Solar Panels vs Heat Pumps

Information notice

This comparison uses information from the Energy Saving Trust, government publications, and industry sources. Energy Pages is an independent information service, not an installer. Always consult MCS-certified installers for advice specific to your property.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Solar panels	Heat pumps
What it does	Generates electricity from sunlight	Provides heating and hot water
Typical cost	£6,000–£10,000 (4kW system, 0% VAT)	£11,100–£15,600 before BUS grant (middle half of air source installs, 2026 Q2 (April to June); source: BUS statistics)
Main grant	0% VAT (all residential, source: HMRC)	Boiler Upgrade Scheme: £7,500, England and Wales only; £9,000 off the gas grid replacing oil or LPG until 31 March 2027 (source: gov.uk)
What it replaces	Grid electricity purchases	Gas boiler or other heating system
Best season	Summer (longest daylight hours)	Winter (when heating is needed most)
Installation time	1-2 days typically	2-5 days typically, plus radiator upgrades if needed

Sources: Energy Saving Trust, HMRC (VAT), gov.uk (Boiler Upgrade Scheme, and BUS statistics for heat pump costs). Costs are indicative and vary by property.

Which Should You Install First?

Solar first

Prioritise solar panels if…

Your electricity bills are your main concern
Your current boiler is relatively new and working well
You have good roof space and orientation (south or south-west facing)
You want to reduce running costs before installing a heat pump later
You have an electric vehicle or plan to get one

Heat pump first

Prioritise a heat pump if…

Your boiler is old and needs replacing soon
Your heating costs are your biggest energy expense
You can access the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant
Your home is well-insulated (heat pumps work best in insulated properties)
Your roof is not suitable for solar panels (north-facing, heavily shaded)

Combining Solar Panels and a Heat Pump

According to the Energy Saving Trust, combining solar panels with a heat pump can significantly reduce both your electricity bills and carbon emissions. The solar panels generate electricity that can power the heat pump, reducing or eliminating the running cost of your heating system during sunny periods.

The seasonal mismatch is worth understanding: solar panels generate most electricity in summer when heating demand is lowest, while heat pumps work hardest in winter when solar generation is reduced. Adding battery storage can help, but it cannot fully bridge this gap.

Many homeowners install one technology first and add the other later. Installing solar panels first can reduce the running cost of a future heat pump. Installing a heat pump first makes sense if your boiler needs replacing urgently.

Air source heat pump unit mounted on the exterior wall of a UK home

Combined benefits

Step 1

Lower running costs

Solar electricity powers the heat pump, reducing or eliminating the electricity cost of heating your home during daylight hours.

Step 2

Reduced carbon footprint

Both technologies displace fossil fuel use, and when combined they can make a home close to carbon-neutral for energy.

Step 3

Energy independence

Generating your own electricity and heating reduces dependence on gas and grid electricity prices.

Scheme overview

Check your eligibility for funded installation

Some households may qualify for subsidised solar panels or heat pump installation through government schemes.

not a grant — support varies by supplier or installer

Support available

Key eligibility factors:

Open now — the installation must be completed by 31 December 2026
England, Scotland or Wales (not Northern Ireland)
On a qualifying benefit, in social housing rated EPC E–G, or referred through ECO4 Flex by a council that takes part
Eligibility is not a guarantee — suppliers decide which measures they fund

Check your property against the live MHCLG EPC register to see your current band and the schemes you may qualify for — free, in under a minute.

Check your property

Get a quote for solar panels or a heat pump

Connect with MCS-certified installers who can advise on the best approach for your property and budget.

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How to decide

Review your bills

Look at your electricity and gas bills separately. Which is the larger cost? That suggests which technology to prioritise.

Check your boiler

If your boiler is approaching end of life, replacing it with a heat pump (and claiming the BUS grant) may be the priority.

Assess your roof

South-facing roof with minimal shading? Solar panels will perform well. North-facing or heavily shaded? A heat pump may be the better investment.

Get expert advice

An MCS-certified installer can assess your property and recommend the best approach for your specific circumstances.

Common questions

Should I get solar panels or a heat pump first?▾

Solar panels and heat pumps solve different problems: solar panels generate electricity, while heat pumps provide heating and hot water. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the right choice depends on your priorities. If your electricity bills are high, solar panels may give faster returns. If your heating system needs replacing, a heat pump with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant may be the better starting point.

Can I use solar panels to power a heat pump?▾

Yes. According to industry guidance, solar panels can generate electricity that powers a heat pump, reducing or eliminating the running costs. However, the solar panels generate most electricity during summer when heating demand is lowest. A battery storage system can help bridge this gap to some extent.

How much does a heat pump cost compared to solar panels?▾

The middle half of air source heat pump installs paid under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in 2026 Q2 (April to June) cost £11,100-£15,600 before the scheme's grant of £7,500 (England and Wales only; £9,000 off the gas grid replacing oil or LPG, for applications made 21 July 2026 to 31 March 2027). A typical 4kW solar panel system costs £6,000-£10,000 with 0% VAT. Both technologies have different financial incentives available.

Do I need both solar panels and a heat pump?▾

You do not need both, but they complement each other well. Solar panels reduce your electricity costs, including the cost of running a heat pump. Together, they can significantly reduce both your energy bills and carbon footprint. Many homeowners install one first and add the other later.