ᐅ Are solar panels and heat pumps cost-effective?

Hello, I have a question.

Is it worthwhile to install a solar system together with a heat pump? What are the ecological and economic benefits? The solar system is planned for heating the water.

Thank you very much for your answers!

Hello casimum,
the question of "is it worth it..." is a tricky one: financially, this investment may not pay off easily, but in terms of energy supply, it can be worthwhile because it makes you more independent from external energy providers. This independence is becoming increasingly important nowadays, as even the slightest political unrest can cause oil and gas prices to rise sharply.

Technically, it is not a problem and has been tested extensively; however, the energy consumption required to operate such a system (electricity) and for supplementary heating during particularly cold periods must be minimized.
Therefore, it is important to tailor the solar system and heat pump specifically to your location (your house) so that the setup works efficiently. This should be planned and calculated by an engineering firm specializing in this field. This is also where the question of payback period will be addressed.

Hello Hertweck,

Thank you very much for your reply.
However, my question is whether it really makes sense to install a solar thermal system for hot water in addition to heating with a ground source heat pump. My initial thought was that a ground source heat pump already operates ecologically and efficiently and also heats the water.
Wouldn't it make more sense instead to install a solar photovoltaic system to generate electricity? Especially considering independence from energy suppliers? Ground heat cannot simply become more expensive or be switched off, right?
I hope I’m not on the wrong track... 😕

Thank you!

Hello again,

Photovoltaic systems are often used in combination with heat pumps to generate the electricity needed to operate the heat pump. In general, a photovoltaic system alone is not sufficient to supply a house with electricity for all appliances (stove, lighting, etc.).
There are attempts to achieve this as well, but the entire house, including all electrical appliances, lighting, and illumination, must be carefully coordinated during the planning phase.

Thermal solar systems are increasingly being replaced by photovoltaic systems for cost and efficiency reasons, since most heat is generated precisely when it is least needed.
A standard grid-connected photovoltaic system is therefore simpler. Whether the electricity is then used by your heat pump, elsewhere in your home, or sold to a market or your utility, you can usually decide later.

einstein0

Great, here’s a professional writing, and that’s quite something. It only pays off after 89 years? That really doesn’t make sense unless the money is easily available.