, offering full security in all weather conditions.

With the unique technology of our heat pipe tube, solar system owners can gain security on their roof. Each tube in our system automatically shuts off at 100°C, preventing undesirable overheating.

The available replacement tubes are compatible with collectors from Thermomax, Elco Klöckner, Stiebel Eltron, Solartherm, Vissmann, Hoval, Solar Technologies THX, and Brötje. If you are unsure whether the replacement tubes available from AKOTEC will fit your home solar system, you can get free advice. AKOTEC offers a 20-year manufacturer warranty on all full vacuum tube collectors.