Can solar panels power a heat pump effectively?

Solar panels and heat pumps are popular technologies for generating and using energy as sustainably as possible in your home.  While solar panels harness energy from the Sun to generate electricity, heat pumps use electricity to efficiently transfer and upgrade heat from one place to another.  

Here we look at the effectiveness of using solar power to generate electricity to run a heat pump and what factors can influence the efficiency of the kit.

What do you need to think about?  

To effectively power a heat pump using energy captured from the Sun, you should consider several factors. These include:

1. The size and efficiency of the solar panel system

• Size does matter. The larger the solar array (the term we use for a collection of solar panels that work together), the more power it will generate  

• The panel’s efficiency is also important: higher-efficiency solar panels will maximise energy production from a given surface area

2. The heat pump's efficiency and capacity

• You need to think about COPs. No, not the law-enforcement kind, but the Coefficient of Performance kind. A higher COP – basically the efficiency of the system - means your heat pump can extract more heat from its environment per unit of electricity consumed

• Make sure your heat pump's capacity aligns with your home's heating needs. Your Thermly installer will design the system to avoid over or undersizing and making sure it’s just right for your home

3. Installing energy storage solutions like batteries

• Plan ahead: It’s worth thinking about putting in battery storage too. A battery system will store excess solar energy generated during the day for use when you need it most – including when the heat pump needs to provide you with warmth in the evening, when it’s no longer sunny

4. Home energy efficiency measures

• A well-insulated home minimises heat loss, reducing the workload and energy consumption of your heat pump. We will work with you to figure out what needs to be done to your property to make sure it's on the right side of insulated  

• You can also make other small changes by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting to help reduce overall energy demand. This means that more solar power can be used for heating

5. Looking after your solar and heat pump means having it professionally installed by accredited installers

• We use only MCS installers for this work (MCS is a mark of quality, showing that your installer has adhered to recognised industry standards when completing your installation). Proper installation is critical for the optimal performance and safety of your new solar panels and heat pumps

• Regular maintenance is key as this ensures your heat pump will continue to operate at peak efficiency

6. Local climate and sun exposure: the elephant in the room!

• Yes, we know we live on a small(ish) island which isn’t exactly known for its regular long, sun-filled days. However, the UK has more than enough sunlight to make solar panels a very worthwhile investment. There are already 1.4 million households in the UK benefitting from this technology  

• The direction your roof faces and its angle will also come into play. MCS installers like ours will undertake a proper assessment of your roof and provide full details of the best option for you, and the impact it will have on your energy demand, cost and emissions

7. Government incentives and funding

• Don’t forget the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is still running, offering eligible homeowners up to £7,500 off your heat pump installation. Head to our article [https://www.thermly.co.uk/articles/how-to-apply-for-grant] to find out more.

Is it worthwhile combining solar panels and a heat pump?

This is a common question and our answer is definitely. Here are some reasons, so you can make up your own mind:  

• You can reduce your energy costs. Solar panels generate electricity, which can power the heat pump, significantly lowering your reliance on the Grid and reducing your electricity bills

• Increased energy efficiency. Heat pumps are super energy-efficient, and pairing them with solar power further boosts their cost effectiveness, as you're using renewable energy you’ve generated yourself to help run them

• It’s very environmentally friendly. Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future. Paired with an efficient heat pump, it’s a win-win!

• It helps to future-proof your home. As energy costs continue to rise, a solar-powered heat pump system provides a reliable and cost-effective way to heat your home for years to come. Not only that, if the Government does push through a ban of gas boilers, your home is already ready!

Conclusion

To us, pairing solar panels with a heat pump makes total sense - it's a combination that just works, like cheese and tomato, salt and pepper, Harry and Sally.

Yes, the initial investment may be higher, but the long-term benefits of connecting a solar panel to a heat pump make it a worthwhile and increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking for energy independence and environmental sustainability. You could say they’re a match made in efficient heating heaven (if such a place exists).  

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