Heat your home with sunlight
Combining solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with modern electric heating is a smart solution for significant long-term savings and a greener home. This increasingly popular heating solution offers many benefits, including reduced electricity bills, lower carbon footprint, and increased energy independence.
How do solar and electric heating combine?
Generating your own electricity
Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels on your roof convert sunlight directly into electricity. This electricity can then be used to power various types of electric heating systems in your home. For example, modern, efficient electric radiators can be turned on during sunny periods to utilise your free solar energy.
Powering your electric heating with solar
When your solar PV panels are bathed in sunlight – even on a bright overcast day in Scotland – they are actively generating electricity. This electricity can be used immediately to power electric heating systems in your home. This is known as Direct Power Usage.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Sunlight to electricity: Your solar panels convert sunlight into DC (Direct Current) electricity
- Inverter action: This DC electricity flows to an inverter, which converts it into AC (Alternating Current) electricity – the type that your home appliances and heating systems use
- Immediate power supply: This AC electricity is then available to your home’s electrical circuits. If an electric heating system is switched on during this time (e.g., electric radiators or storage heaters), it will automatically draw power from the solar generation first
- Grid as backup: If your solar panels aren’t producing enough power to meet the heating demand (like on a cloudy day, or when other high-power appliances are also running), then the system will seamlessly draw the additional electricity needed from the national grid. Conversely, if your panels are producing more electricity than your home is using, the excess can be stored in a battery (if you have one) or exported to the grid.
Benefits of combining solar panels and electric heating
Free, renewable heat – slash your energy bills
The sunlight hitting your panels is free. By using the electricity generated from it immediately to power your heating, you are essentially getting free, renewable heating during those hours. This directly reduces the amount of energy you need to buy from your electricity supplier. Solar panels offer the potential for significant long-term savings, which will vary based on your system size, energy usage, and location.
Reduce your carbon footprint
By directly using clean solar energy for heating, you’re further reducing your household’s carbon footprint, contributing to a greener environment. Combining modern electric heating with solar panels is a big step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Increase energy independence and security
Higher self-consumption means you’re less reliant on the electricity grid, making you less susceptible to energy price increases for the portion of energy you self-consume.
Enhance your property’s value
Homes with solar panels and efficient heating systems can be more attractive to potential buyers, adding value to your property.
Low maintenance and long lifespan
Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance, and modern electric heating systems are also known for their durability and ease of upkeep.
Choosing the right electric heating system for your solar PV setup
There are many electric heating options compatible with solar PV, including:
Modern electric radiators: Efficient, smart, and easy to control with their individual room thermostats) with no heat loss (until standard radiators), modern electric heaters are ideal for direct use of solar power.
Modern electric storage heaters: Can be charged using surplus solar energy during the day (if a battery isn’t present or as an alternative strategy), modern smart storage heaters offer better control compared to older models.
Before you make the switch
It’s important to match your heating system’s power demand with the solar panel output and household needs. Here are some other things to consider before you make the switch to solar panels and electric heating:
System sizing
Matching your heating system’s power demand with the solar panel output and overall household needs is key to maximising efficiency and savings. The primary goal of having solar panels, especially for heating, is to use as much of your self-generated electricity as possible. Every unit of solar power you use directly reduces the amount you need to buy from the grid, which is typically more expensive.
If your heating system demands power when your solar panels aren’t producing much (e.g., at night or on very cloudy winter days), you’ll still be drawing from the grid, negating some of the benefits of your solar investment.
Upfront investment vs long-term savings
While the benefits of smart thermostats, battery storage, and solar are clear, the upfront investment is a significant consideration. Installing a solar PV system represents a significant upfront investment, starting at around £5,000 minimum. However, it’s important to view this as an asset that adds value to your home and provides long-term financial and environmental benefits.
Home insulation
A well-insulated home maximises the benefits of any heating system, especially when paired with solar. Reducing heat loss means less energy is needed.
Your energy usage patterns
Your daily routine will impact when you use the most energy and affect how that aligns with solar generation. For example, solar panels produce electricity when the sun shines, typically peaking around midday. Your household’s energy consumption, however, is rarely constant and may typically peak in the mornings and evenings.
A brighter, warmer, and cheaper future
Combining solar panels with electric heating is about creating a resilient, intelligent, and environmentally responsible home. It’s an investment that can deliver significant long-term financial savings, energy independence, and environmental responsibility. Don’t just heat your home; power it intelligently and sustainably.
Get started
Ready to explore how solar and electric heating can transform your home’s energy efficiency? Contact us today for a free consultation or quote. We can help you choose the right electric heating systems to complement your solar PV installation.