Do you need solar panels with a heat pump?

Key takeaways:
Solar panels are not necessary for a heat pump to function
Heat pumps are highly efficient heaters, even without the added benefit of solar panels
For suitable homes, solar panels can be a great addition to a heat pump system by allowing you to power your heat pump with clean renewable energy

Imagine a home that’s warm, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. For many homeowners, combining heat pumps with solar panels offers a compelling way to achieve this vision. But you may be left wondering if solar panels are a necessary part of a heat pump system.

How heat pumps & solar panels work together

Heat pumps efficiently heat or cool your home by transferring thermal energy from outside air, while solar panels harness sunlight to produce electricity. Together, they create a powerful eco-friendly system where solar panels generate clean electricity to power the heat pump and other household appliances, significantly cutting energy bills and carbon emissions.

By combining these technologies with the Aira Solar Export tariff, households can reduce energy costs by up to £1,355 annually and lower carbon emissions by as much as 3.6 tonnes of CO₂ per year. This synergy makes them a top choice for sustainable living.

However, despite how well they can work together, solar panels are not a requirement when installing an environmentally-friendly heat pump system.

Benefits of combining solar panels and heat pumps

Energy and cost savings

Solar panels generate free electricity, reducing dependence on the national grid.
A typical household could save £1,355 on energy bills when combining solar panels with a clean energy tariff like Aira Solar Export.
Combining solar panels and an air source heat pump maximises financial savings, with each system complementing the other’s efficiency.

Reduced carbon footprint
Switching to a solar-powered heat pump system eliminates significant carbon emissions. Solar panels themselves are carbon-neutral, and heat pumps produce no on-site emissions. Annually, this setup can cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 3.6 tonnes—an impactful step toward combating climate change.

Sustainable heating and cooling
This combination ensures year-round comfort while lowering reliance on fossil fuels. Even in cooler climates, air source heat pumps deliver consistent, efficient heating when paired with a properly sized solar array.

Key considerations for installation

Suitability of your home
Heat pumps perform best in energy-efficient homes with good insulation. For example, a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached property might need a 6–8 kW heat pump and around 10–20 solar panels (depending on roof size and energy demand).

Roof space requirements
To install enough solar panels to power your heat pump, your roof should ideally face south and have at least 20 m² of available space. Homes with composite or metal standing seam roofs are particularly suited for solar installations.

Upfront costs and incentives
Installing a heat pump costs around £12,500, and adding around 10 solar panels can range from £5,000 to £6,000. However, UK homeowners can benefit from grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which offers up to £7,500 for heat pumps, making the investment more affordable.

The environmental impact

Pairing solar panels with a heat pump doesn’t just lower energy bills—it also significantly reduces your carbon footprint. Traditional heating systems often rely on fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, solar-powered heat pumps operate on clean energy, enhancing overall home sustainability.

Conclusion

For homeowners aiming to combine energy efficiency, cost savings, and eco-consciousness, solar panels and heat pumps are a winning duo. With potential savings of £1,355 annually when combined with a solar tariff and a dramatic reduction in CO₂ emissions, this setup aligns perfectly with the goals of modern, sustainable living. While solar panels are not necessary to start your clean energy journey with a heat pump, they can be a great addition to your system.