Solar or Heat Pump First?
Sizing solar around an EV or heat pump?
Both change your consumption profile substantially, which changes the system you need. Get a size and price built around your actual load.
Size a System for My HomeFree calculator. See your result before giving any details.
Sizing solar around an EV or heat pump?
Both change your consumption profile substantially, which changes the system you need. Get a size and price built around your actual load.
Size a System for My HomeShould I get solar panels or a heat pump first?
Solar panels vs heat pump — which to install first: SOLAR PANELS: Cost: £7,000. Savings: £580-£1,100/yr. Payback: 8-12yr. Carbon saved: 1.5-2 tonnes/yr. Complexity: low (1-2 day install). No disruption to heating. HEAT PUMP (ASHP): Cost: £11,000 - £7,500 BUS = £3,500. Savings vs gas: £200-£600/yr. Payback: 6-18yr. Carbon saved: 1-2 tonnes/yr. Complexity: high (3-5 days, may need radiator changes). VERDICT: SOLAR FIRST because: (1) Shorter payback (8-12yr vs 6-18yr). (2) Simpler installation. (3) No disruption to current heating. (4) BUS grant isn't time-limited (install heat pump later). (5) Solar immediately powers future heat pump. OPTIMAL SEQUENCE: Year 1: Solar + hybrid inverter (battery-ready). Year 2-5: Add battery. When boiler fails: Heat pump (using BUS grant). Sources: Ofgem (ofgem.gov.uk), EST (energysavingtrust.org.uk), BUS scheme (ofgem.gov.uk).
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.
Learn more about how air source heat pumps work alongside solar panels.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers £7,500 towards heat pump installation.
Heat pumps use electricity at 300-400% efficiency, making them ideal partners for solar.
From our sister site Home Heat Pump Guide
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Sizing solar around an EV or heat pump?
Both change your consumption profile substantially, which changes the system you need. Get a size and price built around your actual load.
Size a System for My HomeFree calculator. See your result before giving any details.