Why is the combination attractive?
A heat pump converts electricity into useful heat at seasonal efficiency significantly above direct electric heating. A photovoltaic system can generate part of the electricity required by the building.
The seasonal mismatch: solar in summer, heating in winter
PV generation is highest during sunny months while space-heating demand peaks during cold months. Equal annual generation and consumption values do not mean full direct self-consumption.
How can self-consumption be increased?
Domestic-hot-water scheduling and shifting selected functions into daylight hours can increase direct solar use. Excessively raising water temperatures should be avoided because it can reduce heat-pump efficiency.
Is an electrical battery mandatory?
No. A battery can increase PV self-consumption but its economics should be evaluated separately. A heat pump can operate effectively without battery storage.
How should both systems be sized together?
First estimate annual heat-pump electricity demand and general building load. Then compare these values with expected monthly PV production rather than annual totals alone.
