Thermodynamic solar panels in the UK

I’m always excited by new solar panel innovations, so the thermodynamic solar system was intriguing.

Take a look at thermodynamic solar panels.

First impressions, too good to be true! The hype around this technology does warrant closer inspection. This new solar technology is a solar heating system that surpasses flat-plate and evacuated tube systems by clever use of integrating heat-pump technology.

Now don’t get me wrong, traditional solar panels are both fantastic, even in the UK’s climate. However, the ability to work at night is where thermodynamic systems supersede its sunshine-loving cousins. I especially love these slimline panels that can be installed on a roof or wall-mounted. This innovation was brought from the warmer Mediterranean beginnings to the British solar industry. When installed in the UK, thermodynamics come in larger sizes to suit most budgets.

A traditional solar heating system produces as much as 60% of your tank heating needs, but thermodynamic will contribute 100% depending on the system size installed. Sounds too good to be true?

Your home already has a similar type of system that’s been happily working already. Your fridge/freezer works in a very similar way but reversed producing cold rather than heat. The ingredients for producing this system are well tested, the innovative idea to apply this technique to solar panels is already starting to become a staple diet in other countries with similar climates.

The passive sunlight we experience daily heats up the planet. Thermodynamic solar panels take this ambient temperature from the atmosphere, and the refrigerant solution circulates and boils at a much lower temperature. This heats your home, swimming pool, or hot water tank without the need for importing electricity or sunny day. So technically this heat-pump technology is not a solar panel, but just like traditional panels, it’s best to install to the southerly facing aspect.

To circulate fluid from the solar panel to the tank for secondary heating may require a small amount of imported electricity if you don’t have PV solar panels installed. So, what’s not to love about thermodynamic solar panels?

With that said, I’d still recommend the more versatile photovoltaic installation because you can use the tank-heating plugin, as well as battery storage and EV-charging capabilities. These are innovations that surpass thermodynamic solar panels, in my most humble opinion.