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Key takeaways:
- Solar panels can effectively power heat pumps, creating an efficient, eco-friendly heating system
- A typical UK home uses 9-13 solar panels to run a 5kW heat pump
- While solar panels can fully power heat pumps in summer, grid electricity is often needed in winter
- Adding a battery can increase energy independence, but it's not essential
- Subject to availability, government grants are available to help with installation costs
- Most UK homes may benefit from this combination, but suitability depends on factors like insulation and roof space
- Hive's smart technology can help optimise the system's performance and savings
As energy prices start to climb and environmental concerns grow, many UK homeowners are turning to a clever combination in response: air source heat pumps and solar panels.
Can you power a heat pump with solar panels?
Yes, it's entirely possible to power a heat pump with solar panels. This combination creates a highly efficient and environmentally friendly heating system for your home.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical UK home might use 9-13 solar panels, each measuring about 1.7 × 1.0 m. These can generate enough electricity to run a heat pump and contribute to other household needs. For example, a common 5kW heat pump usually needs about 1.7kW of electricity to run. A standard solar panel setup can often produce 3-4kW at peak times, which is enough to power the heat pump and more. When the sun isn't shining, you can use grid electricity or stored energy from batteries.
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Can solar panels fully power a heat pump?
While solar panels can power a heat pump, they rarely do so consistently year-round in the UK. During summer, when sunlight is plentiful and heating needs are low, your panels might fully meet the heat pump's energy demands. However, in winter, with higher heating requirements and fewer daylight hours, you'll likely need to supplement with grid electricity.
Compared to a traditional gas boiler, a heat pump with solar panels offers greater energy independence. A typical gas boiler relies entirely on the gas grid, while a heat pump can draw power from your solar panels. Even when supplemented by grid electricity, this setup often results in lower overall energy costs and reduced carbon emissions.
A heat pump, however, might use 3-4 times less energy than a gas boiler to produce the same amount of heat. When paired with solar panels, this efficiency gap widens further, potentially leading to substantial savings on your energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Is a solar panel battery necessary for a heat pump?
While a solar battery isn't strictly necessary for running a heat pump with solar panels, it can significantly enhance the system's efficiency and your energy independence. Without a solar battery, you can only use solar power when the sun is shining, which often doesn't align with peak heating demands.
Having a battery will allow you to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use in the evening or on cloudy days. A solar battery will also increase your self-consumption of solar energy and reduce reliance on grid electricity, particularly during winter when heating needs are highest but solar generation is lowest.
However, it’s important to note that batteries will add to the initial cost of the system. Deciding on whether a battery is worthwhile will largely depend on your energy usage patterns, local electricity rates, and how much you value energy independence.
What size solar panel system will I need to run my heat pump?
The solar panel count needed to power a home and heat pump varies based on the house size and the heat pump's energy consumption. For a typical UK home with 2-3 bedrooms, a 5kW heat pump paired with a 4kW solar panel system usually does the job. This combination can handle the heating needs of an average home and chip in for other electricity uses too.
It is recommended that you consult with an expert to accurately assess your home's size and energy requirements.
Are there any financial incentives for a solar powered heat pump?
While the initial investment in integrating solar panels and an air source heat pump system can be substantial, the long-term benefits can prove significant. You can shrink your electricity bills by up to 94% in your first year by installing a solar panel and a solar battery, combined with our Hive Solar Saver offer and a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff from British Gas.
It's also worth noting that the government's current Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a £7,500 grant to aid homeowners in covering the costs associated with purchasing and installing a heat pump (subject to eligibility).
Please note that the claim of up to 94% reduction in electricity bills is based on published estimates for customers who install both solar panels and a solar battery, enroll in the Hive Solar Saver offer, and opt for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff. Actual savings may vary depending on household energy usage, system size, and local conditions.
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Is your home suitable for a heat pump and solar panel system?
Most UK homes may benefit from a heat pump and solar panel combination, but suitability depends on several factors. For heat pumps, your home's insulation levels, current heating system, and available outdoor space for the unit are all factors an expert will consider. Well-insulated homes with underfloor heating or large radiators are ideal.
For solar panels, you'll need a roof that's structurally sound and receives good sunlight exposure, ideally south-facing with minimal shading. The size and angle of your roof will affect the potential system size. If you live in a listed building or conservation area, you may also need to check planning permissions.
Start your journey to efficient, sustainable heating with Hive
Our smart home technology seamlessly integrates with heat pumps and solar systems, allowing you to optimise your energy use and maximise savings. Our experts can guide you through the process, from initial assessment to installation and beyond. We'll help you understand how these technologies can work together in your home, and how our smart controls can enhance their performance.