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Our mission:

To democratise access to solar hot water

Half the world’s energy is used to meet heating needs, and this is still largely met using fossil fuels. But the problem isn’t just environmental. In regions like sub-Sahara Africa, wood and charcoal are heavily relied upon for heating water. Using these types of fuels are inconvenient, time consuming, and unsustainable. Quite often its women and children who are collecting wood.

Harnessing solar energy provides a better, cleaner, and more convenient way to heat water. SolarisKit was founded to help democratise access to solar hot water and unlock the vastly untapped potential of solar energy. Our vision for a better world is where heat is both clean, affordable, and accessible by everyone, leaving no one behind. You can learn more about our journey on this page, or feel free to contact the team – we’d love to hear from you.

It started with some scribble in a notebook.

While working as a Renewable Energy Lecturer for Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh Scotland, Dr Faisal Ghani wanted to develop a new design solar collector, one that would help accelerate the global adoption of solar heating. Inspired by the IKEA flat-packed furniture concept, Faisal wanted to bring a flat-packed solar collector to the world. One that would be easier to locally manufacture, and simpler to transport and install.

After years of R&D, testing, and pilot trials what started off as some scribble has now become the SolarisKit HelioFlow solar collector, the world’s first flat-packed solar collector.

We have been on an incredible journey

Product Development

Our team of engineers in Scotland have been working on getting it right for years. Its come a very long way from some scribble in a notebook.

Product Certification

To ensure the highest quality, SolarisKit HelioFlow has been tested to EN 12975, ISO 9806, and is Solar Keymark Certified.

Global Installations

We have learnt a thing or two after completing installations around the world including Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, the USA, and the UAE.

Our goal is to lower the energy costs and carbon emissions for buildings and accelerate the global transition to solar heat. 

Up to 30% of building energy consumption is for heating water. In sunny regions like the Middle East and Africa, solar energy can be used to meet this need reducing energy costs while substantially reducing carbon emissions. In fact, heating is the single largest source of energy related greenhouse gas emissions.

Through product innovation, capacity building activities, and resource creation (checkout our articles here), our goal is to accelerate the global transition to clean solar heat.

Ready to lower the energy costs and carbon emissions for your project? Schedule a call and lets get started.

Seeking Partnerships with
  • Property developers
  • MEP engineers
  • Building consultants
  • Architects
  • Installers
Our Specialties
  • Solar thermal system design
  • Energy Modelling
  • Installation and Maintenance
  • Product design
  • Manufacturing
Awards and Recognition
  • Converge Impact Challenge, 2019  
  • MSDUK Social Innovation, 2020
  • RSE Enterprise Fellowship
  • Net Zero Edge Prize, 2021
  • Top 100 Energy Startup, 2022
Featured On
  • BBC World Service (link
  • BBC Radio 4 (link)
  • STV News (link)
  • Scotsman News (link)
  • Herald Scotland (link)

We are on a mission to put solar collectors on flat-roofs

Innovation

You’ll often find the team working on new products from sessions on the white board, computer modelling, to rapid prototyping. We especially love our large format 3D printer!

Capacity Building

Its not just about products, its also about building an industry. SolarisKit and its partners have established the Solar Thermal Training Hub in Kenya to help train the technicians needed to realise our mission.

Raising Awareness

The potential for solar heating is enormous with so many applications, in so many regions. We love publishing and writing on solar energy from international peer reviewed journals to articles on our blog.

Meet the SolarisKit Team

FOUNDER & CEO

Dr Faisal Ghani

In 2019 while working as a lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh Scotland, SolarisKit founder Dr Faisal Ghani came across a journal paper stating that households in Kigali Rwanda were spending up to 40% of their total income paying their energy bill, most of which was used for heating water.

As a mechanical engineer working in solar heating for over 15 years this struck a chord with Faisal. Imagining a world where the potential of solar energy could be unlocked, Faisal decided to develop a solution which democratised global access to solar heat. Inspired by IKEA’s flat-packed furniture solution, Faisal went on to develop the world’s first flat-packed, self-assembled solar collector.

Faisal left Heriot-Watt University in 2020 to focus on building SolarisKit and realising its vision for a better world.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mark Durrant

Mark Durrant is currently a non-exec Director at SolarisKit, and full time CCO at NX Technologies. An experienced sales leader, with a comprehensive knowledge of the electrification and renewable markets. Prior to joining NX Technologies, Mark led European sales for Turntide, and before that, was VP global sales for Sevcon, a Nasdaq listed company. He was part of a small team that managed the sale of Sevcon to BorgWarner in 2018. A graduate electronics engineer, with an MBA from Edinburgh University.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

David Westwood

David Westwood currently serves as Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Nomad Energy Solutions UK Ltd, which deploys digital platforms to enable precision heating solutions in buildings.

He has served on the Boards of a number of UK registered companies and has occupied senior executive roles in UK and international companies for over 20 of those years. He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of SolarisKit. David has an environmental sciences background and is a graduate of the universities of Aberdeen and Manchester.

GLOBAL PROJECTS AND INSTALLATION MANAGER

Kris Aitchison

Kris Aitchison is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience in Scotland’s plumbing and heating industry. A time-served plumber and gas fitter, he has worked extensively on new builds and renovations around the Edinburgh area, earning a solid reputation for his technical expertise and quality workmanship.

In 2010, Kris’s career took a transformative turn when he pursued his passion for renewable energy. He trained as a solar thermal installer, marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on sustainability. Initially, Kris applied his skills to solar installations across Scotland, working with local builders and homeowners to integrate renewable energy solutions into residential and commercial projects. His dedication to renewable energy quickly became a driving force in his career.

In 2019, Kris joined Solariskit, a move that allowed him to expand his passion and expertise even further. The role provided him with opportunities to work internationally, installing solar thermal systems in countries such as Rwanda, Kansas (USA), Portugal, Dubai, and Kenya. These experiences broadened Kris’s perspective and skillset, as he not only installed systems but also trained local installers and technicians. His efforts have helped spread the adoption of solar thermal technology across diverse regions, sharing his knowledge with a global audience.

Kris’s learning and growth didn’t stop at installations. He embraced the challenge of designing custom solar thermal systems for clients worldwide, applying his deep technical knowledge to create tailored solutions. This aspect of his work has enabled him to leave a lasting impact on solar energy projects globally.

Today, Kris remains a passionate advocate for renewable energy, continually advancing solar thermal technology and striving to make sustainable energy accessible worldwide. His dedication to environmental responsibility drives his mission to bring solar energy to every corner of the globe.

R&D ENGINEER

Hamish Madgwick

In 2019 while working as a lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh Scotland, SolarisKit founder Dr Faisal Ghani came across a journal paper stating that households in Kigali Rwanda were spending up to 40% of their total income paying their energy bill, most of which was used for heating water.

As a mechanical engineer working in solar heating for over 15 years this struck a chord with Faisal. Imagining a world where the potential of solar energy could be unlocked, Faisal decided to develop a solution which democratised global access to solar heat. Inspired by IKEA’s flat-packed furniture solution, Faisal went on to develop the world’s first flat-packed, self-assembled solar collector.

Faisal left Heriot-Watt University in 2020 to focus on building SolarisKit and realising its vision for a better world.

PRODUCTION & QUALITY

Darren Dawson

In 2019 while working as a lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh Scotland, SolarisKit founder Dr Faisal Ghani came across a journal paper stating that households in Kigali Rwanda were spending up to 40% of their total income paying their energy bill, most of which was used for heating water.

As a mechanical engineer working in solar heating for over 15 years this struck a chord with Faisal. Imagining a world where the potential of solar energy could be unlocked, Faisal decided to develop a solution which democratised global access to solar heat. Inspired by IKEA’s flat-packed furniture solution, Faisal went on to develop the world’s first flat-packed, self-assembled solar collector.

Faisal left Heriot-Watt University in 2020 to focus on building SolarisKit and realising its vision for a better world.

A few projects we are proud to be a part of

SolarisKit featured on BBC People Fixing the World

After successfully completing installations of its flat-packed solar collectors in Rwanda, Founder and CEO of SolarisKit Faisal Ghani was featured on the BBC’s People Fixing the World.

Solar Thermal Hub of Excellence in Kenya

After a two-year partnership between SolarisKit (UK) and Strathmore University (Kenya), the Solar Thermal Hub of Excellence was officially launched.