Use solar power to run a heat pump and increase self-consumption

Combining a photovoltaic system with a heat pump is a highly efficient way to use the solar power that you generate. Rather than being fed into the grid, surplus energy can be used directly to heat your home or produce hot water. Smart control systems can further maximise your self-consumption of solar power and reduce your energy costs.

Integration of the heat pump via a bidirectional interface (LAN). This enables more precise control. The heat pump turns on during the day. Source: Solar Manager AG.

Documents for your trade partner

Your trade partner will help you plan and install your photovoltaic system and energy man-agement system. You can give the following documents straight to your trade partner:

Documents for your trade partner

Your trade partner will help you plan and install your photovoltaic system and energy man-agement system. You can give the following documents straight to your trade partner:

Solar Manager Device overview CTA heat pumps

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SG-Ready Device overview CTA heat pumps

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How PV systems and heat pumps work together

A modern energy management system (EMS) is indispensable as it ensures that all compo-nents work together efficiently. The EMS acts as a coordinator between energy consumers – heat pump, electric car, washing machine, etc. – and the photovoltaic system and any battery storage devices. It maximises your self-consumption of solar power, enabling you to use the energy you generate to meet the specific needs of your household.

Technical implementation and standards

Many heat pumps can be connected to the EMS via a PV input or a widely used SG-Ready interface, allowing them to switch on automatically when there is a PV surplus. This means you can use your energy efficiently without having to carry out any additional steps or adjust any settings.CTA’s Optiheat and Aeroheat heat pumps for houses and apartment buildings operate using the Modbus TCP/IP industry standard. This interface is compatible with conventional energy management systems, including Solar Manager, which is the most widely used solution in Switzerland.

Examples of heat pump and photovoltaic systems

Redevelopment

A good solution in the Alpine region

To generate sustainable energy and heat, the Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe relies on an air/water source heat pump from CTA, which operates using power from the hotel’s own roof-mounted photovoltaic system and thus uses virtually 100 percent of the heat from renewable energies.

New building

Smart energy concept with heat pump and photovoltaics

This single-family home on the southern foot of the Jura mountains was skilfully crafted to suit the wind and weather conditions. With the geothermal heat pump, a photovoltaic system and a building that is deliberately adapted to the local weather conditions, natural energy is expertly used all year round to ensure comfortable room temperatures.

New build

Excellent energy balance

The building services for this new-build apartment building are designed in such a way that more solar power is generated than is required for the heat pump. Room temperatures are even more comfortable thanks to comfort ventilation and “free cooling” during the summer.