Can Solar Panels Really Help Pay for a Heat Pump?

Many homeowners are now exploring renewable heating options and wondering if solar power can offset the cost of installing a heat pump.

The short answer is yes — but only partially. Solar doesn’t pay for a heat pump outright, but it can significantly reduce the long-term running costs, making the overall investment more manageable.

Let’s break down how it works.

Get Help from the Government Grant

Thanks to the UK Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, homeowners in England and Wales can claim up to £7,500 towards installing an air-source or ground-source heat pump.

Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme here

This generous grant reduces the upfront cost substantially — but most households will still have to contribute several thousand pounds towards the total installation.

How Solar Panels Make a Difference

While the BUS grant helps you install your heat pump, solar panels help you run it more affordably.

Here’s how:

• A heat pump runs on electricity. Solar panels let you generate some of that power for free.

• The more solar energy you use directly, the less you buy from the grid — cutting your monthly energy bills.

• You can store extra power in a solar battery, helping you use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining.

• Solar and heat pumps together can add value to your home and reduce your carbon footprint.

Remember: Solar Won’t Cover Everything

It’s important to be clear — solar helps, but it won’t cover the entire cost of running a heat pump.

That’s because:

• Seasonal mismatch: Solar power peaks in summer, while heat pumps use the most electricity in winter.

• Roof space: Most homes can’t fit enough panels to power 100% of their heating demand.

• Separate incentives: The BUS grant applies to the heat pump, not to solar panels.

Still, using solar to supply even a portion of your heat pump’s electricity can make a noticeable impact on your bills.

The Combined Savings Picture

Here’s a simple breakdown of how combining solar and a heat pump adds up:

Cost Element	Support / Benefit
Heat Pump Installation	Up to £7,500 off via the Boiler Upgrade Scheme
Solar Panel Installation	Separate investment — can reduce electricity bills
Running Costs	Reduced thanks to solar generation
Long-Term Savings	Lower energy bills, lower carbon footprint, potential property value boost

Example utilising solar and battery storage, leveraging on charging at cheaper rate.

The table below shows a combined savings of £792 if you utilise energy from solar and battery storage charging at cheaper rate compared with peak rate.

Scenario	Assumed Coverage	Annual HP kWh from Grid	Effective Unit Price	Annual Running Cost	Saving vs Baseline
Baseline (no solar, no battery)	0%	3,000	30.0p	£900	—
A) Battery on cheap rate	100% via battery	~0 (battery supplies)	11.1p	£333	£567
B) Solar contribution	25% solar (750 kWh)	2,250	30.0p	£675	£225

Example only: Assumes annual heat demand 9,000 kWh (heat), heat pump SCOP 3.0, standard tariff £0.30/kWh, off-peak £0.10/kWh, battery round-trip efficiency 90% (effective ~11.1p/kWh), and 4 kWp solar PV covering ~25% of the heat pump’s annual electricity (seasonality applies). Actual performance and savings vary with property fabric, system sizing, tariffs, usage profile, and weather. Standing charges and export payments are excluded.

Together, solar and heat pumps create a sustainable, lower-cost heating system for your home — especially when paired with proper insulation and smart controls.

How UK Green Energy Installations Can Help

At UK Green Energy Installations, we specialise in helping homeowners make the most of renewable technology. Our team can:

• Assess your home’s suitability for solar panels and heat pumps

• Calculate your likely energy savings

• Design a system that fits your budget and long-term goals

In Summary

Solar panels can’t completely pay for your heat pump — but they can help power it, reduce your running costs, and increase your savings when combined with the government’s £7,500 heat pump grant.

It’s a smart, sustainable step towards lower-carbon living — and one that’s already paying off for thousands of UK homeowners.

Ready to See How Much Solar Could Power Your Heat Pump?

Find out how much solar could contribute to your heat pump’s running costs.
Our expert team can assess your home’s energy use, roof potential, and system design to show you exactly how much of your heat pump’s electricity demand could be covered by solar energy.

FAQs: Solar and Heat Pumps

Can solar panels power a heat pump completely?

Not usually — most homes won’t generate enough solar electricity in winter to cover all heating demand, but solar can significantly reduce grid electricity use in spring and summer. A well-sized solar array can make a noticeable difference to your overall running costs.

Does the government grant apply to solar panels?

No, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant only covers the cost of installing a heat pump. Solar panels are a separate investment, but they work hand-in-hand with a heat pump to reduce your ongoing electricity costs.

Will I need a battery to make the most of solar and a heat pump?

A battery isn’t essential, but it helps maximise the use of your solar power. By storing excess energy generated during the day, you can run your heat pump overnight or when the sun isn’t shining — improving your self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.

How much could solar reduce my heating bills?

On average, solar panels might cover 20–30% of a heat pump’s annual electricity needs, depending on your roof, home size, and usage pattern. In our example above, that could save around £200–£300 per year compared with running entirely on grid electricity.

Can I still get the heat pump grant if I already have solar panels?

Yes. Having solar panels does not affect your eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, as long as your installation meets the grant requirements and is carried out by an MCS-certified installer.

This Halloween, the scariest thing isn’t ghosts or goblins — it’s wasted energy.

From standby appliances to inefficient systems, “energy vampires” are silently draining your power (and your wallet).

Standby devices and inefficient appliances could be quietly sucking up to 10 % of your electricity bill.

This Halloween, keep the spooky stuff for the decorations — not your power usage.

Switch off standby. Save up to £45 a year.

With UKGEI’s solar, battery, and EV charging solutions, you can banish the bad energy — and keep your home powered by the good stuff.

Make Your Energy Work Smarter: Why Battery Storage Is Worth It in the UK Today

In an era of volatile energy prices and evolving supplier offers, homeowners in the UK have more choices than ever to control their energy spend. At UKGEI, alongside suppliers like SigEnergy and myenergi, we believe that battery storage isn’t just for homes with solar panels — it’s also a smart move for any household willing to play the time-of-use game.

Here’s why battery storage is getting more attractive — and how you might benefit.

1. The context: energy tariffs are now more flexible (and clever)

The traditional “one price all day” model of electricity is shifting. Several UK suppliers are offering tariffs that reward you for using energy outside peak times or even on specific days:

• Some providers are offering substantially cheaper electricity on Sundays or off-peak hours. For instance, one major supplier has launched a tariff that gives you half-price electricity for eight hours every Sunday.

• More generally, “time-of-use” tariffs (where unit rates vary by time of day) are gaining traction. According to an advice guide, electricity is cheapest in the UK between about midnight and 6 am — but you’ll only benefit if you’re on a tariff that allows off-peak pricing.

• A recent summary shows that major providers are now offering off-peak or discounted electricity sessions if you shift usage or have a smart meter.

What this means: the more you can shift when you consume energy — or even better, the more you can store cheap energy and then use it when rates are high — the more you can save.

2. Why a battery storage system makes sense, even without solar

Often the pitch for battery storage is “use your solar panels + battery to maximise self-consumption”, but there’s a compelling case even if you don’t have solar:

• A battery lets you charge during cheaper electricity periods, store that energy, and then discharge/use it during more expensive times (or when the grid rate is higher). This kind of arbitrage becomes increasingly viable when suppliers offer sharply discounted or off-peak rates.

• With a battery in place, you’re not entirely stuck on the time your supplier dictates — you can optimise for your cheapest rate window.

• Systems like those from SigEnergy (e.g., the SigenStor) are built to be modular, intelligent, and ready for such use-cases. For example, the SigenStor is described as a “5-in-1” energy storage system (battery + inverter + management system) designed for UK homes.

• From a longer-term viewpoint: energy prices remain subject to wholesale volatility, network charges and peak demand. Installing a battery is a way of locking in more control rather than simply being at the mercy of rising rates.

3. How to think of the numbers

Here’s a simplified example to illustrate:

• Suppose you’re on a tariff where electricity costs you a lower rate overnight or on Sundays (because you shift usage).

• You install a home battery that can store, say, 10 kWh overnight when the unit rate is X p/kWh low, and then during the evening peak you consume from the battery rather than from the grid at Y p/kWh high.

If Y – X is large enough (and you have enough cycles/use) then the savings over a year can add up.
Of course you must factor in: cost of battery system + installation; efficiency losses; correct usage habits; supplier’s eligibility (smart meter, tariff, etc).

What’s important: With the right system and usage pattern, battery storage can shift you from being just a passive user of grid electricity to an active optimiser of your home energy.

4. Spotlight on some deals you should know about

• British Gas offers a scheme called “PeakSave Sundays” where customers (with the right meter) can get half-price electricity between 11 am-4 pm every Sunday.

• Several suppliers are running “free or heavily discounted electricity” initiatives if you shift your usage or participate in off-peak windows. For example, one article noted that EDF, OVO, British Gas and others are offering limited-time free electricity/credits for off-peak use.

• On time-of-use generally: If you are on a tariff that allows off-peak use, then using appliances or charging a battery at those times can produce meaningful savings.

Tip for readers: Check your current tariff (unit rates by time), check whether you have a smart meter, ask your supplier whether there’s a “time-of-use” or discounted window you could utilise.

5. Why choosing the right battery matters (and how UKGEI helps)

At UKGEI, we’ve worked with brands like SigEnergy to install smart, future-proof battery storage systems. A few things we emphasise:

• Choose a system that supports time-of-use optimisation: the software/EMS matters, not just the battery pack. As described in reviews, SigEnergy’s system is modular, smart and built for UK homes.

• Factor in your usage pattern: A battery is most useful if you have a predictable peak period (e.g., evenings) and can charge during a low-rate window.

• Consider scalability and future needs: Even if you don’t have solar today, choose a system that allows expansion or integration (e.g., EV charging) down the line.

• Professional installation & monitoring matter: To maximise ROI, the system must be optimally configured and maintained.

6. Putting it all together: A sample “path to savings”

1. Review your current electricity tariff. Are you paying standard rates all day? Does your supplier offer a time-of-use or off-peak window?

2. Identify the cheapest window (this could be overnight, Sundays, etc). Make note of the unit rate if possible.

3. Compare that with your peak usage window (evenings, weekdays).

4. If the differential is large-ish, consider installing a battery system that allows you to store during the cheap window and discharge during the expensive window.

5. Monitor real world usage: how many kilowatt-hours are you shifting? What’s the battery efficiency & capacity?

6. Over time, you should reduce your grid-purchased electricity during the most expensive periods and thus reduce your bill (or at least reduce the portion of expensive consumption).

7. Bonus: You’re also increasing resilience (you might have backup), and preparing for future tariffs (e.g., more time-of-use, more peak/off-peak differentiation) which favour flexible storage.

7. Final thoughts & call to action

The UK energy market is evolving — static tariffs are giving way to variable, time-sensitive pricing. That shift opens an opportunity: by using battery storage intelligently, you can play to the cheaper electricity windows rather than simply paying whatever the grid sets.

If you’re a homeowner interested in reducing your energy bills, increasing flexibility and being ready for the future, now is a very good time to consider battery storage. At UKGEI we can help you select the right system (for example from SigEnergy or myenergi), design the installation for your home, and integrate it with your tariff/time-of-use strategy.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us for a free assessment — let’s map your current usage, tariff, and show how a storage system could pay back over the coming years.

Seasonal Solar Maintenance Tips for Autumn

Homeowners can support solar performance during autumn with a few practical, safety-conscious checks:

1. Carry Out a Ground-Level Visual Inspection

A periodic visual check from ground level — or from an accessible upstairs window — can help you spot leaf build-up, bird activity or shading from new growth on nearby trees. There is no need to climb onto the roof, and professional assistance should be sought for any cleaning or physical maintenance.

2. Monitor Output Through Your Inverter or App

Modern PV systems provide real-time or historic generation information. If output appears unexpectedly low for the season and weather conditions, debris or shading could be a contributing factor.

3. Keep Gutters Clear

Leaves that slide off solar panels often collect in gutters, increasing the risk of blockages. Clear guttering helps ensure proper drainage and reduces roof-moisture issues throughout autumn and winter.

4. Consider a Professional Clean if Needed

Although panels are designed to be largely self-cleaning, areas with heavy tree coverage or ongoing leaf fall may benefit from an occasional professional clean. This should only be carried out by trained installers using the correct equipment to avoid damage or personal safety risks.

Safety First: Avoid DIY Roof Work

It is important to note that no maintenance task is worth compromising safety. Climbing onto a roof presents significant risk, particularly during wet or windy autumn conditions. Always engage a qualified professional if leaves or debris need to be removed from hard-to-reach areas or from beneath a solar array.

Looking Ahead to Winter

Taking simple steps in autumn can help ensure your solar panels are prepared for the harsher winter months. By reducing leaf build-up and monitoring system performance, homeowners can support steady generation throughout the darker season and maximise the long-term return on their investment.

Supporting Long-Term Solar Performance

Solar panels are a low-maintenance, long-life technology, and seasonal awareness can help protect their output for years to come.

If you’re considering a solar installation for your home, the UKGEI team can offer guidance on system design and installation tailored to your property and energy goals.

Integration of Smart Home & Energy Systems: From Solar Inverter to Smart Thermostat to EV Charger

As UK homes embrace renewable energy, the next frontier isn’t just generating power — it’s connecting it. Smart homes are no longer limited to voice assistants or app-controlled lights. The real innovation is in linking solar panels, battery storage, smart thermostats, and EV chargers into one intelligent ecosystem that maximises efficiency, comfort, and savings.

Why Integration Matters

Many households already have solar panels, perhaps a home battery or an electric vehicle (EV). But without integration, each system works in isolation — your panels export to the grid while your EV charges at night, and your heating system runs without knowing your solar production.

A connected smart home, however, coordinates everything automatically:

• Solar inverter reports real-time generation.

• Battery system stores excess energy intelligently.

• Smart thermostat adjusts heating based on available solar or cheaper tariff windows.

• EV charger schedules charging when solar is abundant or tariffs are lowest.

This orchestration is known as demand shifting — moving your energy use to match renewable generation and off-peak prices. The result? Lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

How the Systems Communicate

Smart integration relies on communication protocols and platforms — the digital “languages” that devices use to talk to each other. Here’s a look at the most common and effective ones available in the UK.

Home Assistant

An open-source platform that acts as a “brain” for your smart home. It can connect devices from hundreds of manufacturers — including solar inverters (Fronius, SolarEdge, Victron), EV chargers (Zappi, Wallbox), and thermostats (Nest, Tado).

• Runs locally (no cloud reliance).

• Integrates energy dashboards showing generation, consumption, and battery levels in real time.

• Highly customisable with automations (e.g. “charge EV only when battery above 60%”).

OpenHAB

Similar to Home Assistant, OpenHAB is another open-source option popular with advanced users.

• Works across multiple standards (Z-Wave, Zigbee, MQTT).

• Excellent for integrating legacy or less-common devices.

• Ideal for users who prefer total control and custom logic.

Smart Hubs (Commercial Platforms)

For homeowners who prefer simpler, plug-and-play options:

• Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, and Apple Home now support the new Matter standard, improving interoperability.

• myenergi ecosystem (Zappi + Eddi + Harvi) offers seamless control between EV charging, immersion diversion, and solar systems — designed and built in the UK.

• Tado and Hive integrate well with time-of-use tariffs and can respond automatically to cheap or green energy windows.

Real-World Example: A Day in a Connected Home

Imagine a typical winter’s day:

1. Morning sun hits your panels. Your inverter reports generation.

2. Home Assistant sees excess solar power and diverts it to charge your battery.

3. Your EV charger pauses because the battery is priority.

4. As evening approaches, the battery discharges to power your heating and lighting.

5. When your dynamic tariff hits off-peak (e.g. 11 pm), the system automatically charges your EV.

6. You wake up to a full car, a warm home, and an energy bill that’s 40–60% lower than before.

Benefits of a Fully Integrated Energy Ecosystem

Optimised energy use — Make the most of every kWh your panels generate.
Lower costs — Automatically shift loads to low-tariff or high-generation periods.
Reduced grid reliance — Maximise self-consumption, less export waste.
Improved comfort — Smart thermostats anticipate your needs without manual input.
Future-proofing — As the UK grid evolves, your system can adapt to new tariffs and technologies.

What’s Next for UK Homes

With Matter and Thread protocols becoming mainstream in 2025, device compatibility will become much simpler. Expect to see:

• Easier plug-and-play integration between brands.

• More solar- and EV-aware appliances (e.g. washing machines that start when solar is available).

• Smarter grid interaction through upcoming Demand Flexibility Schemes.

How UKGEI Can Help

At UKGEI, we design and install solar, battery, and EV systems that are ready for smart home integration. Whether you’re starting fresh or want to connect your existing setup, our team can recommend compatible products, install communication gateways, and configure automations that make your home truly intelligent.

Talk to our experts to find out how your solar inverter, battery, and EV charger can finally work together.

Myenergi: The Smart, Integrated Green Solution for Families

For many families, the journey towards a greener lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Do you start with solar? A home battery? An EV charger? Or maybe a way to cut down on heating costs? With Myenergi, you don’t have to choose. Their smart, integrated range of solutions – including zappi glo, libbi, eddi, and harvi – offers a one-stop shop for families who want to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and take control of their energy future.

An Integrated Ecosystem Designed for Families

What makes Myenergi stand out is the way all its products work together seamlessly. Instead of juggling different systems, you can build a connected green energy ecosystem at your own pace:

• zappi glo – The latest generation of Myenergi’s EV charger. More than just a plug, it allows you to charge your electric vehicle using renewable energy from your solar panels or wind turbine, as well as grid electricity. With stylish design and advanced smart charging modes, zappi glo makes EV ownership practical and eco-friendly.

• eddi – A power diverter that sends surplus renewable energy into your hot water tank or heating system. Instead of exporting unused energy to the grid, you use it in your own home – reducing bills and boosting self-sufficiency.

• libbi – Myenergi’s smart home battery. Store your renewable energy for when you need it most, helping to balance day and night usage while protecting your home from rising energy costs.

• harvi – A clever wireless energy sensor that monitors your generation and usage. It communicates with your other Myenergi devices without the need for extra cabling, keeping installation simple and your home uncluttered.

Together, these products create a flexible, future-proof solution that grows with your family’s needs.

Control Everything from the Myenergi App

At the heart of the Myenergi ecosystem is the Myenergi app. With a single tap, you can:

• Track energy generation, storage, and usage in real time.

• Control when your EV charges, your water heats, or your battery discharges.

• Set schedules and optimise for savings, convenience, or sustainability.

• Manage your entire green home system – all from your smartphone.

This smart technology means your family doesn’t just go green – you go smart green.

Why Families Love Myenergi

One-stop solution – No need to piece together different systems from multiple providers.

1. Flexible entry point – Start with a single product, like zappi glo, and expand as your energy journey evolves.

2. Sustainable savings – Make the most of your self-generated energy and cut down on rising utility bills.

3. Future-proof – With continuous software updates and integrated design, your system gets smarter over time.

Why Choose UKGEI as Your Installer

As a certified Myenergi installer, UKGEI helps families across the UK take their first steps toward a greener lifestyle. When you choose us, you’ll get:

• Expert guidance on the right solutions for your home.

• Professional, hassle-free installation.

• Ongoing support to make sure your Myenergi system works exactly as it should.

With UKGEI and Myenergi, families can enjoy a seamless path to sustainable living – from charging your car to heating your home, all controlled in one place.

Myenergi FAQs

Do I need solar panels to use zappi glo?

No – zappi glo can charge your car directly from the grid, but it really shines when connected to solar or wind generation, allowing you to power your EV with clean, free energy.

Can eddi work without libbi?

Yes – eddi can operate on its own, diverting excess solar or wind energy into your hot water system. However, when combined with libbi, you can store even more energy for use later, giving you greater flexibility.

What does harvi do?

Harvi is a wireless energy sensor that measures generation and usage, sending this information to your Myenergi devices. It removes the need for extra cabling, making installations simpler and tidier.

Is libbi just for homes with solar panels?

No – while libbi is designed to store renewable energy, it can also store grid electricity. This allows you to charge it during off-peak times and use the stored power when prices are higher.

Can I start with one Myenergi product and add more later?

Absolutely – the system is modular. Many families start with zappi glo for EV charging, then expand to include eddi, libbi, and harvi as their green journey evolves.

Is everything controlled by the app?

Yes – the Myenergi app brings all your devices together. From one simple interface, you can see what’s happening in real time, control settings, and optimise for cost savings or sustainability.