When most people in the South East think about solar panels, they imagine generating electricity to power appliances and run lights in their homes. However, modern solar panels are just as effective in heating your home.
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been helping homeowners across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East cut bills and lower their carbon footprint with solar energy solutions. This guide will investigate the different ways solar panels can heat a house, the costs involved and which options will work best for your property.
Is it Possible to Heat Your House with Solar Panels?
In short yes – solar panels can be used to heat your house. Despite unpredictable weather in the UK, solar technology works efficiently here. In fact, over 1.5 million homes already have solar panels installed. Solar panels don’t need blazing hot sunshine to perform; they generate electricity even on cloudy days. With the right system, the energy captured can be channelled into heating your water and keeping your home warm.
Heating Your Home with Solar Thermal Panels
Unlike traditional photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal panels convert sunlight directly into heat rather than electricity.
- Efficiency: around 70% efficiency, compared to 20-24% efficiency for solar PV panels.
- How it works: a fluid circulates through solar collectors, absorbs heat and transfers it to a water cylinder. This hot water can then be used for radiators, underfloor heating or household use.
- Costs: a typical three bedroom house may cost around £4,000 plus installation, though you may also need a larger water cylinder.
Solar thermal panels usually have a longer return on investment, but they do significantly cut your reliance on fossil fuels and reduce your carbon footprint.
Powering a Heat Pump with Solar Panels
Pairing solar PV panels with an air source heat pump is another option.
- A 5kW heat pump for a three bedroom home may require 20 solar PV panels.
- Heat pumps cost between £10,000 and £16,500 plus installation, but there are grants available, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme that can save you up to £7,500 off the cost of installation.
- A solar PV system can help reduce running costs, powering your heat pump with self generated free electricity.
Heating Hot Water with Solar Panels
One of the most common uses of solar is to power a hot water cylinder.
- Solar panels send electricity through a coil inside the cylinder, heating the stored water.
- Cylinders cost £250-£2,000 plus installation.
- For a three bedroom home, expect to spend around £7,500 to £10,000 in total.
This setup can cut your annual gas bill by around 40% and your electricity bill by up to 70%.
What’s the Best Way to Heat a House with Solar Panels?
The most suitable option depends on your property, budget and energy goals:
- Want efficiency? Solar thermal panels deliver more heat per square meter, reducing gas bills but electricity bills remain high.
- Want flexibility? Solar PV panels and a hot water cylinder is cost effective and practical, reducing both electricity and gas bills at the same time.
- Want low-carbon heating? Solar PV panels and a heat pump can drastically reduce emissions.
At SolarTherm UK, we always recommend speaking with a professional installer to design a system that fits your home and maximises your savings.
Next Steps
Solar panels can heat a house in the South East, but the right system for you depends on your property and lifestyle. Whether you’re considering solar thermal panels, PV with a hot water cylinder or combining panels with a heat pump, we can help.
At SolarTherm UK, we provide 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.
FAQs
Can solar panels really heat a house in the UK?
Solar panels can provide heating in the UK by powering hot water cylinders, heat pumps, infrared panels, or through dedicated solar thermal panels.
What type of solar panels are best for heating a home?
Solar thermal panels are highly efficient for hot water and heating, while solar PV panels are more versatile and can power heat pumps, hot water cylinders, and infrared heating. The best option depends on your property and energy needs.
Will solar panels save me money on heating bills?
Yes, but savings vary. For example, powering a hot water cylinder with solar can reduce gas bills by up to 40%, while infrared heating powered by solar PV can cut annual running costs by more than half compared to electric boilers.
Do solar panels work for heating in winter?
Solar panels still generate electricity in winter, though output is lower. Combining solar panels with a battery storage system or a backup heating source ensures reliable heating year-round.
How many solar panels do I need to heat a house?
A typical UK home may need 12–20 panels, depending on the system. For example, a 5kW heat pump often requires 20 panels, while powering just a hot water cylinder may only need 8–12.
Can I get government support for solar heating systems?
Yes. In England and Wales, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 when replacing fossil fuel heating with a low-carbon system such as a heat pump powered by solar panels.
Is solar heating worth it in the UK?
If your priority is lowering carbon emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, solar heating is an excellent investment. While payback periods can be long, solar panels add value to your home and provide long-term energy security.
