As green building practices become more important not only for environmental reasons. Yet but also for cost savings and tax credits. So new products supporting this philosophy are popping up everywhere. This wealth of product information can be tedious to sort through. Especially for the building professional.

InSpire Solar Collector is a metal wall system. One that’s used to collect and distribute solar-heated. So it takes outside air for ventilation or processes. I mean such as drying.

The concept was really simple. Especially when I met Tom Soden from InSpire. All at a Solar speaking gig.

The solar InSpire wall panel is a transpired solar collector. It is mounted a few inches from the building’s outer wall. The precision perforations in the wall panels. For they allow outside air to travel through the face of the panel.

Solar heated air at the surface of the panel. It is drawn through the perforations. All where it rises between the two walls. Then it enters the building’s ventilation system. The InSpire wall system is used to pre-heat outside air. All before it enters the building to provide fresh air changes and natural humidification. That’s as well as opportunities to reduce energy consumption.

Metal Panels

Perforated metal panels offer unlimited flexibility. As well as extensive design variations. Architecturally, they can be used for decorative applications. Also signage and panel infills. Then ornamental contrast, ceilings and walls. In addition, grills, dividers and acoustical surfaces. Plus more.

ATAS offers numerous hole size and placement combinations. All for perforated metal panels. While standard rounds holes are the most economical. Yet custom shapes and variations are available. That’s at an additional cost and with design limitations.

An aluminum substrate is recommended. That’s for all exterior perforated applications. All due to its inherent corrosion-resistant properties.

Moreover, InSpire wall panels are coated with a fluoropolymer (PVDF) coating system. That’s in colors. Colors which allow absorption of the sun’s energy. Most importantly to pre-heat surface. As well as the cavity air.

 

How Does it work?

The solar generated pre-heated air transpires into the wall cavity. It’s also drawn into the building’s interior. That’s through conventional ductwork.

At ATAS, they have compiled green building information. That’s also here regarding Cool Metal Roofing. In addition, Transpired Solar Collector panels. All which is a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system. Also various means of credits from the federal government. Therefore possible state credits and incentives from various companies.

Economics of Solar Heating

How much does it cost? How much do you save?

1. Reduces annual energy consumption by 1 to 2 therms. All per sq. ft. of collector.
2. Reduces annual heating costs by $1.50 to $5.50 per sq. ft. of collector. That’s also depending on fuel replaced.
3. Simple payback of 3 to 8 years

In conclusion, it’s an approximated cost $14 to $17 per sq. ft. of wall, installed.