Can I keep storage heaters with solar?

Yes — solar reduces your daytime electricity costs. But storage heaters charge overnight (when solar isn't generating). The best solar benefit comes from daytime appliances, not overnight heating.

What replaces storage heaters?

Best: air-to-air heat pump (heating AND cooling, 300-400% efficient). Good: electric panel radiators + solar (simpler install). Budget: infrared panels + solar (low installation cost).

Is the BUS grant available for replacing storage heaters?

Yes — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 grant) covers air source heat pumps. You don't need to have a gas boiler to qualify — replacing electric storage heaters is eligible.

What about infrared panels instead?

Infrared heating panels (300-700W each) are cheap to install (£200-£500 per room) and work well with solar. They heat objects directly (more comfortable than convection). Good interim solution before a heat pump.

Solar vs Storage Heaters

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|comparison

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Solar vs storage heaters — Storage heaters: 100% efficient. Heat pump + solar: 300-400% efficient. The maths is clear.

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Should I replace storage heaters with solar?

Night storage heaters vs solar + heat pump: STORAGE HEATERS: Use cheap overnight electricity (Economy 7 at 9-12p/kWh) to charge heat bricks. Release heat during the day. Efficiency: 100% (1kWh in = 1kWh heat). Annual cost: £1,200-£2,000 for a 3-bed home. SOLAR + HEAT PUMP: Solar generates free electricity. Heat pump uses 1kWh to produce 3-4kWh of heat (COP 3-4). Effectively 300-400% efficient. Annual cost with solar: £200-£500. SAVINGS: £800-£1,500/yr by switching from storage heaters to solar + heat pump. TRANSITION PLAN: (1) Install solar first (saves £400-£800/yr on existing electricity). (2) Switch to standard tariff (solar covers daytime). (3) Add heat pump when budget allows (£3,500 after BUS grant). (4) Remove storage heaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related: Home Heating Systems

Solar panels are most powerful when combined with an efficient heating system. Heat pumps use solar-generated electricity to heat your home at 300-400% efficiency — making them the ideal partner for solar.

air source heat pump guide

Learn more about how air source heat pumps work alongside solar panels.

heat pump grants and the BUS scheme

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards heat pump installation.

heat pump running costs in the UK

Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.

From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide