Solar Panels and Heat Pumps: A Combination Worth Considering
If you’re heating and cooling your home with a heat pump, you’re probably already enjoying energy savings. But did you know that you might be able to save even more money if you combine the heat pump with solar panels? Keep reading to learn how this combination works and why it’s worth considering.
Heat Pumps and Solar Panels: How They Work Together
Solar panels and heat pumps work great together because the latter uses the electricity generated by the panels, meaning your home relies less on the local power grid to keep your indoor living spaces comfortable. The panels collect sunlight during the day and use a photovoltaic (PV) process to convert it into electricity. When the system produces more electricity than what the heat pump needs to heat and cool, it can store the excess electricity in a battery storage system for use at a later time.
Can I Use Solar Panels If My Home Doesn’t Receive Direct Sunlight?
A lot of people mistakenly believe they can’t use solar panels with a heat pump if their home doesn’t receive direct sunlight, which is common for homes that sit beneath large trees or in heavily shaded areas. Fortunately, though, many of today’s modern solar panel setups are specially designed to generate electricity from both direct and indirect sunlight. This means even on cloudy days or for homes that receive partial shade, they can still produce a meaningful amount of electricity. Having the system designed and installed by a professional is the best way to ensure it’s properly sized for your home’s available sunlight.
How Much Will Solar Panels Reduce My Electric Bill?
How much you save on your monthly electric bill depends on several factors, including how much sunlight the home receives, how many solar panels you’re using and how much electricity the heat pump uses. In general, with a properly sized system, you can expect to save anywhere from 30% to 70% on your energy bills, making the initial cost well worth the investment.
Is My Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
Today’s solar panel systems can be installed in several different ways, making these setups suitable for just about any home. If your roof has plenty of unobstructed space, the installer will most likely suggest installing them there. For roofs without enough space for the panels, the installer may recommend using ground-mounted or pole-mounted versions.
If you’re looking for a way to take your home’s energy efficiency to a new level, you should definitely consider adding solar panels. The setup process usually takes anywhere from one to three days and can provide substantial savings on heating and cooling bills. When you need heat pump services in Santa Barbara, CA, contact Crocker Refrigeration Heating & Air.
