Air Source Heat Pumps with Solar Panels: The Perfect Match for Lower Bills
With rising energy bills and the UK aiming for a greener future, more households are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce their environmental impact. Air source heat pumps and solar panels are two of the most popular renewable energy options available today. On their own, each system offers clear benefits. But when combined, they can create one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for UK homes.
How Heat Pumps and Solar Panels Work Together
An air source heat pump works by taking heat from the outside air and converting it into energy to heat your home and provide hot water. Unlike traditional boilers that burn fuel, a heat pump runs on electricity, making it much more efficient and environmentally friendly. Solar panels generate electricity by capturing energy from sunlight. This power can be used to run household appliances, charge electric vehicles, or, importantly, operate your air source heat pump. By combining the two systems, you can power your heat pump with electricity generated on your own roof. This means you are less reliant on the grid, reducing your energy bills while using clean, renewable power.
The Benefits of Combining Them
Installing a heat pump and solar panels together offers a range of benefits:
- Lower energy bills – By producing your own electricity, you cut the amount you need to buy from energy suppliers.
- Faster return on investment – Using both systems together reduces payback time compared to installing them separately.
- Reduced carbon footprint – Heat pumps already produce fewer emissions than gas boilers. Paired with solar, the impact is even greater.
- Energy independence – You rely less on unpredictable energy prices and more on self-generated power.
- Future-proofing your home – As the UK moves away from fossil fuels, homes with renewable heating systems will hold long-term value.
For many households, this partnership provides both financial savings and peace of mind, knowing their home is prepared for the future.
Do You Need Battery Storage?
One question homeowners often ask is whether they need a battery system. Solar panels generate most of their electricity during daylight hours, while the highest demand for heating often comes in the early morning and evening. Without a battery, some of the solar energy produced may go unused. A battery stores excess electricity during the day so you can use it later when your heat pump is running. This increases your self-sufficiency and maximises savings. While adding a battery raises the upfront cost, it can be a worthwhile investment for households with higher energy use.
Costs and Potential Savings
The upfront costs for installing these systems are not small. In the UK, an air source heat pump typically costs between £7,000 and £12,000, while a solar panel system usually ranges from £5,000 to £8,000 depending on the size and quality of the system. A home battery may add several thousand pounds more.
Despite the investment, the long-term savings can be significant. A well-insulated home with both a heat pump and solar panels could save up to 50% on annual energy bills. Over time, these savings help offset installation costs. With energy prices expected to remain high, the return on investment is becoming more attractive.
Grants and Incentives in the UK
To make the switch more affordable, the government offers support through various schemes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) provides grants of up to £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump. The ECO4 Scheme is also available for eligible households, focusing on improving energy efficiency, which can include funding for heat pumps.
Although there are currently no direct grants for solar panels, combining them with a subsidised heat pump installation can make the overall project much more affordable. In some cases, households may also benefit from schemes that allow them to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid.
Is It Right for Your Home?
Not every property will be suitable for both systems. Homes that benefit most usually:
- Have good insulation to prevent heat loss.
- Have enough roof space in a sunny position for solar panels.
- Plan to stay in the property long term to take advantage of savings.
Even smaller homes can benefit, as long as the system is correctly sized and installed by professionals. It’s always recommended to have a survey carried out before installation to make sure your property is suitable.
Air source heat pumps and solar panels each offer great savings on their own, but together they provide one of the most effective ways to future-proof your home. By cutting bills, reducing carbon emissions, and making you less dependent on the grid, this pairing is hard to beat.
At Wimbledon Heat Pumps, we can guide you through every step—whether it’s installing a new system, carrying out repairs, providing regular maintenance, or helping you access government grants such as ECO4 or the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. If you’re ready to make your home warmer, greener, and more affordable to run, our team is here to help you get started.