Heat Pump Types and the Dream Team with Solar - Summary
Heat pumps are classified by their heat source. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.
Heat Pump Types
| Type | Heat Source | COP | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-Water | Outdoor air | 3-4 | Low |
| Ground-Source | Earth (probes/collectors) | 4-5 | High |
| Water-Water | Groundwater | 5-6 | Very high |
The Dream Team: Heat Pump + Photovoltaics
Why this combination works so well:
- Self-consumption: Solar power directly powers the heat pump
- Matching profiles: Highest solar yield when heating demand is low
- Storage effect: Hot water tank as thermal battery
- CO2-neutral heating: With enough PV, heating costs almost nothing
Practical Example
A 10 kWp PV system + heat pump can cover 60-80% of heating energy from self-generated solar power.