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SOLARWATT and Dulas Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Vaccine Cold Chains


Published in: Solar, Press Releases


SOLARWATT and Dulas Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Vaccine Cold Chains image

When solar power is protecting the health of communities around the world, reliability matters.

That's why Dulas, a recognised specialist in off-grid vaccine refrigeration, has chosen SOLARWATT solar technology to power the next generation of its Solar Direct Drive (SDD) refrigeration systems. From November 2026, Dulas will integrate SOLARWATT glass-glass solar modules into its vaccine cold-chain solutions, helping provide reliable storage for medicines and vaccines in some of the world's most remote locations.

Built for Critical Healthcare Applications

Delivering reliable refrigeration in off-grid environments requires technology that can perform in demanding conditions year after year.

Each Dulas Solar Direct Drive refrigerator will now be supplied with two SOLARWATT glass-glass photovoltaic modules, providing more than 900 Wp of installed solar capacity. Combined with Dulas' advanced refrigeration technology, the system delivers a dependable energy source for critical healthcare applications where grid access may be unavailable or unreliable.

The solution combines:

  • SOLARWATT glass-glass technology, designed for durability, long-term energy yield and resilience in challenging environments.
  • Advanced bifacial TOPCon cell technology, maximising energy generation while protecting solar cells from weather and mechanical stresses.
  • Dulas Phase Change Material (PCM) technology, enabling stable vaccine storage temperatures of +2°C to +8°C for up to three days whatever the weather.

Together, these technologies create a robust, dependable cold-chain solution capable of supporting healthcare providers in remote and off-grid locations.

Why Dulas Chose SOLARWATT

For organisations operating critical infrastructure, product quality and long-term reliability are fundamental.

Dulas selected SOLARWATT based on a combination of technical performance, durability and a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing.

SOLARWATT's glass-glass modules are designed to deliver long-term performance in demanding environments, making them particularly well suited to applications where maintenance access can be limited and system reliability is essential.

In addition, SOLARWATT's focus on transparent supply chains, responsible sourcing and lower-carbon manufacturing aligns closely with Dulas' own environmental and social commitments.

Supporting Healthcare in Burkina Faso

With the first shipment scheduled for November 2026, preparation is already underway for deployment in West Africa.

In November 2026, an initial shipment of 20 solar-powered vaccine refrigerators will leave Dulas' manufacturing facility in West Sussex for Burkina Faso, where they will support healthcare delivery through an international humanitarian programme.

Each refrigerator has the capacity to safely store vaccines for approximately 10,000 children, giving this shipment the potential to support vaccination programmes protecting up to 200,000 children against preventable diseases.

The project demonstrates how reliable solar technology can help deliver essential healthcare services in locations where traditional infrastructure may not be available.

"By pairing our proven refrigeration technology with SOLARWATT's high-efficiency panels, we are ensuring that healthcare workers in off-grid locations have the most reliable cold-chain equipment available."

Gemma Atherton, Procurement Manager, Dulas

"We are delighted to be working with Dulas to support the next generation of sustainable cold-chain solutions. This partnership demonstrates how high-performance solar technology can support critical infrastructure while delivering lasting social and environmental impact in communities around the world."

Peter Bachmann, CPO & Managing Director, SOLARWATT

Powering a More Resilient Future

The partnership between Dulas and SOLARWATT highlights the role solar energy can play beyond residential and commercial applications.

 

From enabling vaccine storage in remote communities to supporting critical healthcare infrastructure, reliable solar technology can play an important role in helping solve some of the world's most pressing challenges.

As Dulas continues to expand its solar-powered refrigeration programmes globally, SOLARWATT is proud to support a solution that combines long-term performance, durability and sustainability with tangible humanitarian impact.

Dulas and SOLARWATT stacked

About SOLARWATT

 

Founded in 1993, SOLARWATT is one of Germany’s solar pioneers, with more than three decades of experience in developing high-quality photovoltaic technology. The company specialises in durable glass-glass solar modules designed for reliable, long-term energy generation, alongside intelligent energy solutions including battery storage, heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. Today, SOLARWATT technology is used across residential, commercial and specialist applications where quality, performance and reliability matter.

 

For more information, visit www.solarwatt.co.uk

Press Contact Paula Harris Marketing & Communications Director UK & Ireland Paula.Harris@solarwatt.com +44 20 3966 1952

About Dulas

Powering global health

For decades, Dulas has been a leading UK manufacturer, providing essential off grid vaccine storage to support global immunisation efforts.

Our WHO PQS-accredited solutions are specifically designed to perform flawlessly in even the most remote locations. Our latest medical and scientific range includes connected pharmacy and laboratory refrigerators, as well as customisable cooled incubators, engineered for intelligent temperature management and superior temperature stability.