Solar + heat pump: the smart pairing.

Last updated: 3 July 2026 · Written by the ECONEXIS team, MCS-accredited installers.

A heat pump moves your heating bill from gas to electricity. Solar generates electricity on your roof. Put the two together — with a battery in the middle — and a meaningful slice of your heating runs on power you produced yourself. It's the combination we're asked about most, and one we install as a package.

Why the pairing makes sense

• Heat pumps are extremely efficient — a good air source heat pump delivers 3+ units of heat per unit of electricity.
• That electricity has to come from somewhere — solar means a chunk of it comes from your roof, free at the point of use.
• A battery bridges the gap — storing midday solar for the evening heating peak, and charging from cheap overnight tariffs in winter.
• One team, one design — sizing the three parts together beats bolting them on separately.

Honest winter expectations

Solar output is lowest exactly when heating demand is highest — no honest installer will tell you your January heating runs on January sunshine. What the pairing does: solar carries your general electricity use (and heating shoulder-seasons) for most of the year, while the battery lets you buy cheap overnight electricity for winter heating instead of peak-rate power. Read our winter performance guide for the real seasonal picture.

Sizing the system for a heat pump

A heat pump typically adds 2,500–4,000 kWh to a home's annual electricity use. If you're planning one, we'll size your solar array and battery for your future usage, not just today's — often meaning a few more panels and a larger battery (17 kWh+ rather than 10–12). Doing this once, together, is cheaper than upgrading later.

What it costs

Solar-and-battery systems from our recent quotes ranged from £6,690 to around £14,000 depending on size (full pricing guide), and domestic solar, batteries and heat pumps all currently attract 0% VAT. For the heat pump itself, see our air source heat pump page — and if you want the combined design, ask for both in one free design request.

Get my free custom quote