SOLTRAIN knowledge resources
Welcome to our comprehensive collection of downloadable brochures and videos dedicated to all aspects of solar thermal deployment. Whether you are an industry professional, a solar energy enthusiast, or simply curious about harnessing the power of the sun, this resource hub is designed to provide you with valuable information and insights. Our carefully curated selection covers both technical and non-technical aspects of solar thermal technology, empowering you to understand its workings, benefits, applications, and best practices. Through our diverse range of brochures and videos, we aim to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for the tremendous potential of solar thermal energy. So, dive in, explore, and embark on a journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future powered by the sun.
Instructional brochures
Gender and Diversity
SADC boasts one of the highest levels of solar irradiation in the world yet renewable energy solutions remain underutilised. To address the electricity deficit in the region the Southern African Solar Thermal Training & Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN) project was implemented, building local solar thermal capacity and markets. The SOLTRAIN+ project extends efforts by incorporating industrial applications and energy efficiency with a dedicated ‘Women in Renewable, Heating and Cooling’ work package, SOLTRAIN+ Gender & Diversity (G&D), to increase the participation of women in a male dominated sector, in line with national sustainable development goals, regional protocol and strategies.
Solar Heat For Accommodation, Tourism & Healthcare Sectors
The use of solar energy for heat applications is a sustainable and cost effective solution for the accommodation, tourism and healthcare sectors. Businesses in these sectors typically require hot water of between 50 and 60 °C. Most businesses operating in these sectors still rely on fossil fuels or electricity for producing hot water for occupants. Solar thermal technologies have proven to be a technically and financially viable alternative for reducing their dependence on fossils fuels, generate financial savings and reducing their carbon footprint.
Solar Thermal Dimensioning Guidelines
This brochure provides the general information for the dimensioning and design considerations of solar thermal systems. The information provided can be used for the sizing of small residential systems as well as for larger systems for the accommodation and healthcare sectors and includes both thermosiphon and pumped systems.
Solar Heat for Industrial Processes
Solar thermal systems can be used by industrial plants depending on the heat requirements of the plant or specific process. In plants that require high temperature, above 100 ⁰C, solar thermal systems are often used for pre-heating the water supply to a boiler in order to reduce fuel usage.
SOLTRAIN+ Policy Information
SOLTRAIN – the Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative - is a regional initiative on capacity building and the demonstration of solar thermal systems in the SADC region. The initiative started in 2009 and is currently in its 4th phase. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with partnering countries - South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
SOLTRAIN+ - General Information
SOLTRAIN+, the Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative, is a regional initiative on capacity building and the demonstration of solar thermal systems in the SADC region. The initiative started in 2009 and is currently in its 5th phase. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with partnering countries - South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
