The combination of a heat pump and solar energy has become one of the most efficient systems for heating and cooling homes.
Its operation allows heat energy to be extracted from the air, water or ground in a cost-effective way and without consuming a lot of energy. Solar energy can also add heat and electricity to the heat pump in a renewable and environmentally friendly way.
Why combine a heat pump and solar energy?
The combination of a heat pump and solar energy provides the building with energy independence. So, even if we remain connected to the electricity grid, the electricity bills will be significantly reduced.
Solar thermal energy will help the heat pump not to have to work so hard to generate hot water, and it can be largely supplied by the energy generated by the solar panels, so it does not consume so much electricity from the grid.
Heat pump with photovoltaic or thermal panels
Heat pump and photovoltaic panels
The installation of solar panels generates a large part of the electricity required by the heat pump for its operation, both in winter and summer.
In addition, surplus energy from the panels can be used for other electrical requirements of the house, such as appliances, domestic appliances and/or lighting.
The photovoltaic panels can work at full capacity, even if the heat pump is not being used, and the excess energy can be fed into the grid in exchange for financial compensation in the electricity bill.
Heat pump and thermal panels
This combination is a very cost-effective way of providing domestic hot water and space heating, although it is more efficient on cold winter days than in summer. However, the heat pump can also provide cooling if combined with underfloor heating, for example.
It should be noted that this combined system offsets the work of generating hot water, making the heat pump work less and distributing the work of heating the water, only starting up when the thermal panels are not able to cover the demand required by the home.
Advantages of combining a heat pump with solar energy
- It reduces the carbon footprint and dependence on other fossil fuel systems, helping to reduce the discharge of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
- Solar energy is free and inexhaustible, which means that we can amortise and profit from this installation in the long term.
- The maintenance required for both the heat pump and the solar energy system is inexpensive and simple, allowing the life of the equipment to be extended by more than 25 years.
- Public administrations and the State provide grants and subsidies every year to make the installation of these systems more affordable.
- The amortisation of both installations is achieved in about 5 years, although, from the beginning of their use, lower bills are achieved.
- The installation of this combined system increases the value of the property.
