How to power your heat pump with solar panels.

So, you’ve invested in a heat pump and now you’re wondering how you can make your home even more efficient? If solar panels have come up in conversation, pause right there – you could be on to something. Pairing your heat pump with solar panels could help your home become even more sustainable and cost effective. But, before you start requesting quotes, understand what you’re getting yourself into first.

This handy guide explains how these smart technologies work. It also weighs up the financial advantages and disadvantages, what to consider before installation, and the environmental impacts.

Why combine your heat pump with solar panels?

If you’re reading this guide, it’s likely that your air source heat pump already runs efficiently. However, as you may know, a heat pump still needs electricity to run. That electricity could be powered by the sun, generated right on your roof. This is where it gets interesting.

Making the most of your existing heat pump setup.

Heat pumps are great at heating and cooling your home. (Though, at E.ON Next, we only offer heats pumps that can heat your home.) Instead of generating heat from scratch, it moves it from one place to another to generate cosy heat and hot water. All in all, a heat pump is typically three to four times more efficient than older heating systems.¹

Moving to a solar-assisted setup.

By adding solar panels to your setup, it could help reduce those running costs further by generating renewable energy. Sunlight is free, so once the initial installation costs are out of the way, your electricity costs will reduce.² Overall, it’s a move that has the potential to reduce your dependency on the grid and lower your carbon footprint. Though, factors like panel degradation, price changes, and individual energy use means this isn’t a guarantee.

At the heart of every solar panel is an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells made of a semi conductor like silicon. These PV cells have the remarkable ability to convert sunlight into usable electricity. The process, known as the photovoltaic effect, is the cornerstone of solar energy production.

Think of it like this. The sun rises in the morning and your panels start generating. It’s this clean energy that feeds into your home, with the potential to power your heat pump. It’s particularly beneficial in those sunnier months when solar generation is at its peak. But even during colder months when your solar panels might not meet demand, they can help to supplement your heat pump's power needs. Learn more about how solar panels work.

How much do heat pumps and solar panels cost in the UK?

You're probably wondering how much a solar-panel-assisted heat pump set up will set you back. As is the case with most upgrades, it comes at a cost. But, while the initial investment might seem like a large chunk, it's important to have realistic expectations about installation pricing and the long term benefits.

There isn’t a set cost when adding solar panels to your home. Prices can vary based on factors like system size and the complexities around the installation.

The Smart Export Guarantee.

The great part is that any unused electricity your solar panels generate can be sold back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). The government started the SEG scheme to help everyone use more renewable energy. So, energy suppliers like us pay domestic and business customers for any excess energy generated with renewable sources, including solar panels.

We are a mandated SEG licensee, meaning that thanks to the SEG scheme, you can sell your excess power back to the grid through us. Find out more about our Smart Export Guarantee scheme and rates. However, it's important to compare several SEG suppliers first to find the best deal for your needs.

Exploring what you could save over time.

Using solar panels alongside a heat pump has the potential to be a powerful combination. It could help you rely less on the grid and lower your energy bills – once the initial installation costs are sorted of course.

Solar panels enable you to generate your own electricity using the sun's energy, potentially saving you up to £787 per year on your energy bills. Then, by selling your exported electricity, you could earn an additional £442, all while reducing your home’s carbon footprint.³

The actual amount you could save using a solar panel system really depends on how much solar electricity you use yourself and signing up to export payments like the SEG. It's tricky to provide amounts due to variations in usage, system size, and tariff, but many homes do see worthwhile reductions.

Key things to know before you install.

Before you take the plunge, there are a few practical and technical points to consider. Getting prepped will make the process smoother, ensuring you get the most out of your solar heat pump set up.

Preparing your roof ready for solar panels.

Of course, your roof is the foundation for your solar panel system, and with this in mind, it’s crucial to check that it’s up to the job. An unshaded, south-facing roof is ideal for max performance.

However, it doesn’t stop there. You can also install panels on flat roofs, on outbuildings like sheds or garages, and even in your garden on a sturdy frame. It’s important to note that even partial shading can significantly reduce the output of your panels².

Other factors to consider are roof age, roof pitch (ideally 30-40 degrees), size, and surface area. Before you commit to anything, a professional MCS installer can analyse your roof and energy needs to optimise your solar panel placement and maximise efficiency. Learn more about getting your roof ready for solar panels.

Storing solar energy for your heat pump with a battery.

As we mentioned, solar panels are most effective at generating electricity when the sun's out, aka, daylight hours. The challenge comes when you consider that heat pumps often run in the morning and evening (or even overnight) especially during the chillier months. What this means is, heat pumps don't always align with peak solar generation. However, a solar battery has the potential to provide additional support during these times.

Instead of exporting surplus electricity, a battery lets you store any excess solar energy, so you can use it when the sun’s down, or when electricity prices from the grid are higher (only if you're on a time of use tariff). While adding a battery can add to the initial cost, you can power your heat pump with your own 'free' stored solar energy in the evening or morning, rather than importing more expensive electricity from the grid. It’s important to point out that there may still be times when you’ll still have to buy electricity. It all depends on your individual energy use habits.

If you're having solar panels installed by us, you can add solar battery storage to your system from £3,261. To make it more affordable, we offer flexible payment options, allowing you to spread the cost over 120 months (we're a credit broker not a lender)³. Find out more about our solar batteries and the deals we offer.

Can pairing heat pumps and solar panels help the environment?

Beyond the possible financial benefits, pairing your heat pump with solar panels could have a positive impact on the environment too. By moving heat rather than burning fossil fuels, your heat pump has already made the first steps towards cutting your home's carbon emissions. However, it still uses electricity, and if that electricity comes from the national grid, it often has a carbon footprint associated with its generation.

Going down the solar route could ease your dependence on the grid because solar electricity is considered a clean, renewable energy source that can cut your carbon dioxide emissions². This means that combining solar panels with your heat pump system could be particularly beneficial for homes working towards net zero status or eco certifications.

FAQs for heat pump owners considering solar panels.