Solar power home heating is becoming increasingly popular across Essex, Kent, London and the surrounding South East. Many homeowners are now asking the same question: “Can solar panels really heat a house in the UK?”
The short answer is yes, and the UK is far better suited to solar technology than most people realise. Solar panels not only cut your reliance on the National Grid, but they can also reduce your carbon footprint and slash your energy bills by up to 70%.
In this article, SolarTherm UK will investigate the ways in which solar can heat your home and which system might be right for your property.
Is it Possible to Heat Your Home With Solar Panels?
Absolutely, despite the UK’s reputation for cloud and rain, our climate is ideal for solar energy systems and living in the South East, we get some of the highest sunshine levels in the UK. Over 1.6 million homes across the UK are already using solar technology and have found that even on cold days, modern solar panels can still generate electricity efficiently.
There are several ways to use solar power for heating your home, including:
- Solar thermal systems
- Solar PV to power your heat pump
- Solar PV to power your hot water cylinder
- Solar PV to power your underfloor heating
Each method works differently and the right choice will depend on your property and heating demands.
Heating Your Home with Solar Thermal Panels
Solar thermal panels differ from standard PV panels, instead of producing electricity, they directly convert sunlight into usable heat. They are more efficient at heating water with efficiencies around 70% compared to 18-24% for PV.
How They Work
- Solar collectors capture heat from the sun
- A heat transfer fluid absorbs the warmth
- The fluid circulates into a hot water cylinder
- This heat can be used for radiators, underfloor heating or domestic hot water
While solar thermal panels can be cheaper to install, payback times can be longer than traditional PV panels. Solar thermal however, does significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Powering a Heat Pump with Solar Panels
Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that draw ambient heat from the air, ground or water. When paired with a solar PV system, they can deliver cleaner, low carbon heating.
What to Expect
It’s unlikely that solar panels alone will keep your heat pump working year round, especially in the short days throughout winter. A typical air source heat pump for a three bedroom home would require around 20 solar PV panels, double the amount needed to just power the home’s electricity.
Using Solar Panels to Heat a Hot Water Cylinder
This is one of the simplest solar power home heating systems and has taken over in popularity from solar thermal panels. Solar PV panels generate electricity, a solar diverter like the iBoost, diverts excess solar energy to the immersion coil inside a hot water cylinder to heat your water.
How it Works
- Solar electricity heats the coil
- Water stays warm for 1-2 days
- Most cylinders include a secondary coil for backup from a boiler or immersion heater
In summer, you can usually supply all your hot water needs with solar energy. In winter, your boiler may still need to top up.
Using Solar Panels to Heat Underfloor Heating
Solar PV panels can be an effective way to support electric underfloor heating, especially in well-insulated homes across Essex, Kent and London. When your solar panels generate electricity during the day, that power can be fed directly into your underfloor heating system, reducing the amount of energy you draw from the grid. While solar alone may not fully meet the high energy demand of electric underfloor heating in winter, it can significantly offset running costs in spring, summer and early autumn. When combined with a smart thermostat or a solar battery, homeowners can store excess daytime energy and release it later, making solar-powered underfloor heating a more efficient and sustainable option. This approach is an excellent way to enhance the benefits of solar power home heating while keeping your home comfortable year-round.
What’s the Best Solar Heating Option?
The best system to heat your home depends on:
- Your current heating system
- Roof size and panel capacity
- Your hot water usage
- How quickly you want payback
- Whether carbon reduction or bill savings is your main priority
For tailored advice across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East, SolarTherm UK recommends speaking to an MCS accredited installer who can assess your home and provide an accurate quote and design customised to your property.
Next Steps – Get a Solar Heating Quote from SolarTherm UK
Solar panels can heat a home in the UK, and you have several routes to choose from. Whether you’re interested in powering your heat pump using solar, diverting your existing solar to heat your hot water cylinder or making your home more sustainable, SolarTherm UK can help.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
