SolarEast Heat Pump Ltd., a publicly listed Chinese manufacturer specialising in R290 air to water heat pumps has launched a $US17 million Zero Carbon Laboratory.
Spanning 32,000 square meters and featuring 30 advanced testing labs, the facility sets a new global benchmark for heat pump validation, system integration, and clean energy deployment.
The investment reflects SolarEast's long-term commitment to its mission: "Green Mission • Better Life,” according to the company.
Unlike many manufacturers transitioning from OEM assembly to branding, SolarEast has taken the more difficult route — to become a full-stack R290 system creator from day one.
This new facility is both a product of that belief and a strategic asset to transform the future of sustainable heating, SolarEast said in a statement.
Designed as one of the most advanced private heat pump R&D facilities globally, the complex features:
- A 1,200kW ultra-low temperature lab testing down to -60°C
- Long-duration reliability chambers for residential and commercial units
- Climate simulation labs mimicking Europe, Asia, and North America
- Semi-anechoic chambers for precision acoustic testing
SolarEast chief technology officer, Yin Yaling, said their customers aren’t just buying components — they're buying system stability.
“By synchronising the testing of our self-made evaporators, condensers, PCB control boards, and copper piping, we can optimize every interaction within the heat pump. That's what makes our R290 units truly field-ready,” he said.
The Zero-Carbon Lab is also a full-scale demonstration of how decentralised energy can work in the real world. It includes:
- 1.17MWp of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)
- 800kW/1720kWh lithium battery storage
- Combined ground-source and air-source heat pump systems
- A 1000m³ thermal stratified tank for heat/cool storage
This design supports a fully operational clean energy campus, aligning directly with SolarEast's brand promise to deliver not just products, but proven sustainable systems.
The investment comes at a time of global heat pump acceleration, particularly in Europe, where cold-climate performance and R290 refrigerants are key procurement drivers. Industry analysts expect the global heat pump market to surpass $US200 billion by 2030.
SolarEast director of international sales, Jiao Qingtai, said OEM partners, installers, and contractors need more than datasheets — they need evidence.
“This lab gives them validated assurance, faster project approvals, and fewer post-installation surprises,” he said.
Founded in 2012, SolarEast now manufactures over 85 per cent of its key components in-house, including evaporators, condensers, PCB control boards, and copper piping.
“The Zero-Carbon Lab is not just infrastructure — it's the physical embodiment of SolarEast's belief that real sustainability begins at the system level,” according to SolarEast CEO, Xu Xinjian.
"We didn't build this to impress," he said.
"We built it because every product we ship must reflect our mission — Green Mission • Better Life. That means cleaner winters, quieter nights, and more trust between us and every partner who installs our heat pumps."