Solar Panels and Air Source Heat Pumps: The Perfect Pair for North West Homes
If you're thinking about renewable energy for your home, you've probably wondered whether you should choose solar panels or an air source heat pump. The good news is that you don't have to choose. Used together, the two technologies work brilliantly as a pair, and for many North West homeowners the combination makes more sense than either one alone.
In this guide, we explain how solar panels and air source heat pumps work together, what the benefits are, and how to work out whether the combination is right for your home.
How does an air source heat pump work?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) takes heat from the outside air and uses it to warm your home and your hot water. Instead of burning gas or oil, it moves heat using electricity. That makes it far more efficient than a traditional boiler, because it delivers several units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
The key point is that a heat pump runs on electricity. That is where solar panels come in.
How do solar panels fit in?
Solar PV panels turn daylight into electricity. Because a heat pump needs electricity to run, the power your panels generate can be used to run it, which means less electricity bought from the grid.
You are effectively producing some of the energy that heats your home, on your own roof.
The benefits of combining solar panels and a heat pump
1. Lower running costs
Heat pumps are efficient, but they still use electricity. Every unit your solar panels generate and your home uses is a unit you don't need to buy from your supplier. Over time, that can make a real difference to your heating bills.
2. Less reliance on the grid
Generating your own power makes you less exposed to changes in energy prices. You will still use grid electricity at times, particularly on dark winter evenings, but a good portion of your energy use can come from your own system.
3. A smaller carbon footprint
Switching from gas or oil to a heat pump cuts the emissions from heating your home. Powering that heat pump with solar electricity reduces them further.
4. One coordinated upgrade
Planning both together means your installer can size the systems around each other, think about your electricity supply and make sure everything is designed to work as one. It can also mean fewer visits and less disruption than doing the projects separately.
What about winter, when there is less sun?
This is the question we hear most often, and it deserves an honest answer. Solar panels generate less electricity in the winter months, which is also when your heating demand is highest. So the panels will not cover all of your heat pump's electricity use in the coldest weather.
That doesn't mean the combination isn't worthwhile. Solar still contributes on brighter winter days, and across the rest of the year your panels generate far more than you need, helping with hot water, everyday appliances and the overall cost of running your home.
A solar battery can help too. It stores surplus electricity generated during the day so you can use it in the evening, rather than sending it all back to the grid.
Do solar panels work in the North West?
Yes. Solar PV works on daylight, not just direct sunshine, so it performs well across the UK, including Manchester, Bolton, Wigan, Preston, Warrington, Stockport and Salford. Your actual output will depend on your roof's direction, angle, shading and the size of the system, which is why a proper survey matters.
Is your home suitable?
Every property is different, but here are the things to consider:
• Insulation: Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes. Your installer can advise whether any improvements would help.
• Roof space and orientation: South, east and west-facing roofs with little shading are ideal for solar panels.
• Space for the heat pump: The outdoor unit needs room for airflow, and you will need space inside for a hot water cylinder if you don't already have one.
• Your energy use: If you are home during the day, you can use more of your solar electricity directly.
• Your electricity supply: Your installer will check that your electrical set-up can cope with the added load.
Grants and finance
Support schemes for heat pumps and other energy-saving measures change from time to time, so it is worth checking what is currently available before you commit. A good installer will talk you through your options and help you understand which ones you may be eligible for.
Why choose an MCS-certified installer?
For solar panels and heat pumps, working with an MCS-certified installer matters. MCS certification is the recognised quality standard for small-scale renewable installations in the UK. It can be required to access certain grants and to be paid for the electricity you export to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee. It also gives you confidence that the work has been designed and installed to a recognised standard.
Ready to find out what the combination could do for your home?
The best way to know whether solar panels and an air source heat pump are right for you is to talk to a local team who can look at your property and your energy use.
At GE National, we install solar PV and air source heat pumps for homes across the North West. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote and we will talk you through your options.
Talk to our team to learn more.
Ready to Cut Your Energy Bills?
Gas and electricity prices remain unpredictable, and more homeowners are turning to solar to gain control over long-term energy costs.
If you’d like to find out whether solar is right for your property:
Fill out our quote form or call 01704 627256 or 07903 344025 to speak with our friendly local team.
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Phone 07903 344025
01704 627256