Heat Pump with Solar Panels Installation in Sturminster Newton

We recently completed a combined heat pump with solar panels installation in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, helping a homeowner make a full switch from fossil fuel heating to a joined-up renewable energy system. The project involved replacing an existing boiler with an 11.2kW Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump, alongside a new solar PV system with battery storage, creating a home that generates, stores and uses its own clean energy.

About this Project in Sturminster Newton

This project is a strong example of what is possible when solar and heat pump technologies are planned and installed together. Rather than treating them as separate upgrades, we designed both systems as a single integrated solution, ensuring the solar generation directly supports the heat pump’s electricity demand and reduces running costs from day one.

The existing gas boiler was decommissioned and removed, the central heating system was powerflushed to prepare it for the new heat pump, and the full renewable package was installed and commissioned in one coordinated project.

Air Source Heat Pump Installation

We carried out the following works as part of the heat pump installation:

• Decommission and remove the existing boiler to make way for the new renewable heating system
• Powerflush the central heating system to remove sludge and debris, ensuring a clean and efficient system ready for the heat pump
• Supply and install an 11.2kW Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump on a concrete plinth with rubber feet for stable and quiet operation
• Supply and install a 200 litre high gain unvented hot water cylinder to provide efficient stored hot water
• Supply and install a magnetic primary filter to protect the heat pump and system components and maintain long-term efficiency
• Supply and install a 3-port diverter valve to manage flow between the heating and hot water circuits
• Supply and install all associated plumbing accessories to complete the system pipework
• Carry out the electrical installation of the heat pump
• Add antifreeze and inhibitor to protect the system throughout the year
• Carry out full commissioning of the system and provide an MCS certificate

Solar PV and Battery Installation

We carried out the following works as part of the solar and battery installation:

• Erect scaffolding to the south, west and east elevations of the property to allow safe installation access across multiple roof aspects
• Supply and install 14 JA Solar 460W all-black PV panels across the south, west and east elevations to maximise generation throughout the day
• Supply and install 8 Tigo optimisers to manage output at panel level, reducing the impact of shading and improving overall system performance
• Supply and install an on-roof mounting kit
• Supply and install a Haier Smart Cube 3.6kW hybrid inverter to manage solar generation, battery charging and grid interaction
• Supply and install a Haier Smart Cube 5kWh battery to store surplus solar energy for use in the evening and during peak tariff periods
• Supply and install generation meter, switchgear and ancillaries to ensure safe and compliant operation
• Supply and install an Eddi solar power diverter to direct surplus solar energy into the hot water cylinder, reducing the heat pump’s demand further
• Carry out all associated electrical installation
• Commission the system and complete MCS registration

The completed system gives this Sturminster Newton homeowner a genuinely integrated renewable setup. The solar panels generate electricity across three roof aspects throughout the day. The Tigo optimisers ensure shading on one aspect does not drag down performance across the others. The battery stores surplus generation for use later in the day, and the Eddi diverter puts any remaining excess to work heating water via the unvented cylinder. The Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump then runs on low-carbon electricity, much of it generated on-site, keeping heating costs as low as possible.

Why We Chose These Technologies for this Sturminster Newton Project

Selecting the right combination of products is key to delivering a system that performs reliably and efficiently over the long term. For this heat pump with solar panels installation, we specified components that are proven in UK conditions and work well together as an integrated system.

Mitsubishi Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump

The Mitsubishi Ecodan is one of the most established heat pump ranges in the UK, with a strong track record in residential installations across a wide range of property types.

Key benefits include:

• High seasonal efficiency delivering reliable performance even during cold winter periods
• Quiet operation making it well suited to residential settings
• Weather compensation technology that automatically adjusts heat output based on outdoor temperature for optimal comfort and efficiency
• Smart controls via the Mitsubishi MELCloud app, allowing homeowners to monitor and manage their heating remotely
• MCS certified and eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which currently offers a grant of up to £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump
• Compatibility with unvented hot water cylinders for efficient and consistent domestic hot water production

JA Solar Panels and Tigo Optimisers

JA Solar is one of the world’s leading solar manufacturers, producing high-efficiency panels designed to perform well in UK conditions. The 460W all-black panels used here deliver strong output while maintaining a clean, discreet appearance on the roof.

The addition of Tigo optimisers is particularly important on a property with multiple roof aspects. Standard solar systems can see their overall output reduced when shading affects even a small number of panels. Optimisers work at panel level, ensuring each panel performs independently so that shade on one aspect does not compromise generation across the others.

Key benefits include:

• High output per panel from JA Solar’s efficient monocrystalline cells
• All-black design for a sleek finish across all roof elevations
• Panel-level optimisation via Tigo, improving performance on multi-aspect or partially shaded systems
• Enhanced monitoring allowing individual panel performance to be tracked

Haier Smart Cube Inverter and Battery

The Haier Smart Cube system is a compact, intelligent hybrid inverter and battery combination that integrates neatly with both solar generation and the wider home energy system.

Key benefits include:

• Hybrid inverter technology seamlessly managing solar input, battery storage and grid interaction
• Compact and modular design well suited to domestic installations
• Smart energy management giving the homeowner visibility and control over their system

Eddi Solar Power Diverter

The Eddi by myenergi is a smart solar diverter that detects surplus solar generation and automatically redirects it to heat water in the cylinder rather than exporting it to the grid. In a combined heat pump and solar system like this one, the Eddi plays an important role in maximising on-site solar use and reducing the amount of work the heat pump needs to do for domestic hot water.

Are You in or Near Sturminster Newton and Considering a Heat Pump with Solar Panels?

If you are thinking about a combined heat pump and solar panel installation in Sturminster Newton or anywhere across Dorset and the surrounding area, our team at Ace Energy can help. We design and install integrated renewable energy systems from start to finish, handling everything from the initial survey and system design through to installation, commissioning and MCS registration.

We can also advise on the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of up to £7,500, which can significantly reduce the upfront cost of switching to a heat pump.

Visit our pages on air source heat pumps and solar panel installation in Dorset to find out more about what we offer, or get in touch directly with our team:

01747 858 852
[email protected]

Take the first step towards a greener, lower-cost home with Ace Energy.