How to Heat a House With Solar Power: The Perfect Match for Infrared Heating

Heating accounts for a big part of household energy bills. As energy prices fluctuate and governments push for lower-carbon solutions, more homeowners are turning to solar power to take control of their costs and cut emissions.

But while generating your own electricity is appealing, the question remains: what’s the best way to use solar power for heating? Not all systems make sense. Some are expensive to install, others consume too much power.

Infrared heating is the ideal partner for solar energy. Lightweight, efficient, and simple to install, it makes the most of every kilowatt your panels produce.

How Solar Power Works for Home Heating

To understand how solar can power your heating, it’s important to look at how panels generate, store, and deliver electricity throughout the day.

Solar Panels and Energy Conversion

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into direct current (DC). An inverter then converts it into alternating current (AC) to power your household appliances and heating.

Solar Storage and Usage

You can store excess solar energy in a battery for later use or export it back to the grid. A well-sized system balances generation, storage, and demand so you can use as much of your own solar electricity as possible.

Limitations of Solar Energy

Solar output is higher during the day and in summer months, while heating demand often peaks on cold winter evenings. This mismatch means the choice of heating system is important. It needs to make the most of available solar without drawing huge amounts of grid electricity when the sun goes down.

Heating Options With Solar Power

Electric Resistance Heating

Traditional electric radiators and fan heaters can run off solar PV. However, they are energy intensive. Their high wattage makes them impractical for continuous use on solar alone.

Heat Pumps

Air source and ground source heat pumps are efficient and eligible for government incentives. However, they are:

1. Expensive to install
2. Often need significant property modifications, and
3. May not integrate easily with an existing solar setup.

Infrared Heating

Infrared panels operate at a lower wattage while still delivering effective comfort. Instead of heating air, they warm people and surfaces directly, meaning less energy is required to achieve the same level of comfort. This makes them an excellent fit for homes generating their own solar electricity.

Comparison Snapshot:

• Electric radiators: High consumption, low efficiency.
• Heat pumps: Efficient but costly.
• Infrared panels: Affordable, efficient, and solar-friendly.

Why Infrared Heating and Solar Power Work So Well Together

When pairing solar power with home heating, different technologies deliver very different results. Some drain your solar supply quickly, while others, like infrared, make the most of every unit of energy produced.

Matching Low Demand With Solar Supply

Infrared heaters use significantly less electricity than conventional electric heating. Their low wattage means your solar panels meet the demand of your heating, rather than the grid.

Simple Integration

Infrared panels plug straight into your electrical system. There’s no pipework, plumbing, or complex installation like traditional central heating. This makes them easy to pair with existing PV setups.

Flexibility and Zonal Heating

You can install infrared panels in individual rooms, so you only heat the spaces you’re using. This zonal approach maximises your solar energy by directing it where it’s needed most.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Because infrared heating is efficient and needs almost no maintenance, combining it with solar reduces reliance on fossil fuels and cuts long-term running costs.

Designing a Solar + Infrared Heating System for Your Home

Creating an effective solar-powered heating setup means carefully matching your home’s energy profile with the right infrared panels, storage options, and controls.

Assessing Energy Needs

Start by calculating your home’s heating demand (you can use our calculator). Compare this against your solar system’s average daily generation. This will tell you how much of your heating can be powered directly by your panels.

Choosing the Right Infrared Panels

Match the panels wattage to room size and insulation. Options range from discreet ceiling panels to wall-mounted designs that double as mirrors or artwork.

Battery Storage and Smart Controls

Adding a battery lets you store surplus daytime solar energy for use in the evening when heating demand is often highest. Smart thermostats and timers ensure you’re using energy only when and where it’s needed.

Example Setups

• Small home: 3kW solar system with 2-3 infrared panels in key rooms.
• Larger home: 6kW solar system with panels throughout the property and optional battery storage.
• Business application: Solar-powered infrared heating in offices or retail spaces for consistent, efficient warmth.

Cost Considerations and Return on Investment

Before investing in solar and infrared heating, it’s important to weigh the upfront costs against long-term savings. This will help to understand the true return on investment.

Initial Installation Costs

Solar PV installation can range from £5,000 – £12,000 depending on size and storage options. Infrared heating typically costs far less than installing a heat pump or extending central heating pipework.

Running Costs Compared to Alternatives

Infrared panels are more efficient per kWh than traditional electric heaters. When paired with solar, they drastically reduce reliance on grid energy.

Payback Period

Payback will depend on household usage. That said, combining infrared heating with solar can speed up returns by reducing both heating and electricity bills at the same time.

Environmental Benefits of Solar + Infrared Heating

Pairing solar power with infrared heating doesn’t just save money. It also provides significant environmental benefits that make your home more sustainable.

• Both systems operate without producing on-site carbon emissions.
• Using infrared with solar increases self-consumption, making the most of renewable generation.
• The combination supports the wider transition to sustainable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

A few simple tips can help you get the best performance from a solar-powered infrared heating system throughout the year.

• Use infrared heaters during daylight to maximise direct solar power.
• Install smart controls to schedule heating in line with solar generation.
• In winter, set panels to maintain a comfortable base temperature rather than reheating cold rooms from scratch.

Conclusion: The Future of Solar-Powered Heating

Heating a home with solar power is no longer a distant ideal. With infrared heating, it’s practical, efficient, and cost-effective. Together, they create a system that:

• Saves money
• Cuts emissions, and
• Delivers comfortable warmth year-round.

Infrared panels paired with solar PV make the perfect team: simple, sustainable, and future-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions about Solar-Powered Heating

Can I heat my home entirely with solar power?

Yes, but it depends on your system size and insulation. Infrared heating is one of the easiest ways to make full use of your solar output.

How much solar power do I need to run infrared heating?

It varies by house size, but a 4-6kW solar system can often cover significant heating needs with the right infrared setup.

Do I need battery storage for solar-powered heating?

They’re not essential, but a battery lets you store daytime solar energy for evening heating. This increases your independence from the grid.

Can solar panels and infrared heating replace central heating?

Yes. With proper system design, infrared panels powered by solar can fully replace gas or oil central heating in many homes.

Does solar-powered infrared heating work in winter?

Yes, though solar output is lower. Battery storage or grid backup ensures continuous warmth in colder months.

How long does it take to see payback on a solar + infrared system?

Typically 6-10 years, depending on energy usage, system size, and local electricity prices.