First SunAéro solar air-source heat pump to heat and ventilate a CM1 classroom in an elementary school in Carnoules

Solar Brother, an actor committed for almost 10 years to the design of ecological solar solutions, announces the arrival of SunAéro (Gold Medal winner of the 2025 Lépine competition), its new connected aerothermal solar heating system, on the market for school and public buildings.

A first pilot installation has just been carried out in an elementary class at the Marie-Claude Vaillant-Couturier school in Carnoules (83).

This project reflects a strong local commitment to improving the ventilation and sustainable heating of school buildings, within a national context where indoor air quality in schools is increasingly scrutinized. Numerous reports and surveys (notably those conducted by the Indoor Air Quality Observatory) have demonstrated that classrooms still too often suffer from stuffy air, high CO₂ levels, and inefficient heating systems. In this context, the Carnoules town hall decided to test the effectiveness of the SunAéro solar air-source heat pump for heating and cooling one of its schools.

A 100% French innovation, designed and assembled in Carnoules

The result of over 20 years of experience in solar thermal energy, SunAéro is a self-contained, eco-friendly, and connected solar heating system. It preheats the air entering a building, renews indoor air, and reduces energy consumption by up to 30%.

SunAéro heats spaces ranging from 20 to 60 m² using free solar energy. It generates an additional 3 to 5°C of heat, reducing the energy consumption of traditional heating systems and resulting in substantial savings. SunAéro® operates completely autonomously, without requiring connection to the electrical grid: the system uses a series of modular solar panels that capture solar energy and heat the incoming air. This airflow is then circulated back into the room by a controlled ventilation system.

The pilot classroom – a 40 m² Algeco modular unit accommodating 24 first-grade students – was equipped with the system two weeks ago. The initial results are very encouraging: an indoor temperature of up to 25°C reached naturally during the day, a reduction in humidity from 60% to 40% while the children are present, and efficient ventilation allowing for complete air renewal every hour.

According to Gilles Gallo, co-founder of Solar Brother: “SunAéro is the concrete and accessible answer to the challenges of sustainable heating and indoor air quality in schools and public buildings. This installation in Carnoules marks a key step in our development. We are proud to offer a local solution, simple to install and capable of meeting an urgent and widespread need.”

For Christophe Cortes, Mayor of Carnoules: “We wanted to be at the forefront by testing this type of solution. Children’s well-being also depends on good air quality and consistent thermal comfort. This project shows that with committed partners and innovation, small municipalities can also be key players in the energy transition.”

Solar Brother will publish an analysis report in spring 2026 on the production and associated benefits of solar heating. The expected benefits are numerous:

They are financial: a supply of free hot air that allows for savings and greater independence from fluctuating energy prices.
They also relate to comfort and uses: dehumidification to combat humidity and strongly affect perceived comfort - air renewal without opening windows, without having to reheat the air after closing them, or nighttime cooling in summer to reduce building temperatures during the night without air conditioning.

A potential for regional and national development

Supported by the South Region, the Carnoules town hall, and its installation partner La Maison Autonome, Solar Brother is already planning new installations in the Var department and Marseille, with the next phase planned for La Londe-les-Maures. In the short term, the company is targeting school buildings, offices, and even recreational accommodations such as camping bungalows, which often face the same ventilation and heating challenges.

Building on its Solar Keymark certification obtained in 2024 (guaranteeing excellent thermal efficiency exceeding 72%) and the Gold Medal awarded to SunAéro and its patent at the Concours Lépine in 2025, Solar Brother now aims for significant acceleration in the B2B market. With over 500 units already sold to individuals in France and Europe, the company is expanding its network of installation partners to meet growing demand.