As energy bills rise across the South East, homeowners are looking for efficient, cost effective ways to heat their homes. At SolarTherm UK, we specialise in helping homeowners across Essex, Kent, London and beyond harness the power of the sun for heating and hot water.
One increasingly popular option is solar powered underfloor heating. A modern, energy efficient system that can be powered by solar panels. In this guide we’ll explain how it works, the costs, pros and cons and whether it’s the right choice for your South East home.
What is Solar Powered Underfloor Heating?
Solar powered underfloor heating uses energy from the sun to heat your home via panels on your roof. There are two main ways this can be done; electric underfloor heating powered by solar PV panels or wet underfloor heating powered by solar thermal panels. Both systems allow you to make use of free electricity generated by the sun, reducing your reliance on the grid and cutting your carbon footprint.
Types of Solar Powered Underfloor Heating
Electric Underfloor Heating with Solar PV Panels
This system uses electric heating mats or cables installed beneath your flooring. The electric to run them is generated by your solar PV panels on your roof or supplied by stored energy in your solar battery.
- Pros: simple installation, works well in smaller rooms.
- Cons: solar PV only generates throughout the day. To heat your home in the evenings and through the night you’ll either need grid electricity or a solar battery.
Wet Underfloor Heating with Solar Thermal
Wet underfloor heating runs hot water through a network of pipes under the floor. The water can be heated by solar thermal panels on your roof or via an electric water heater powered by solar PV panels.
- Pros: very efficient and ideal for whole-house heating.
- Cons: works best with a backup boiler or heat pump, particularly in the colder months when solar energy is less abundant.
Pros and Cons of Solar Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating powered by solar reduces your running costs for heating your home, as the electricity you are using is generated for free from your roof. It’s also a good way to reduce your carbon emissions and play your part in helping the UK meet its Net Zero targets. Underfloor heating is also efficient and safe, heating your home evenly without the need for unsightly radiators taking up valuable space on your walls.
Unfortunately, underfloor heating can increase your investment costs when having solar installed, your system will need to be large enough to cover the additional power that is needed to run underfloor heating. As solar panels generate less power throughout the winter months, a backup boiler or grid supply will also be needed, unless your also install a solar battery that stores surplus electricity for use when generation is lower. When choosing your underfloor heating system, you need to decide if you want speed or stability, a wet system takes longer to heat up but will provide a more stable warmth once heated.
How Much Does Solar Powered Underfloor Heating Cost?
Costs vary on the size of your property and the type of system you choose. If you already have solar PV panels installed, you are looking at around £500-£1,200 per room for electric underfloor heating and £1,200-£3,000 per room for a wet system. If you are combining your underfloor heating with a solar installation, you would be looking at around £5,500 to £7,500 for a solar PV installation and £3,000 to £6,000 for solar thermal panels for a typical three bedroom property.
💡The good news though is that once installed, you can save up to 70% on your electricity bills, adding up to significant savings over the 30 year lifespan.
Does Solar Powered Underfloor Heating Work in the Winter?
Yes, but with some limitations. In summer, solar power can provide most, if not all of the power you need to run your property, but come the winter months, solar generation can drop by around 80% and you’ll like need a back up system, such as a boiler or heat pump or solar battery system, to maintain consistent heating and power. For many homeowners, a combination of solar panels, underfloor heating and either a heat pump or solar battery provides year round efficiency.
Why Choose SolarTherm UK for Solar
At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been installing solar PV systems across Essex, Kent, London and the wider South East for over 15 years.
- Local experts with experience in South East homes, planning requirements and local knowledge.
- Bespoke system design tailored to your property.
- MCS-certified installers for maximum efficiency and compliance.
- Aftercare and servicing to keep your system running smoothly.
Solar powered underfloor heating is a smart, sustainable option for South East homeowners who want to reduce their bills and carbon emissions. While it requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings and comfort benefits make it a popular choice across the region.
Ready to Join the Solar Revolution?
If you’re having underfloor heating installed and want an efficient, reliable way to power it, 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.
