ᐅ Switching from Gas to Solar / Photovoltaics with or without a Heat Pump

Of course, photovoltaic panels simply provide electricity. Whether they power the heat pump or your computer doesn’t matter 😉

free2abc schrieb:

Can I actually start with the photovoltaic system and install the heat pump and storage later?
With the heat pump, we have an issue because our garden is very small and installing it outside would be difficult. Also for aesthetic reasons. Indoors, I only have one corner that might fit. This still needs to be clarified.

That is always possible. The heat pump question has already been answered. Here, only the details need to be clarified: Are there cheaper tariffs for heat pumps, and is it worthwhile (with approximately a 10 cent difference) in terms of cascade operation, to purchase about two-thirds of the heat pump consumption that is not covered by the photovoltaic system at a lower cost? Would there be a meter slot for this, or would modifications be required? In the latter case, it would be too expensive. If space is limited and an outdoor air-to-water heat pump is not desired, a costly deep geothermal borehole could be an option, subject to approval. It’s expensive. 😉 However, it would offer a good seasonal performance factor compared to an air-to-water heat pump, meaning lower consumption. In other words, more of the demand could be covered by the photovoltaic system.

Regarding storage: It is possible, but can also be prepared in advance. There are hybrid inverters that allow activating a storage input later. If the storage is purchased at the same time, VAT can be reclaimed as with the photovoltaic system, and with DC-coupled storage, it can also be depreciated (if intended or if the system is very large anyway). Also, pay attention to any existing subsidy programs!

4lpha0ne schrieb:

If there is limited space and no external air-to-water heat pump is desired, a deep borehole could be an option, provided you get the necessary permission (building permit/planning permission). It’s expensive though. 😉 However, it would also have a good seasonal performance factor compared to an air-to-water heat pump, meaning lower energy consumption. This means that more of the demand could be covered by the photovoltaic system.

Our garden has about 80 square meters (860 square feet) of green space.

How much space is needed for a deep borehole? Basically only for the equipment, right? Ground source heat collectors are not an option.
Also, a deep borehole would be a huge mess. My better half would kill me 😉

Basically, you don’t need much space, and you can build over it later if necessary. However, you must maintain a certain distance from the property boundary. And, of course, heavy machinery needs to be able to access the site.

Would it also be possible to do the deep drilling in the driveway?

I believe so. Mine is planned in a strip between the house and the property boundary, where depending on the exact placement, either the garden shed or a paved path will be located. A drilling company can certainly suggest suitable spots.

It is more important to find out whether drilling is allowed at all. It is prohibited in water protection areas.