Combining Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar Panels: UK Guide

Solar panels work very well with an air source heat pump system. Air source heat pumps are reliant on electricity and solar panels can diminish their operational costs while also making them more or less 100% sustainable. Under most circumstances, ASHPs require far less energy than a standard boiler, which means that they will put less load on solar panels and can even work at nighttime when paired with solar batteries.

Despite how little energy they can use, one of the only issues with heat pumps is that they can still be reliant on the energy grid, which diminishes their capabilities as a renewable energy source. With a solar-powered heat pump, that won’t be an issue.

There are certain features air to air heat pump systems lack that other versions of ASHPs can manage. Air to water heat pump can also be connected to underfloor heating and the radiators in your home. Although the former will require additional installation and underfloor heating costs.

The number of panels you need to power both your home and a heat pump can vary based on the size of your home and how much power your heat pump will use. The average home has 2 to 3 bedrooms and will need a 5kW heat pump and 4kW solar panels.

Heat pump size doesn’t refer to the physical dimensions of the device but rather how high a heat output (measured in kW) it can manage. A 5kW heat pump can adequately heat up a space of up to 35m2 to 45 m2, making it a great option for smaller homes. Larger spaces may require a 10kW system or higher which will mean a higher air source heat pump price.

The cost of an air source heat pump and solar panels can be roughly between £7,000 to £35,000. This depends on the size of the solar panels and the power of the heat pump along with whether you can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Solar panel and heat pump costs can also be mitigated by other heating and solar panel grants such as the 0% VAT policy and the ECO4 scheme.

Solar panel cost and installation can be expensive but it’s also important to note that they illustrate the prices for powering your whole home with solar. You can, instead, also buy a modest set of panels to offset some of the costs rather than the whole home’s electricity. Solar panels for heat pump systems don’t need to always be as large as possible depending on your needs.

One way to help mitigate problems related to the cost of solar-powered heat pumps is to find a reliable installer. While this usually takes days of in-depth research and calling up companies, our service can streamline the process and reduce it down to filling out one 30-second form.

By doing so, you can receive 4 free, non-binding heat pump quotes from our network of thoroughly vetted installers. It’s quick, easy, and provides you with the best prices. Click the button below to get started.

The number of solar panels you can put on your home depends on your budget and how much roof space you have. Aside from that, heat pumps are less energy-intensive than other types of home electrical heating and cooling systems (unless they are badly insulated). This makes them less intensive for solar panels than electric boilers.

In terms of roof materials, there are quite a few good ones. Asphalt, or composite roofing, is potentially the best for installing solar. Its durability makes it well-suited for holding up an array. Metal standing seam roofs are also great and, due to the ease of installation they provide, can save money on costs.

Roofs should face south and, ideally, be tilted 30° to 50° for sunlight capture. Flat roofs can also work but then you’ll need to install brackets that hold your solar panels to an angle and a direction, which could cost more.

For heat pumps, you will ideally need an insulated home to feel the full effect of the installation. Air source heat pumps can be suitable for a wide range of homes compared to other types of heat pumps. Both water source and ground source heat pumps require more elaborate installations, requiring water bodies and free land respectively. This is also why water and ground source heat pump prices are much higher, often ten times.

While getting both solar panels and air source heat pumps can be expensive, the advantages can be great. The savings can be as high as £2,100 per year and you can be certain that you’re energy-independent. Assuming the cost of your setup is £14,000 (the lowest cost model), the savings over time can lead you to break even in between 7 to 8 years.

One of the best ways to reduce the cost of your solar panels and heat pumps is to find the right installer. Getting a reliable one means you are getting the best prices and the best service. The search for a good installer can be complicated as it requires days of deliberating over prices and calling up companies. Luckily, we provide a far more convenient and quicker way.

Just fill in a quick 30-second form and we’ll get you up to 4 free, non-binding heat pump quotes from reputable installers in your area. We’ve vetted them thoroughly so you can be sure they’ll provide the best prices and are up to the task. Click the button below to get started.