Solar-assisted heat pump

A solar-assisted heat pump (SAHP) is a system that combines a heat pump and thermal solar panels and/or PV solar panels in a single integrated system. Heat pumps require a low temperature heat source which can be provided by solar energy. Typically, these two technologies are used separately (or only placing them in parallel) to produce warm air or hot water. In this system the solar thermal panel performs the function of the low temperature heat source and the heat produced is used to feed the heat pump's evaporator. The goal of this system is to get high coefficient of performance (COP) and then produce energy in a more efficient and less expensive way. Air source heat pumps which are preheated by solar air collectors have an additional benefit of lower maintenance as the outside fan unit can be protected from the harsh winter environment.

Solar PV energy can power the heat pump electrically to enable electrification of heating buildings and greenhouses. These systems enable electrification of heating/cooling and are normally driven by economics and decarbonization goals. Such systems have been shown to be economic in the Middle East, North America, Asia and Europe.

It is possible to use any type of solar thermal system with air or liquid collectors, (sheet and tubes, roll-bond, heat pipe, thermal plates) or hybrid (mono/polycrystalline, thin film) in combination with the heat pump. The use of a hybrid panel is preferable because it allows covering a part of the electricity demand of the heat pump and reduce the power consumption and consequently the variable costs of the system.

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