- A heat pump in a single-family home usually needs 3,000 to 5,000 kWh of electricity a year.
- Realistically, a solar system covers about 20 to 35 % of this – in winter, when heating demand is highest, there is the least sun.
- Even so, the two go well together: hot water, spring and autumn, and household electricity then run largely on solar power.
- For a house plus heat pump we usually plan 10 to 15 kWp, often with a battery.
Anyone who has or is planning a heat pump soon asks: “Can’t I run it on my own solar power?” Partly, yes – but not as completely as some advertising promises. Here we explain honestly what the combination delivers and what matters when planning.
How much electricity does a heat pump need?
That mainly depends on how well your house is insulated and how much hot water you need. As rough guide values for a single-family home:
| House | Heat pump per year |
|---|---|
| New build or well renovated | approx. 2,500–3,500 kWh |
| Partly renovated (e.g. new windows, insulated roof) | approx. 3,500–5,000 kWh |
| Older house with little insulation | approx. 5,000–7,000 kWh |
On top of that comes normal household electricity, usually 3,000 to 4,500 kWh. So a house with a heat pump often needs twice as much electricity as before.
How much of that can the solar system cover?
This is the key point: a heat pump needs the most electricity in December and January. The solar system supplies the most power from April to September. So the two do not match perfectly.
- Summer: the heat pump only makes hot water. The solar system can cover almost all of that.
- Spring and autumn: the heating is on and the sun still delivers well. This is where the benefit is greatest.
- Winter: the solar system supplies only a little. You still buy in most of your heating electricity.
Over the year, a well-planned system covers about 20 to 35 % of the heat pump’s electricity. With a battery and smart control it can be a little more. On top of that, it covers a large part of your household electricity.
In the roof check you can state that a heat pump will be added – the system size adjusts accordingly.
How to get more solar power into your heating
- Heat water at midday: the heat pump heats the hot water tank when the sun is shining instead of at night.
- Gently preheat the house during the day: a well-insulated house holds the heat into the evening.
- Use smart control: many heat pumps have an “SG Ready” interface. Through it, the energy management system can switch them on specifically when there is surplus power.
- Plan in a battery: it shifts midday power into the evening – for the household and the heat pump.
How big should the solar system be?
For a house with a heat pump, it pays to make the best possible use of the roof. As a rule of thumb, we plan:
| Total consumption (household + heat pump) | Recommended system | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| approx. 6,000–7,500 kWh | 10–12 kWp | 8–10 kWh |
| approx. 7,500–10,000 kWh | 12–15 kWp | 10–15 kWh |
Electricity tariff and meter: two things to clarify beforehand
- Heat pump tariff or one meter? Some households have a separate meter with a cheaper tariff for the heat pump. In that case, however, the solar power cannot simply supply the heat pump. We work out for your house whether a shared meter or a special metering concept is better.
- Controllable devices: since 2024, new heat pumps and wallboxes must be controllable by the grid operator. In return, you pay lower grid fees.
What does TAQA Solar do – and what doesn’t it do?
We plan and install the solar system, the battery and the wallbox – matched to your heat pump. The heat pump itself is installed by your heating company. If you are planning both at the same time, we are happy to coordinate directly with them.
Conclusion
Heat pumps and solar systems make a good team – but they are no miracle cure. In summer and in spring and autumn, much of it runs on solar power; in winter you still buy in electricity. If you make good use of your roof and control the heat pump wisely, you will still lower your energy costs significantly and become more independent of gas and oil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run my heat pump entirely on solar power?
No, not across the whole year. In winter the solar system supplies too little. Around 20 to 35 % of the heat pump’s electricity is realistic, a little more with a battery and smart control.
How big does the solar system need to be for a heat pump?
For a single-family home with a heat pump, usually 10 to 15 kWp. More important than an exact figure is making the best possible use of the roof.
Is a battery worth it with a heat pump?
Often yes, because the household and the heat pump need power in the evening and at night. In deep winter, however, the battery is rarely full – so it should not be too big.
Can I add a heat pump to my solar system later?
Yes. If you are already planning a heat pump, we take it into account when sizing the solar system and the meter cabinet.
As of: November 2026. All prices are guide values including installation. Legal and tax information without guarantee – the laws in force apply (including UStG, EStG, EEG).
