The old question again, but for me an important one:
We are possibly planning a air-to-water heat pump and are unsure whether we should also invest in a solar thermal system to support the heating (around 10 sqm (108 sq ft) with a 600-liter (158 gallon) storage tank).
From an economic standpoint, as far as I understand, it probably isn’t very cost-effective.
Our idea is to be able to completely switch off the heat pump during the warmer months and rely solely on hot water from the solar system (even though the heat pump would likely operate most efficiently at higher temperatures). According to the manufacturer (LWC90 from Alpha Innotec), during the transitional seasons the heat pump would be supported by the solar system and thus “relieved.” Allegedly, this would increase the overall COP value by up to 10%.
Is this a sensible approach or not? Here are some details about our planned new build:
Solid masonry house made of 30 cm (12 inch) Poroton bricks + 10 cm (4 inch) external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) with polystyrene
About 135 sqm (1,453 sq ft) of living space
Triple glazing
Decentralized ventilation system Schiedel AERA Comfort (without heat recovery ventilation (HRV), as we are not convinced by it; we don’t want fresh air ducted through a pipe system but do want to minimize ventilation heat losses)
Roof structure with 20 cm (8 inch) insulation between rafters
BRAAS roof tiles
Basement constructed as watertight shell (“white tank”), 30 cm (12 inch) concrete + 10 cm (4 inch) perimeter insulation, floor insulation under basement screed
Large south-facing window area, as well as dormer windows facing north
Designed for 2 adults and 2–3 children
Thanks for any suggestions/help!
We are possibly planning a air-to-water heat pump and are unsure whether we should also invest in a solar thermal system to support the heating (around 10 sqm (108 sq ft) with a 600-liter (158 gallon) storage tank).
From an economic standpoint, as far as I understand, it probably isn’t very cost-effective.
Our idea is to be able to completely switch off the heat pump during the warmer months and rely solely on hot water from the solar system (even though the heat pump would likely operate most efficiently at higher temperatures). According to the manufacturer (LWC90 from Alpha Innotec), during the transitional seasons the heat pump would be supported by the solar system and thus “relieved.” Allegedly, this would increase the overall COP value by up to 10%.
Is this a sensible approach or not? Here are some details about our planned new build:
Solid masonry house made of 30 cm (12 inch) Poroton bricks + 10 cm (4 inch) external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS) with polystyrene
About 135 sqm (1,453 sq ft) of living space
Triple glazing
Decentralized ventilation system Schiedel AERA Comfort (without heat recovery ventilation (HRV), as we are not convinced by it; we don’t want fresh air ducted through a pipe system but do want to minimize ventilation heat losses)
Roof structure with 20 cm (8 inch) insulation between rafters
BRAAS roof tiles
Basement constructed as watertight shell (“white tank”), 30 cm (12 inch) concrete + 10 cm (4 inch) perimeter insulation, floor insulation under basement screed
Large south-facing window area, as well as dormer windows facing north
Designed for 2 adults and 2–3 children
Thanks for any suggestions/help!
Behaim schrieb:
...Economically speaking, from what I've gathered, it probably isn't worth it. Gathered or understood? Then why ask the question? Behaim schrieb:
...In the transitional seasons, the manufacturer claims that... Allegedly, the COP value would increase overall by up to 10%. With so many conditionals, that sounds suspicious. Better get that statement into the contract, so that the marketing talk becomes a legally binding guarantee of performance. 😉 Also, compared to the annual performance factor, the COP is largely irrelevant because it relates to power and not consumption. If discussing COP, then the entire characteristic curve (operating range) should be considered!
Best regards.
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