Solar Panels and Battery Storage: How Can They Work Together with a Heat Pump?

Solar panels, battery storage and air source heat pumps can work together to create a more integrated home energy system. Each technology performs a different job — and when properly designed, they can complement each other.

• Solar PV generates electricity.
• A battery stores electricity.
• A heat pump uses electricity to provide heating and hot water.

Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. Some of this electricity can be used immediately by the home, including by an air source heat pump. Any surplus electricity may be exported to the grid or, where a battery is installed, stored for later use.

However, solar generation varies throughout the year. In winter, when heating demand is highest, solar production is generally lower. Therefore, solar PV should not be expected to provide all the electricity required by a heat pump.

A battery allows surplus electricity generated by your solar panels to be stored rather than immediately exported. That stored electricity can then be used later. For example:

Energy Saving Trust confirms that battery storage can help households store renewable electricity for use at another time.

Yes — where properly designed

Where the battery and electrical system are appropriately designed. However, a battery should not automatically be sized to run a heat pump for an entire night or winter period. The correct battery size depends on factors including:

• Household electricity consumption
• Solar PV generation
• Heat pump electricity demand
• Battery capacity
• Electricity tariff
• Available space
• Export arrangements

They can potentially reduce the amount of grid electricity purchased, particularly when solar generation is available. However, savings vary significantly between homes. A well-designed system should consider the home's overall electricity consumption rather than looking at the heat pump, solar panels and battery separately.

Some homeowners may benefit from time-of-use electricity tariffs. A battery can potentially charge when electricity prices are lower and provide stored electricity when prices are higher. Energy Saving Trust also highlights combining heat pumps, solar power, batteries and time-of-use tariffs as one way to optimise energy use.

At Intra Energy Limited, we can discuss solar PV, battery storage and air source heat pumps as part of your home's wider energy requirements. Contact us to discuss your options and arrange a survey.