When it comes to making your home more energy efficient and sustainable, two of the most popular options are currently solar panels and air source heat pumps. Both significantly reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and help cut energy bills, but if you’re not installing both at once, you might be wondering: Which should come first?
After over 15 years of being solar specialists, SolarTherm UK often get asked this question, and the answer will always depend on your home, budget and energy future. This article will help guide your through and decide which upgrade to implement first.
When Solar Panels Come First
Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight and are a great way to reduce your electricity bills. Dependant on space, solar PV systems are expandable and can be built on for your future energy needs. By installing your solar PV system first, you are making immediate savings on your electricity bills and in some cases even making an income from exporting your excess electricity back to the grid. Installing your solar first makes sense when your electricity bills are already high, you want to reduce reliance on the grid and are planning on installing a heat pump or purchasing (or already have) an EV (electric vehicle) in the future.
When a Heat Pump Comes First
Air source heat pumps replace your traditional boiler and provide heating and hot water using electricity. A heat pump can lower your heating bills, especially when paired with good insulation and underfloor heating. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a heat pump is a good way to do it, unlike a traditional gas boiler, a heat pump absorbs the heat out of the air (even in winter) and uses it to heat your home and water. It makes sense to install your heat pump first if your boiler is old, inefficient and needs replacing now or if you want to take advantage of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and save up to £7,500 off the costs of your installation if you qualify.
What About Doing Both Together?
If your budget allows, installing both systems at the same time is the most effective route. Your solar panels will power your heat pump and both work well alongside one another to reduce the cost of both your electricity and heating bills. Together, they form a low-carbon, future ready energy system.
Our Recommendations: Consider Your Home’s Energy Flow
Every home is different, and while for some it may be beneficial to install the heat pump first, especially if your boiler has broken down or is significantly inefficient, mostly it is beneficial to install your solar panels first if you can’t afford both at the same time. A heat pump is best installed in a well-insulated home with either low electricity costs and high gas costs or solar already installed to cover the additional costs of running electricity to power it. Plan your install with the future in mind – what is your long term aim of installing solar panels and a heat pump – are you looking to install an EV charger, battery storage or go off-grid in the future?
Get Expert Advice
Whether you decide to start with solar, a heat pump or both, SolarTherm UK will be here to help you with your green energy future. Contact us for a free bespoke design package, tailormade for your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard-sell, just honest, expert advice.
