Case Study Ritter Energie

In collaboration with Ritter Energie GmbH & Co. KG., va-Q-tec has developed a highly efficient solar thermal system with an accompanying heat storage tank rated A+ for energy efficiency. The innovative AquaSOLAR+ solar thermal system comprises the SOLAR PLASMA+ vacuum tube collector and the vacuum-insulated SP Aqua HEX+ buffer tank, and is an ideal addition to all energy-sustainable properties seeking to maximise the use of solar energy for their heating requirements. The highly efficient SP Aqua HEX+ buffer storage tank was awarded the Plus X Award in five categories in 2026: Innovation, High Quality, Ease of Use, Functionality and Ecology. The expert jury was particularly impressed by the system’s well-thought-out architecture.

Thanks to insulation using vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) from va-Q-tec, the buffer tank – which is equipped with numerous functions – retains heat significantly better than tanks with conventional insulation materials, whilst maintaining the same insulation thickness. The tank, insulated with the innovative vacuum insulation, has a heat loss of just 46.1 watts, falling just under ten per cent below the legally prescribed limit for the highest possible energy efficiency class, A+. The Plus X Awards jury also rated this environmental aspect very highly, as it makes an important contribution to environmentally conscious heating.

To ensure the buffer tank can be easily transported to its destination, the entire hard-shell insulation system (va-Q-shell) is removable. This means the large-capacity tank, with a 750-litre capacity, fits easily through all standard doors, underlining its ease of handling.

Solar thermal system with vacuum insulation

Mastering the heat transition with vacuum and water for maximum thermal efficiency

The functional principle of the solar thermal system