Solar Assisted Heat Pump
10 July 2019
Solar PV modules are supplied as a sealed unit with a specific voltage and wattage rating. In order to provide electricity for a building Solar PV modules have to be combined in a system with other components (including an inverter, wiring and roof mounting kit).
PV cells come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most PV systems are made up of panels that fit on top of an existing roof, but you can also fit solar tiles.
A Solar Assisted Heat Pump (SAHP) is a system which absorbs atmospheric heat (e.g. via an external absorber) and turns this into useful heat energy for domestic hot water. An external absorber acts as an evaporator and utilises the heat in the atmosphere as well as direct solar radiation. Generally the absorber will be placed externally however in some cases may be placed internally.
At present MCS only covers SAHPs which provide domestic hot water.
The Benefits of installing a Solar Assisted Heat Pump
- Reduce your energy bills.
- Cut your carbon footprint.
- Can deliver a high performing system as combines Solar with a Heat Pump.
Maintaining a Solar Assisted Heat Pump
The maintenance requirements of a Solar Assisted Heat Pump are essentially a combination of the requirements for Solar PV and a Heat Pump. Solar PV systems don’t require much maintenance – you’ll just need to keep the panels relatively clean and make sure trees don’t begin to overshadow them.