Keeping rural homes warm in harsh northern winters can be both costly and energy-intensive. In 2021, a homeowner in Huludao, Liaoning Province, turned to a modern solar heating system to solve this issue in a sustainable and cost-effective way.
Combining heat pipe solar collectors with a 10kW electric boiler and underfloor heating, the system now delivers indoor temperatures of 20–22°C throughout winter, without relying entirely on fossil fuels.
Heating Area: 140 square meters
System Type: 8 sets of 25-tube heat pipe solar collectors + 10kW electric boiler + floor heating
This small-scale yet efficient solar heating system for rural homes has proven to be a reliable solution even in the coldest months.
The primary component is a series of evacuated tube heat pipe solar collectors installed on the roof at an optimal tilt angle. These collectors convert sunlight into thermal energy, which is circulated through a buffer tank and distributed via floor heating loops.
During cloudy or extreme weather, a 10kW electric boiler kicks in automatically as backup, forming a fully integrated solar and electric hybrid heating solution.
8x 25-tube heat pipe solar collectors
Insulated hot water storage tank
Automatic controller with temperature sensors
10kW electric boiler (auxiliary)
Floor heating manifold and circulation pump
Despite average winter lows of -10°C to -15°C in Huludao, the solar heating system keeps the indoor temperature between 20°C and 22°C. The underfloor heating ensures even heat distribution and higher comfort compared to traditional radiators.
The electric boiler is used only during extended cloudy periods, significantly reducing electricity bills. This not only saves money but also minimizes carbon emissions.
Many rural residents are seeking cleaner, smarter ways to heat their homes. A solar heating system for rural homes offers many advantages:
✅ Lower operating costs compared to coal or electric-only heating
✅ Stable comfort with automatic temperature regulation
✅ Modular design, suitable for homes from 80㎡ to 500㎡
✅ Works well with radiant floor systems
✅ Eligible for government clean energy subsidies in some regions
For winter heating, solar heating with heat pipe collectors offers key technical benefits:
High thermal efficiency even under low sunlight conditions
Rapid heat transfer to circulation water
Excellent frost resistance and long lifespan
Low maintenance and modular for expansion
These qualities make them ideal for rural installations where reliability and simplicity are crucial.
Similar solar floor heating systems have already been deployed in other parts of northern China, including Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi. Applications include:
Farmhouses and village homes
Community centers and clinics
Rural schools and kindergartens
Greenhouses with temperature-sensitive crops
With further optimization, these systems can also integrate solar water heating and cooking modules for all-season clean energy use.
The Huludao project demonstrates how a small-scale solar heating system can deliver big comfort. With intelligent controls, hybrid backup, and efficient design, it provides a real-world solution for rural winter heating.
If you're planning to upgrade your home heating or develop energy-efficient housing in rural areas, consider a solar heating system that's affordable, reliable, and future-ready.
Contact Soletk Solar today to learn how we can help you implement your own customized solar heating system for rural, commercial, or industrial applications.
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