Heating, cooling, and electricity from one system? With rising efficiency demands in Europe, the integration of PVT solar panels and heat pumps is reshaping how buildings manage energy—reducing costs and footprint, all in one move.
A PVT and heat pump system combines solar hybrid panels with an air or brine-source heat pump to deliver electricity, hot water, and space heating or cooling. The PVT panel acts as both a PV module and a low-temperature heat collector, improving seasonal performance and eliminating the need for ground loops in many installations.
So how does this hybrid system really work—and what does it mean for installers, engineers, and procurement teams in Europe?
PVT (Photovoltaic Thermal) panels generate electricity like a standard PV panel, but they also harvest thermal energy via a heat exchanger. When connected to a heat pump, the panel’s thermal output serves as a renewable heat source, replacing or supplementing ground loops or ambient air intake.
This hybrid setup provides multiple outputs from a single system:
DC or AC electricity (via inverter)
Low-temperature heat for hot water or heating loops
Thermal support to improve heat pump COP (Coefficient of Performance)
Combining a PVT panel with a heat pump delivers significant efficiency gains. While air-source heat pumps can suffer in low outdoor temperatures, a PVT panel absorbs solar radiation and maintains a more stable heat supply. This boosts the heat pump’s seasonal efficiency.
For example, Soletk's TP-V PRO PVT panel offers:
Up to 70% thermal efficiency
19% PV efficiency
Up to 89% total combined system output
Yes, in many cases. A PVT panel system can serve as a renewable alternative to ground-source loops, especially in buildings where drilling is costly or space is limited. The thermal side of the panel feeds the heat pump’s brine circuit, removing the need for underground piping altogether.
This makes hybrid systems particularly attractive for urban retrofits, compact properties, or installations with strict land-use regulations.
PVT systems can integrate with both air-to-water and brine-to-water (ground source) heat pumps. For highest performance, brine-based systems using glycol or water circuits are ideal, as they efficiently capture and transfer heat from the PVT’s thermal side to the compressor.
Soletk’s PVT panels are compatible with most major brands of inverter-driven heat pumps and are often used in smart building automation systems.
Absolutely. The modular nature of PVT + heat pump systems means they scale easily from single-family homes to large commercial sites. In fact, they are increasingly used in:
Passive house projects
Multifamily housing retrofits
Hotels and office buildings
Warehouse facilities
These systems are aligned with European directives for low-emission buildings and renewable integration, making them ideal for long-term compliance.
Soletk offers three PVT models, each tailored to specific heat pump applications:
TP-V PRO – Ideal for high-performance systems needing top electrical and thermal output. Best for integrated smart energy systems and commercial-grade performance.
PVT-E – Cost-effective model for smaller residential systems, balancing affordability and efficiency.
PVT-T – Optimized for heat-dominant applications or solar water heater replacements with thermal-priority output.
All three models are compatible with both new installations and retrofit configurations.
When planning a PVT + heat pump system, engineers must consider flow temperatures, thermal storage capacity, inverter sizing, and control integration. Careful hydraulic design ensures the system delivers its full efficiency potential.
Roof orientation, shading, and heat pump sizing should be optimized during the design phase. Soletk panels are pre-configured for straightforward hydraulic and electrical integration, minimizing on-site complexity.
For technical teams seeking next-generation efficiency, integrating PVT panels with heat pumps offers a powerful solution. These systems cut fossil fuel use, improve seasonal performance, and support the transition to net-zero buildings—without compromising flexibility or scalability.
Ready to design a hybrid system that delivers heat, power, and efficiency all in one?
For technical documentation, integration support, or project-specific guidance, contact our engineering team at export@soletksolar.com.
