Solar-assisted Heat Pump Market Will Expand

Solar-assisted heat pumps (SAHPs) are now a popular technology because of the growing demand for green heating solutions and the worry about the future of mother nature. One of the reasons why the SAHP market is booming is because of their reduced carbon footprint thanks to the thermodynamic principle. 

These sustainable heat pumps provide you with hot water for household use using renewable energy. This way, you can cut down your energy cost by 90%. And guess what? You can have it installed and running in just 24 hours. Crazy right? SAHPs are suitable for homeowners and businesses as they reduce the reliance on electricity given the rising cost. There is more, so read on!

What is a Solar Assisted Heat Pump?

As mentioned, SAHPs are a technology used to heat homes and businesses. All this is possible through the thermal panels and solar cells that produce electricity from sunlight (photovoltaic). Are you familiar with the working principle of fridges? They work the same way; by using external heated air.

How Does a Solar-assisted Heat Pump Work?

Solar-assisted heat pumps generate heat using the sun as a thermal energy source. And various models have different components, but the standard ones around all models are the following;

• Evaporator

• Collector

• Thermal Expansion Valve

• Compressor

• Storage Heat Exchanger Tank

Can You Run a Heat Pump on Solar?

Of course! This concept is what solar assisting heat pumps are all about. Using solar panels as the energy source ensures a heating system does the job while also being eco-friendly. The solar panel system might generate enough power to run your heat pump without drawing from the grid. This, however, depends on the size of your solar systems.

On average, solar can produce an amount of electricity that can take you all year round, but the downside is that you can't use the electricity during nighttime. Solar thermal technology is an excellent way to reduce the electricity your heat pump requires.

Benefits of Solar-assisted Heat Pumps

Efficient

The SAHPs technology uses fewer moving components than other heating systems, so they are reliable and require low maintenance. They also combine solar energy and heat pump principles, making them more efficient than traditional heating methods.

Cost Effective

Like most people in different parts of the world, you are likely using either boiler, furnace, or heat pump to keep your home warm. Whichever heating technology you go for, it comes at a cost. Solar power is among the most cost-effective energy sources, so using them with your heat pump will cut a significant cost in the long run.

They Save the Planet!

Traditional systems rely on fossil fuels with a higher carbon footprint than SAHPs, which use emission-free energy to heat or cool your home or business. Because of this, they come in boosting your home's EPC rating.

Increases Property Value

Suppose you are in the real estate business; it's time to upgrade to solar-assisted heat pumps. Today, customers house hunting will always consider the most energy-efficient properties. These heat pumps will make the homes irresistible and appreciate the resale cost.

Drawbacks of Solar-assisted Heat Pumps

Maintenance

If you use a traditional heating system, upgrading to a SAHP means cleaning and inspecting the solar panels to keep them in good working condition.

Limited Availability

Another downside is that the SAHP technology might not be applicable in your area; if the sunshine is inefficient, it won't work!

Initial Cost

Let's break down the initial cost of a SAHP system. While doing your overall budget for this heat pump, you should include the purchase, solar panel, and installation costs. The overall cost is higher than the initial cost of traditional heating systems. 

Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Market Trends

• Government policies and incentives - Government incentives are critical drivers in the SAHPs market growth. Some countries have set rolling policies & incentives to encourage the adoption of these heat pumps. The US federal government is an example of a nation implementing these policies and incentives. They offer tax rebates to households or businesses using Solar assisted heat pumps. European countries are other examples of governments encouraging the use of SAHPs. They offer tariffs for feed-in and incentives that encourage using small and medium-scale heat pumps. In addition, other countries are working on regulations that encourage using clean energy sources like solar power. 

• Technological advancements - We can't emphasize the contribution of new technology and the rising demand for eco-friendly, cost-effective heating solutions in the SAHPs market growth. You can now buy new highly efficient solar-assisted heat pump models while offering increased output for similar input. Thanks to technology advancements, solar-assisted heat pumps with smart features are now readily available. Examples of these features are control systems and sensors that improve the operation and reliability of your heat pump. They adjust your home's temperatures depending on the weather of your home area and your property's heating needs. Using premium component materials like stainless steel and titanium, manufacturers can now supply durable SAHPs. As a result, you won't have to make endless repairs that might cost you a fortune.

• Rising Energy Costs - When there is a higher demand for other energy forms (natural gas, electricity, fossil fuel) than the supply, prices can increase like crazy. If you use solar-assisted heat pumps, you won't have to worry about the possibility of future energy bill increases. You will only have to dig into your pockets while doing the installation. However, the fluctuations in energy costs are good news for the solar-assisted heat pump market because people are increasingly adopting affordable heating solutions.

• Regional Prospects - Today, the Asia-Pacific region is the world leading SAHPs market hub, and according to market trends, that will be the case in the foreseeable future. India, China, and the Middle East are the most promising in terms of upcoming SAHPs market key players. SAHP investors are also shooting their shots in France, Sweden, and Germany so that you can expect a promising future for these heat pumps in Europe. Thanks to the growing economies of South Africa, Australia, and Brazil, you should probably watch out for these major global players if you have an interest in the SAHP market trends.

How Much Does a Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Cost?

Several factors determine the installation cost of  SAHPs. Is your home old or new? What is the size of your property? Which heat pump model and size do you want? These are some of the questions you must answer to know the overall cost of your SAHP upgrade. However, you will need help from a reliable heat pump company for a more accurate estimate.

What Is The Future Of Solar-Assisted Heat Pumps?

There is a great future ahead for SAHPs thanks to the rise in awareness of their many advantages. We must consider the role of these heat pumps in the heating solutions industry as the demand for green heating systems continues to rise.

Thanks to government policies and incentives, property owners can afford this technology, which helps them cut their energy use and related costs.

Solar-assisted Heat Pump Technology Considerations

Unless you are a heat pump professional, have a reputable company handle the installations because heat pumps have separate air-to-water units. This way, you can rest assured the connection between your heat pump’s body and the external evaporator will be made right. Ensure there is a 15-meter distance between the heat pump and the evaporator.

Solar-assisted Heat Pump Efficiency

The best way to choose the most suitable solar-assisted heat pump is by considering the Coefficient of Performance of different brands. The heat pump's coefficient of performance is a ratio of usable heat output to the total energy input.

A high-efficiency solar-assisted heat pump has a higher performance coefficient and low operation cost. Go for one with a COP of 3.0 and above; 4.5 is the maximum.

Can You Have a Heat Pump Without a Solar Panel System?

A solar energy system is not a 'do or die' for heat pumps. It can do the job independently by extracting ground or air heat using renewable energy. If photovoltaic panels are installed in your residence or business, you should put them to good use. When you use a renewable source like solar energy to run your heat pump, you reap some financial and environmental benefits.

Before you purchase a SAHP for installation, ensure it is a viable option based on the sun available in your area.

Take Away

The upfront installation cost of SAHPs is why some people hesitate to adopt the technology. However, it is a worthy investment as you can rely on it to heat your home effectively. When it comes to heating water for domestic use, nothing beats the convenience, efficiency, and low cost of SAHPs, and there is a lot of room for growth and development in their market.

They're dependable, run quietly, and help cut down on  fuel costs, carbon emissions, and energy use. SPRUSN is here to help with all your solar-assisted heat pump needs and queries.