Dual Systems

When Solarsense was first established, all the installations were solar thermal for a number of years. With the advent of the Feed in Tariff, solar PV installations overtook solar thermal in popularity by a mile. However, with the Feed in Tariff being reduced and the Renewable Heat Incentive coming into play, we anticipate a more even keel between the two technologies.

Solar PV and solar thermal can work very well together as a combination. For example, the electrical pump which circulates the hot water from solar thermal manifold requires electrical power – which can be provided by the PV. Or a solar thermal heating system can be supplemented by an immersion heater, which also requires electrical load.

A large number of our clients who initially had one of these technologies installed (usually solar thermal in the first instance) have since come back to us for the installation of a second solar energy system. To see some of these combined systems, have a look at our Case Studies.

Heat pumps can also be combined with solar energy systems to provide highly efficient solutions for your energy needs. Combining a heat pump with solar PV is a fantastic complementary option because the electric heat pump is a great way to make the most of the free solar electricity generated by the PV. Effectively, by converting that electricity to heat and using it in the home, you are reaping the benefits twice. Solar thermal can also be used in conjunction with heat pumps to give a fully renewable water heating system.

Solarsense has recently achieved MCS accreditation for the installation of air source heat pumps and open-loop groundwater heat pumps. We  supply and install Ecodan air source heat pumps by Mitsubishi Electric, a well established international manufacturer. In very specialist cases we can also fit groundwater heat pumps from SolEco, an innovative UK supplier; however these are only appropriate in a handful of cases, under very specific circumstances. Please contact us for more information on heat pumps.