Solusauna

Solusauna is a term used to describe sauna systems powered by solar energy. It encompasses devices and installations that use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity for electric heaters or that employ solar-thermal collectors to heat a sauna room directly or via a heat reservoir. Designs range from compact, off-grid cabin installations to larger, grid-connected saunas integrated into residential solar heating systems.

Technology and operation: Solar-thermal solusaunas typically use collectors to heat a liquid in a storage tank, which releases heat into the sauna through a heat exchanger, enabling daily operation with limited sunlight. Photovoltaic solusaunas rely on PV panels to feed electric heaters and control systems; some systems pair PV with thermal storage to maintain heat during off-peak times. Hybrid units may combine both approaches.

Advantages: Reduced fossil fuel use, potential off-grid operation, and compatibility with sustainable housing.

Limitations: Dependence on solar availability, requirement for storage, higher initial costs, efficiency losses in heat exchange, and temperature stability concerns.

History and adoption: The concept emerged with broader deployment of residential solar and energy-efficient saunas; several manufacturers offer solar-assisted sauna components, though widespread adoption remains limited.

See also: Solar energy, Sauna, Renewable energy in buildings.