If you’d like to maximise the potential of solar thermal technology we recommend considering combining it with a ground source heat pump. Solar Thermal works in harmony with a ground source heat pump system by storing excess solar thermal energy in the ground.

How Does it Work?

When the heat or hot water demand from your property decreases or stops, the solar collectors stop collecting energy from the sun even if it is still readily available. Throughout the day there may not be need for heating, but then in the evening, if the climate feels colder you may want to turn the heating on, but by this point the sun has gone down and that free energy is no longer available. This is where a ground source heat pump can help. The heat pump allows the solar collectors to continue to collect the solar energy, storing it in the ground loops. When heat energy is next needed, the heat pump releases the stored thermal energy, requiring less electricity to operate as the temperature is already higher than ground heat energy.

What Are the Benefits?

Pairing your solar thermal with a heat pump has many benefits which include;

• Improved SCOP rating – studies have shown that when solar thermal is paired with a ground source heat pump, the seasonal coefficient of performance rating improves even further.
• Uses more free, clean and renewable energy
• Increases self-sufficiency of your property
• Reduces utility bills, saving you money
• Low maintenance system – heat pumps last approximately 20 years or more
• Heat pumps and solar thermal are both valid for financial incentives and funding including the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Green Homes Grant.