Heat Pumps Explained
Quick answer
Heat pumps move heat rather than burning fuel. This guide explains how air source and ground source heat pumps work, what they need from your home and how they fit with solar in Scotland. We install through MCS-certified partners across Scotland. Savings depend on your roof, usage and tariff, and a no-obligation survey gives figures for your home.
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Heat pumps move heat rather than burning fuel. This guide explains how air source and ground source heat pumps work, what they need from your home and how they fit with solar in Scotland.
Air source
Air source heat pumps extract heat from outdoor air, even in cold weather. They are the most common type.
Ground source
Ground source heat pumps use pipes buried in the ground. They need land and are more expensive to install.
Will my home suit one?
Heat pumps run best with good insulation, adequately sized radiators or underfloor heating, and space for an outdoor unit and hot water cylinder. A heat loss calculation room by room shows what is needed. Older stone homes can use heat pumps, but may need insulation and radiator upgrades first.
Heating in Scotland
Many rural Scottish homes are off the gas grid and rely on oil, LPG, solid fuel or electric storage heaters. These are often the homes where a heat pump makes most sense, provided the building is reasonably well insulated and the radiators and pipework can deliver heat at lower flow temperatures. In towns on the gas grid the decision is more about comfort, future plans and running cost comparisons for your own home.
A no-obligation survey checks insulation, radiators and hot water needs, and your written quote shows the full price. Finance available, subject to status. Solar panels and batteries are 0% VAT until March 2027.
How our survey works
Every project starts with a no-obligation survey. We look at your roof orientation, pitch, shading and condition, your fuse board and meter position, where a battery or inverter could go, and how your household uses electricity through the day and across the Scottish seasons. You then receive a written quote showing the equipment, the expected generation for your roof and the full price, so you can compare it fairly. We handle the network connection paperwork with your local distribution network operator, which is SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland and SSEN in the north, Highlands and islands. We install through MCS-certified partners. Solar panels and batteries are 0% VAT until March 2027. Finance available, subject to status.
Frequently asked questions
Do heat pumps work below freezing?
Yes.
Do I need a cylinder?
Usually.
Can solar power a heat pump?
Partly.
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Get your solar and battery quote
Tell us about your home and we will arrange a survey and a written, no-obligation quote. Finance available, subject to status.