Heat pumps have become one of the best ways for homes in the UK to reduce their electricity bills and enjoy a greener future.
Whether you choose an air-source heat pump or a ground-source heat pump, you can look forward to long-term savings and a greener future.
However, many homes are now realising the benefits of combining heat pumps with solar panels. A
side from the environmental benefits, combining the two can result in massive annual savings.
Read on for everything you need to know about combining solar panels and heat pumps, including the long-term benefits and what you need to consider.
What are solar panels and heat pumps?
Although heat pumps and solar panels have very different purposes, they share one key thing in common: both are sources of renewable energy, as they don’t burn fossil fuels to produce power.
When you install solar panels, you can reduce your electricity bills and even make money, while heat pumps provide year-round warmth for your home:
- Solar Panels: Solar panels work by collecting energy from the sun and turning it into electricity, which powers your appliances and can charge your electric vehicle. The Smart Export Guarantee also lets you make money by exporting excess energy back to the grid.
- Heat Pumps: When you install a ground-source heat pump or air-source heat pump system, you can look forward to lower energy bills, as they collect warmth from a natural source and transport it into your home, preserving fossil fuels.
The benefits of combining solar panels and heat pumps
Both solar panels and heat pumps are ultra-energy-efficient and offer long-term savings on energy bills. When combined, they become even more powerful and can help you achieve energy independence.
Let’s look at the key benefits of using solar panels with heat pumps.
1. Energy efficiency
Heat pumps boast up to 400% efficiency ratings, making them much more environmentally friendly than even the most efficient gas boilers. However, they need electricity to operate.
When you install solar panels, your heat pump can run off the energy they generate, significantly reducing your electricity consumption levels.
The result? Your home is more eco-friendly, as solar panels harness sunlight to create electricity instead of relying on the grid.
2. Long-term energy savings
According to Octopus Energy, installing a heat pump can save around £545 a year, while solar panels can save up to £1,000 annually if combined with a powerful battery system.
When you run a heat pump using grid electricity, you can expect to spend around £1300 a year – depending on the size of your home and the tariff you’re on. However, a solar-powered heat pump is more affordable, as the electricity comes from your solar panels.
Over the years, this will result in higher savings and a faster break-even point.
3. Increased property value
There may come a point when you want to sell your home, and a competitive property market makes it challenging to stand out.
Many prospective buyers actively seek eco-friendly homes, and those with a heat pump and solar panels will be more attractive.
Solar panels can add between 4-14% to your property’s value, while OVO Energy estimates that greener have an average value increase of 15%.
The costs of installing a heat pump and solar panels
The costs of heat pump and solar panel installation depend on multiple factors, including:
- The size of your home
- The type heat pump you choose
- The size of the heat pump model
- Logistics/circumstances around your heat pump installation process
- How many solar panels you need.
While it can be tempting to opt for a smaller system to save money, your running costs could be higher in the long term.
| System | Estimated Cost (Including Installation) |
|---|---|
| 2kW Solar Panel System | £2,500 – £3,500 |
| 4kW Solar Panel System | £5,000 – £7,000 |
| 6kW Solar Panel System | £9,500 – £10,500 |
| Air Source Heat Pump | £7,000 – £13,000 |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | £15,000 – £45,000 |
| Battery Storage (Optional) | £2,000 – £6,000 |
Renewable energy grants:
Even though both solar panels and heat pumps require an initial investment, you can save on installation fees by accessing available grants, including:
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme: When switching a traditional gas or oil boiler for a heat pump, you can receive a grant of up to £7,500 through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
- Smart Export Guarantee: The SEG is a popular way to earn money from excess electricity generated by solar panels. You export it back to the grid and receive ongoing payments.
- Zero VAT: The government also offers 0% VAT on energy-saving equipment until 2027.
Learn more about heat pump funding.
Choosing the right heat pump and solar panel system for your needs
When upgrading your home, it’s essential to consider the best solutions for your needs. Every property is different, and a professional installation service can help you save money while also maximising your savings.
Here are the most important things to consider.
Property suitability
Solar panels installed on a shaded property or with limited roof space can impact their ability to generate electricity, but you can mitigate this by installing a more powerful system.
When it comes to heat pumps, air-source models are more compact and suit most properties, but ground-source heat pumps require outdoor space.
Energy demands
Your heat pump and solar panels should match your home’s energy requirements. For example, a 2kW solar panel system is suitable for one- to two-bedroom homes, but a standard three-bedroom home will need a 4kW system.
Your heat pump installation service will assess which system you’ll need and provide a quote. Failing to choose systems that align with your property’s consumption levels could mean you spend more money in the future.
Storage
While solar panels generate electricity, you’ll need a storage solution to make the most of this energy. Solar batteries allow you to collect excess solar energy and use it at night or export it back to the grid.
Investing in a battery may seem like an extra expense, but it will reduce your carbon footprint and long-term costs.
Final thoughts
Solar panels and heat pumps alone are proven ways to reduce energy costs and enjoy a greener future.
However, combining them can result in lower electricity usage and significant long-term savings. If you’d like to explore heat pumps, we’d love to help you benefit from everything they offer.
Please contact our experts today to arrange a consultation. Once we assess your home, we’ll provide a free quote.