At a time where energy solutions are vying for top positions in energy efficiency and sustainability rankings, heat pumps and solar energy are effortless leaders. Given their use of renewable energy, these systems provide homes and commercial spaces wide-ranging amenities, most commonly heating, cooling, and hot water facilities. In this regard, which solution makes the most sense in your home or office? Our blog this week takes a look.
Continue reading for a breakdown of heat pump technology and solar energy for efficient and comfortable home heating!
Solar energy
Frequently touted among the most sustainable forms of power generation, solar energy has taken a top spot in the Australian market owing to its growing affordability.
Harnessing the freely available heat from the sun, these systems work like a dream, transforming properties into zero energy spaces from the get-go. Beyond this, they also power the national grid, feeding surplus energy for the use of connected properties.
While startup costs are somewhat considerable, the availability of numerous rebates and incentive schemes makes solar energy systems significantly more affordable. This is enhanced through the development of cost-effective technology and innovations in the manufacturing process every year. In fact, South Australia boasts some of the lowest solar panel costs in the world.
Solar energy is also leveraged in the form of water heaters for impressive water heating. In addition to heating and cooling, therefore, property owners can hone in on this increasingly popular technology to enjoy guilt-free showers and potable hot water.
These systems, however, suffer from one considerable drawback - they’re capacity is limited in times of low sunlight. In these situations, property owners may find themselves moving back to greater electrical reliance, eroding the cost-effective nature of solar panels.
Heat pumps
Similar to solar energy, heat pump technology is one that’s gradually growing in use in homes and offices across the country.
With two primary system types available in the form of air source devices and geothermal systems, property owners have the luxury of choice, in this regard.
The former draws on the hot air available in the external atmosphere and converts this into energy-efficient heating and cooling for a given property. Given their system set-up and design, these solutions are better suited in warm climates.
Geothermal devices, on the other hand, hone in on the heat available in the ground underneath the earth. Needless to say, these solutions make an exceptional choice in climates that are cooler for most parts of the year and are generally more efficient than air source devices.
Whether geothermal or air source, however, both systems are known to produce cost-effective heating, cooling, and hot water.
One of the drawbacks of these systems is that they require a minimal amount of electricity to convert the air outside into heating or cooling energy. While these costs are rather negligible, it can sometimes increase depending on the heat and cooling load experienced during various seasons.
Further, geothermal heat pumps can prove to be somewhat expensive, requiring a considerable upfront investment. While certain incentives do exist for these systems, they aren’t as extensive as those available for solar energy.
Key takeaways
Having considered both heat pumps and solar energy, it’s easy to see that both solutions are equally compelling sources of renewable energy.
For individuals stuck choosing between the two, costing, therefore, will likely prove to be a decisive factor. Regardless, both systems provide property owners with a variety of comforts that are standard amenities in modern residential and commercial spaces.
For those that can’t make up their minds and in situations where affordability isn’t an issue, these systems can even be combined, with solar panels powering the working of a superior tri-purpose heat pump. This eliminates the need for a separate solar hot water system.
Thus, for those on the market for superior heating and cooling systems, heat pumps and solar energy represents some of the finest choices for futuristic living and working spaces.
