Air source heat pump with solar panels: a smart pairing.

If you're looking for smarter ways to power your home and move toward reducing your carbon footprint, you're not alone. More and more homeowners are doing just that, and one of the best options is pairing an air source heat pump together with solar panels. 

This powerful duo isn't just about cutting down your energy bills, it's a big step towards energy independence and a greener future. By tapping into renewable sources – the air and the sun – you can create a really efficient, low-carbon heating and electricity system for your home.

Getting to grips with heat pumps and solar panels.

To really see the benefit of combining an air source heat pump and solar panels, it's helpful to understand how each works on its own.

An air source heat pump is a clever bit of kit that pulls heat from the outside air, even when it's chilly out. Think of it like your fridge, but in reverse. It uses a small amount of electricity to move a bigger amount of heat from one place to another. This heat then warms up your home's radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water. Unlike traditional boilers, heat pumps don't burn fuel to create heat, so they're a much cleaner option.

Solar PV (Photovoltaic) systems (solar panels) turn sunlight straight into electricity you can use. You’ll have individual solar panels on your roof that capture photons from the sun and convert them into direct current (DC) electricity. Then, an inverter changes this DC electricity into alternating current (AC) – that’s the type of electricity all your home appliances, and crucially, your heat pump, use.

Put them together, and these two technologies truly shine. Your solar panels generate clean electricity during the day, which can go straight to your air source heat pump. This means you’re relying less on electricity from the grid, cutting your running costs and carbon footprint significantly.

Why pair a heat pump with solar panels?

Bringing a heat pump and solar panels together is more than just a clever tech move, it's a step towards a more sustainable and financially secure future for your home.

The main benefit is using the electricity your solar panels generate to power your heating. Imagine a sunny winter's day: your solar panels are busy producing electricity, which your air source heat pump then uses immediately to keep your home toasty. This direct use means you’re taking less electricity from the grid, which leads to lower energy bills.

What's more, combining these systems gives you more control over your energy use and carbon footprint. You’re actively helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing renewable sources for your heating and electricity. For many homeowners, this focus on sustainability is a real selling point. On top of the environmental perks, this combination also means lower running costs and greater energy independence. It helps protect you from fluctuating energy prices and makes your home more resilient.

Heat pumps and solar panels: what's the cost?

While the long-term benefits are clear, it’s only natural to wonder about the upfront cost of heat pumps and solar panels. We’ll give you a realistic overview of installation costs and the potential financial savings when you combine the two.

Heat pumps and solar panels: initial installation costs.

Getting both technologies installed is a big investment upfront, but it’s definitely one worth viewing as a long-term commitment to making your home more energy-efficient.

Typically, solar panels in the UK cost between £5,000 and £8,000 for a standard home system. This can vary based on the system size, the quality of the panels, and how complex the installation is. Our guide on the cost of solar panels explains this in more detail and talks about the 0% financing¹ options we offer.

Air source heat pump installation usually costs a bit more, falling between £7,000 and £13,000. This covers the unit itself, the installation work, and any necessary tweaks to your existing heating system, like new radiators or pipework. We also offer a range of financial options which you can choose from and talk more about the cost of heat pumps in our comprehensive guide. 

It’s important to remember these are average figures. A proper, tailored quote from a certified installer will give you the most accurate estimate for your specific property. And importantly, the UK government offers financial incentives to encourage us to adopt these green technologies. For example, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants to help cover the cost of installing air source heat pumps, which can significantly reduce the upfront investment for eligible homeowners.

Heat pumps and solar panels: long-term energy savings.

The real financial upside of having an air source heat pump with solar panels becomes clear when you look at the long-term energy savings.

When you use electricity generated by your solar panels to run your heat pump, you’re essentially creating your own free energy for heating. This can lead to some really substantial annual savings. Exactly how much you save will depend on things like your current energy use, the size and efficiency of your solar PV system and heat pump, and current energy prices. But many homeowners find their overall energy bills are reduced.

Pairing an air source heat pump with solar panels can also reduce how much you rely on the grid. This means you’re less affected by energy price changes and have more control over your home's energy supply. While a precise payback period will differ for every home, a typical investment can pay for itself within 7-15 years – sometimes sooner, depending on your usage and energy costs.

Is your solar setup ready for a heat pump?

A common question we hear is: "Can my existing solar setup actually support a heat pump?" This section helps you work out if your current solar system is up to the job and what else you might need to think about.

As we've mentioned, solar panels can indeed power a heat pump, especially during daylight hours. At these times, your solar panels will be busy generating electricity that your heat pump can use directly, meaning you draw less from the grid. However, it's key to understand that how well this works depends on the size of your solar array compared to your heat pump's energy needs.

It’s also important to consider the seasonal ups and downs in solar generation and heat pump demand. Solar output is highest in summer, but heat pump demand peaks in winter. This means that while your solar panels will do a lot to power your heat pump during milder months and daylight hours, you might still need to draw electricity from the grid during peak heating times in winter, or overnight when the sun isn't around. This is where smart controls and solar panel battery storage can play a really important role in getting the most out of your energy.

How many solar panels do you need to power a heat pump?

Working out how many solar panels you’ll need to effectively cover your heat pump's energy demand involves a few things. As a general guide, a 3kW–5kW solar system (that’s roughly 10–14 panels) can significantly help to offset a heat pump’s energy use. This size is often enough for an average UK home with good insulation and a reasonably sized heat pump.

However, the exact number of panels will depend on several key factors:

• Your household size and energy consumption: Bigger homes with higher heating demands will naturally need a larger solar array.

• Your home's insulation levels: A well-insulated home holds onto heat better, which means your heat pump doesn't have to work as hard, and uses less electricity.

• Your usage patterns: How often and at what temperature you heat your home will affect how much energy your heat pump needs.

• Your roof's orientation and shading: A south-facing roof with minimal shade will generate the most solar energy.

For the most accurate assessment, we recommend a detailed home survey by a qualified installer. They can work out the perfect solar system size for your specific heat pump and household needs.

The benefits of solar-powered heat pumps.

Combining an air source heat pump and solar panels brings a range of environmental and financial rewards for homeowners. 

Lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

One of the quickest and most impactful benefits is cutting down your electricity costs by using solar energy directly. By generating your own electricity to power your heat pump, you simply buy less from the grid, leading to noticeable savings on your monthly energy bills. Over the lifespan of these systems, those savings can really add up.

Beyond the financial gains, the environmental benefits are huge. This integrated system reduces carbon emissions by replacing heating that relies on gas or oil. Air source heat pumps are inherently more efficient and produce less carbon than traditional fossil fuel boilers. When they're powered by clean, renewable solar electricity, your home's heating carbon footprint is significantly reduced, helping to create a cleaner, healthier planet.

Boosting energy efficiency

Putting both systems together doesn't just cut your carbon footprint, it also improves your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. A higher EPC rating means a more energy-efficient home, which can actually increase its market value and make it more appealing. This improvement comes directly from using highly efficient heating and electricity generation methods.

What’s more, by generating a good chunk of your own energy, you become less vulnerable to the unpredictable ups and downs of the energy market. This gives you more security and control over your household finances. This integrated solution is truly ideal for homes looking to be future-ready and eco-conscious, investing in sustainable living and long-term savings.

Key things to consider and expert installations.

While the benefits are exciting, it’s good to have clear expectations and understand all the factors involved before you jump in. Here, we'll go through some key considerations and how to find trustworthy support for expert installations.

Things to keep in mind

Before deciding on an air source heat pump with solar panels system, keep these points in mind:

• Upfront investment: As we’ve talked about, the initial cost can be substantial, even with grants. Make sure you have the necessary funds or access to financing.

• May need improved insulation or radiator upgrades: Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. You might need to consider upgrading your loft insulation or cavity wall insulation, or even installing larger radiators, to get the best performance from the system and ensure your home stays warm enough.

• Weather and location can affect solar generation: While the UK is suitable for solar power, long periods of cloud cover or short winter days will naturally affect how much electricity your panels generate. Your installer should give you realistic expectations based on where you live.

Choosing the right installer

The success and efficiency of your combined system really hinge on the quality of the installation. So, picking the right installer is crucial.

• Look for MCS-certified installers for both heat pumps and solar panels. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a quality assurance scheme that certifies microgeneration products and installers. An MCS certification means the products and installations meet high industry standards, making you eligible for government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

• Make sure a home assessment is included. A reputable installer will always carry out a thorough home assessment. They'll look at your property's suitability, your energy consumption habits, and your current heating system. This assessment is vital for designing a system that truly fits your needs.

• Ask for tailored system performance predictions. A professional installer should be able to give you detailed predictions of how much energy your combined system will generate and how much you can expect to save each year. This transparency is a good sign of a trustworthy provider.

Your questions answered: heat pumps and solar panels

To give you even more peace of mind and clarity, here are some common questions we hear about integrating air source heat pumps and solar panels.