Energy Independence Index
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Home Solar Guide Energy Independence Index — percentage of household energy from solar: CONFIGURATION 1 — Solar only (4kW): 30-50% independence. Grid supplies evening and winter needs. CONFIGURATION 2 — Solar + 5kWh battery: 50-65%. Battery covers evening gap. CONFIGURATION 3 — Solar + 10kWh battery: 60-75%. Most evenings covered. CONFIGURATION 4 — Solar + battery + heat pump: 65-80%. Heating from solar + heat pump. Gas eliminated. CONFIGURATION 5 — Solar + battery + heat pump + EV: 75-90%. Transport from solar too. Near-zero fossil fuel. CONFIGURATION 6 — Solar + battery + heat pump + EV + smart tariff: 80-95%. Tariff arbitrage covers winter gap. Maximum independence. WHAT 100% WOULD NEED: 8-10kW solar + 20kWh battery + heat pump + EV + off-grid capability. Cost: £25,000-£35,000. Achievable but expensive. THE PRACTICAL OPTIMUM: Configuration 5 (75-90%) — captures most value without the extreme cost of the final 10%. Sources: PVGIS, Ofgem, BEIS household consumption data, EV consumption data.
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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.
Learn more about how air source heat pumps work alongside solar panels.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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