Across the UK, prices for energy rise and fall regularly, because of this residents in Shropshire are looking for ways to decrease their costs and improve their houses efficiency.
Two types of technology will help with these issues, solar panels or heat pumps. But how do they compare and which is the better solution for your property?
What’s the difference between solar panels and heat pumps?
Solar panels work by collecting energy from the sun and produce electricity for your home. This electricity can then be used for many different things across your property, this can include charging your vehicles, use appliances around your home and provide power to your lights, computers etc. if you generate more electricity that you use then you can either store these in a batter or sell it back to the grid.
Solar panels don’t rely on direct sunlight and will still provide a usable level of energy on cloudy days. This makes them ideal for homes throughout Shropshire.
Heat pumps work in a different way. They extract heat from the air outside and use it to heat your home and provide hot water.
Heat pumps also require electricity to run, but they can generate multiple units of heat for every unit of electricity they consume. As such, they’re much more efficient than direct electric heating systems.
Which is better for properties in Shropshire?
Across Shropshire there are many different types of properties. There are new builds in Shrewsbury and Telford but rural cottages, farmhouses and older period properties across Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Owestry and Church Stretton.
This means each home is unique and there is no clear answer that will suit every property. There are however different reasons that will make either solar panels or heat pumps more appealing.
Some homes in rural Shropshire aren’t connected to the mains gas network and rely on oil, LPG or electric heating alternatives. This means heat pumps could be a good option if you need to replace your existing heating system.
Heat pumps are a better option for well-insulated homes. Things like solid walls, little insulation or lots of draughts and small radiators could mean you would need to upgrade more of your property for heat pumps to work efficiently.
Solar panels on the other hand has less restrictions. You may find you will need to upgrade your property before buying an heat pump but with solar panels you can start generating electricity straight from installation. You will just need a suitable roof, outbuilding or some land with little to no shade.
Which option is cheaper to install?
Solar panels are often cheaper and less restrictive to install than heat pumps. A standard solar panel installation will usually include:
- Mounting panels onto the roof
- Installing an inverter
- Connecting the system to your home’s electrical supply
- Adding battery storage if required
Heat pumps can sometimes require additional parts to run more efficiently. Some properties will also need:
- A new hot water cylinder
- Bigger radiators
- Upgraded pipework
- Improved insulation
- Electrical upgrades
- Removal of your existing boiler/heating system
There is currently some government funding for heat-pump installations. To find out more check out the lates upgrade scheme guidance to find out whether you may be accepted for a grant.
Which will save me more money?
With enough solar panels you will be able to generate enough electricity to power your whole home and stop you purchasing more from your supplier.
The best way to keep your bills as low as possible is to only use the same amount of electricity across your property as your solar panels generate. If you use less you can store the left over energy with Solar battery storage. Meaning if you use more than you generate then you may be able to use the left overs you’ve stored previously from the battery storage.
If you currently use oil, LPG or a more direct electrical heating then installing a heat pump will most likely save you money.
However installing a heat pump may not save you money if your property uses an old gas boiler that needs replacing. Electricity is generally more expensive than gas when compared on a per-unit-of-energy basis.
Can I have solar panels and a heat pump?
Yes, you can combine solar panels and heat pumps to create an efficient home energy system.
Heat pumps will increase electricity consumption as it will be replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with an electrical one. This does mean however that solar panels may be able to generate some to all of your heat pumps electricity needs.
Battery storage can also smooth out the demand by storing unused solar electricity or cheap off-peak energy for use at a later date.
Solar generation is lower during winter when heating demand is highest. This is why it may be best to speak to us about designing a solar and battery system around your current and future electricity requirements.
Should I install solar panels or a heat pump?
Solar panels might be the right first-step if:
- Your existing boiler is in good working order
- You want to reduce your electricity bills
- You prefer a less intrusive installation process
- You own/plan to buy an electric vehicle
- You’re interested in battery storage
- Your home needs better insulation
A heat pump might be the better choice if:
- You need to replace your existing heating system
- Your home is well insulated
- You currently use oil, LPG or electric heating
- You want to cut your reliance on fossil fuels
- You have space for the equipment
- You qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Installing and using solar panels can help properties throughout Shropshire to reduce electricity bills and make sure they are future proofed. Installing solar panels will also help prepare your home for electric vehicles, battery storage and low-carbon heating solutions.
Get in touch with Shropshire’s local solar experts
At Eden Power, we’ve been providing Shropshire homeowners with professional solar-panel installations since 2011. You can view some of our recent solar installation case studies to see examples of our work.
Our installations are designed around your property’s specific requirements and your future plans for the home. Looking to reduce energy bills? Want to add battery storage? Need help getting ready for an electric car? Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will solar panels work in Shropshire?
Yes, solar panel will generate electricity all year around, this will however depend on daylight, shade and other factors. The amount of electricity produced will depend on the size of your system, roof orientation and shading. Get in touch to find out how many solar panels you may need.
Are heat pumps better than solar panels?
Solar panels and heat pumps are good at different things. Solar panels produce electricity that you can use to lower your electricity bills. Heat pumps are better than electric heaters and can replace your fossil-fuel furnace.
Can solar panels provide enough power for a heat pump?
Solar panels have the potential to meet all of your electricity requirements if you live in the right property and your electricity usage is low enough. In reality, the majority of households will need to continue purchasing some grid electricity if they use a heat pump. Solar panels can still make sense for your home, even if it can’t generate 100% of the electricity needed by a heat pump.
Do heat pumps work in older homes?
Installing a heat pump may require you to upgrade your home’s insulation, install bigger radiators or improve your heating controls. However, heat pumps can still be installed in older properties.
Should I get solar panels or a heat pump first?
For most homeowners, solar panels will be the simpler and more cost-effective place to start. If you need to replace your boiler or heating system, a heat pump may become your priority.
