A Scottish startup developing a flat-pack solar water heater that can be assembled in 20 minutes has received £150,000 in funding from the British Design Fund.
SolarisKit is the brainchild of Dr Faisal Ghani, who came up with the concept during his work at the Heriot-Watt University. Ghani discovered a paper regarding how heating in Rwanda can cost people as high as 40% of their pay on energy.
“When I saw the statistic I was shocked and the more I looked into it the more I saw the potential for solar heating to solve the problem,” said Ghani. “But there were many design challenges to overcome, if we were to make a solution that was both accessible and affordable.”
The Dundee-based startup says its water heater doesn’t require specialist installation, tools, pump or electricity and can function in “geographies where sunlight levels are low”.
It will use the funding boost to accelerate product development, “enhance our manufacturing capabilities and enter new markets”
Ghani added: “Less than 2% of global heating needs are currently met by solar energy, we are aiming to change the landscape with our affordable and efficient technology.”
It comes as the University of Dundee was this month named the country’s best university for producing successful spinouts.
Other investments by the British Design Fund include a smart logistics box and a fire alarm startup.