As homeowners look for smarter and more sustainable ways to heat their homes and water, two popular options often come into focus: solar thermal (solar tubes) and air source heat pumps. Both options are eco-friendly solutions that are best suited in certain situations. Solar thermal tubes are a great option for those families without solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed and are a perfect complement product if you have a wetback. For those with solar PV already installed then a hot water heat pump is a better choice for your hot water heating. Here’s why this combination works. Here’s why this combination works.
1. Better Use of Solar Energy
Solar PV panels generate electricity, which can be used to power anything in your home – including a hot water heat pump like the Panasonic CO₂ hot water heat pumps. This gives you flexibility.
With PV + heat pump, you can:
- Store excess PV energy as hot water in cylinder.
- Use excess electricity up to 4 times more efficiently with heat pump operation.
- Shift energy use to match solar production using smart controls.
2. Year-Round Efficiency
Hot water heat pumps, especially when powered by solar PV, work year-round. Despite its reputation for variable weather, much of New Zealand receives a high level of solar irradiance which is perfect for solar. Modern air source heat pumps like the Panasonic CO₂ hot water heat pumps remain efficient even in cold weather.
3. Great Return on Investment
Pairing solar PV with a heat pump significantly increases your self-consumption of solar energy, helping you avoid rising electricity costs while reducing your carbon footprint. It’s an investment that adds value to your home and contributes to a more sustainable future. The All-In-One hot water heat pump is a great example of how practical and space-efficient modern systems have become. This compact, efficient unit can be installed entirely outdoors, freeing up valuable indoor space – something today’s homebuyers increasingly value.
5. Future-Proofing Your Home
As we move toward fully electric, low-carbon homes, the demand for flexible, electricity-based systems is growing. A PV + heat pump setup integrates well with:
- Battery storage
- Electric vehicles
- Smart home systems
- Time-of-use tariffs
A hot water heat pump system makes the most of your solar electricity, reducing bills and future-proofing your home for the next generation of energy technologies.
Contact Apricus Eco today to find out which hot water heat pump is best for your home.
