Solar Pool Heating UK

Can solar panels heat a swimming pool?

Solar panels can heat a swimming pool — but not directly (PV panels generate electricity, not hot water). The method: SOLAR PV → POOL HEAT PUMP → WARM POOL. A pool heat pump uses 1-3kW of electricity and produces 5-15kW of heat (COP 4-5). A 4-6kW solar system generates enough to run the pool heat pump for 6-8 hours/day in summer = free pool heating. Swim season: April-October (vs June-August without heating). Annual heating cost on grid: £300-£600. With solar: FREE from April-September, minimal cost in shoulder months. Alternative: solar thermal panels (tubes/flat plate) heat pool water directly — but less versatile than PV which powers everything else too.