BrightGridSolar panels and heat pumps can complement each other because a heat pump uses electricity while solar panels generate electricity. However, the relationship is seasonal: solar production is generally strongest during spring and summer, while heating demand is highest during colder months.
How do solar panels and heat pumps work together?
Solar panels generate electricity that can be used by appliances, a heat pump, an EV charger or a battery. When solar generation exceeds immediate demand, surplus electricity can potentially be stored or exported.
The seasonal challenge
A common misconception is that solar will directly power most heat-pump heating throughout winter. In reality, the months with the highest heating demand generally have fewer daylight hours and lower solar generation.
| Season | Solar generation | Heating demand |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Generally lower | Generally high |
| Spring | Increasing | Moderate |
| Summer | High | Low |
| Autumn | Declining | Increasing |
Does a battery help?
A home battery can shift electricity over hours, allowing some daytime solar generation to be used later in the evening. It cannot economically store summer solar for an entire winter, so the grid remains important for seasonal balancing.
Heat pump efficiency matters
A heat pump can deliver several units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed under suitable operating conditions. Actual efficiency depends on system design, outdoor temperature, flow temperature, controls and installation quality.
How should solar be sized if you have a heat pump?
A heat pump should be included in the property's expected future electricity consumption when sizing solar. However, installing panels simply to match the heat pump's annual electricity use may not be the optimal design because the timing of solar generation and heating demand differs.
Smart controls can improve the combination
- Heat the hot water cylinder when solar generation is available.
- Use weather-compensation controls where appropriate.
- Schedule flexible loads around solar generation.
- Use battery storage for short-term shifting.
- Consider electricity tariffs alongside solar generation.
Solar and heat pumps are a system, not two separate purchases
The best results come from designing generation, heating, storage, hot water and electricity tariffs together rather than treating each installation independently.
The whole-home energy approach
For some households, the combination of solar, battery storage, heat pump and EV charging creates multiple flexible electricity loads. Solar electricity can be directed towards whichever load provides the greatest value at that time.
Plan your home energy system
See how solar, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging can work together around your actual energy demand.
Check Your SavingsFrequently asked questions
Can solar panels power a heat pump?
Yes. Solar electricity can power a heat pump when solar generation is available. However, solar generation and heating demand are seasonal, so most homes will still use grid electricity during periods of low solar production.
How many solar panels do I need for a heat pump?
There is no fixed number. The design should consider the home's heat demand, heat pump electricity consumption, roof conditions, household electricity use and whether battery storage or an EV is also present.
Is solar worth installing with a heat pump?
The combination can make sense because the heat pump adds electricity demand that solar can partially offset. The economics depend on installation costs, generation, consumption and tariffs.
Should I install solar before a heat pump?
Either order can work. If both are planned together, it is useful to design them as one energy system so the solar size, electrical infrastructure and future demand are considered together.
Marcus Webb
Head of Engineering at BrightGrid Energy
