For many years, AKOTEC has successfully collaborated with NARVA, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality vacuum tubes. These specialized full vacuum tubes are a key component of our high-performance solar collectors, ensuring maximum efficiency and long service life. Together, we are setting new standards in solar thermal energy and offering innovative solutions for sustainable energy generation. The close partnership between AKOTEC and NARVA stands for quality made in Germany and guarantees our customers reliable products at the highest level.
Discover how our collaboration with NARVA is helping to make solar thermal systems even more powerful and future-proof!
Since 1966, NARVA has stood for high-quality glass manufacturing and technological innovation. With the launch of full vacuum tube production in 2005, NARVA set new standards in the solar thermal industry. These high-efficiency Narva tubes are essential for modern solar collectors and are recognized worldwide for their performance and sustainability.
Founded in 1966 as a light bulb factory in Brand-Erbisdorf, NARVA gradually specialized in the production of fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps, and more. As the glassworks modernized, the company evolved further and began focusing on innovative technologies.
Today, NARVA is internationally recognized in the field of solar thermal energy through the production of Narva tubes. These full vacuum tubes are supplied to leading solar collector manufacturers such as AKOTEC and are considered a benchmark in the industry.
NARVA is a leading provider in the fields of glass manufacturing, vacuum technology, and coating processes. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company successfully entered the solar thermal market in 2005. As early as 2007, NARVA launched its first flow-through full vacuum tube.
These Narva tubes impress with exceptional performance and efficiency. Their success led to the registration of intellectual property rights and patents, particularly for the unique high-performance heat pipe, which offers outstanding efficiency and has become an essential component in modern solar collectors.
To prevent issues such as vacuum loss and glass breakage, NARVA has developed an especially robust glass-to-metal connection. In this process, the glass is placed around a metal cap and fused with it. This technique eliminates tensile stress on the glass, making it more stable and durable. Unlike many other products, no adhesives are used here — instead, the glass is permanently bonded to the metal, similar to the method used in barometer capsules. This ensures that the NARVA tube remains reliably sealed and highly resistant to breakage.
We are proud of our long-standing partnership with NARVA – a company that stands out through outstanding innovation and exceptional craftsmanship in tube production. This partnership is particularly meaningful to us, as our AKOTEC Managing Director knows the quality and performance of NARVA products firsthand, having worked there himself. That’s why we stand 100% behind these premium products made in Germany. This strong connection means the highest level of reliability and exceptional performance for both us and our customers. The many positive responses and successful projects from our clients confirm that, together with NARVA, we are on the right path.
Standard double-walled tubes consist of two layers of glass enclosing a vacuum. However, the front end is sealed with a cap, allowing some air exchange between the interior of the tube and the surrounding environment. This can lead to heat losses and moisture buildup inside the tube. In winter, condensation may form, which could damage the tube if it freezes. Additionally, dirt and corrosion can impair the function of the absorber plate, reducing the overall efficiency and durability of the system.
The single-walled NARVA full vacuum tubes are designed so that the interior is completely sealed off from ambient air. Similar to a light bulb, the inner section containing the absorber is fully enclosed in a vacuum. This construction prevents heat loss, moisture, and dirt from entering the tube. These tubes are manufactured by NARVA, an East German company with deep expertise in glass and lighting technology, producing around 200,000 fluorescent tubes every day.
We also cooperate with other experienced solar thermal partners to develop innovative solar systems for both residential and commercial customers. Our focus is on sustainable and high-performance solutions that combine technology and environmental responsibility. Through continuous research, we optimize our solar thermal systems and apply the latest technologies to ensure maximum efficiency.
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