Why combine them?
Aerothermal energy uses the heat from the air to generate domestic hot water (DHW), heating and cooling. Its energy efficiency (COP between 3.5 and 5) makes it a very cost-effective option compared to traditional systems.
Solar panels generate clean electricity. Combining them allows that free electricity to be used to power the heat pump, achieving a 100% renewable, emission-free system with enormous savings potential.
Key benefits
- Impressive energy savings: aerothermal can save up to 70% in DHW; combined with solar, these savings can exceed 80%.
- Real self-consumption: solar energy is harnessed in real time, reducing dependence on the grid.
- All-in-one system: heating, cooling and hot water, all in one system.
- Sustainability: eliminates the use of gas or fuels, reducing CO2 emissions.
- Access to subsidies: many autonomous communities offer grants, tax credits and deductions.
Things to keep in mind
- High initial investment: combination between aerothermal and panels can be 10,000 – 18,000 €, although it is amortized in 5-8 years.
- Variable performance in cold climates: in very cold areas, efficiency decreases.
- Space required: space is required for outdoor unit and for storage tank or DHW tank.
- Good technical integration: it is key to activate the aerothermics only with solar surplus (by means of relays or energy managers).
- Proper configuration: improperly adjusted equipment can activate electrical resistance and trigger consumption.
Actual example (extra value)
“Family of 4 in a single-family house with Fronius + Panasonic Aquarea. DHW programmed to activate only with solar surplus. Result: 100% free DHW from March to October and 65% reduction in annual energy consumption.”
Basic comparison of popular ACS equipment
| Make / Model | COP | ACS Volume | Working range | Noise int/ext | Price approx. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Aquarea | 4.48 | 185 L | -20 ºC | 28 / 59 dB | 5.900 € |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | 4.8 | 200 L | -20 ºC | 40 / 58 dB | 6.500 € |
| Vaillant aroTHERM Plus | 4.79 | 185 L | -25 ºC | 29 / 39 dB | 8.700 € |
| Hitachi Yutaki S Combi | 4.6 | 220 L | -20 ºC | 37 / 54 dB | 6.200 € |
| Daikin Altherma 3 | 4.6 | 180 L | -25 ºC | 28 / 62 dB | 6.600 € |
Checklist to make the right choice
- DHW storage tank >180 L for 4 persons
- ☑ COP ≥ 4.5
- ☑ External signal control for solar activation.
- ☑ Operation with outside air and/or recirculation.
- ☑ Good sound insulation and winter efficiency.
Estimated savings calculator (simplified)
- Annual DHW with electric boiler: ~500-600 €.
- Well-integrated aerothermics: savings of 350-450 €/year
- With solar: DHW can be almost free 7-8 months per year
- Return on investment: 5-8 years
If you already have solar panels (or are considering it), integrating aerothermal for DHW or heating is one of the smartest steps to reduce your bill and your footprint. But not all systems are well integrated and not all installers know how to optimize it.
As certified solar installers, battery installers and system integrators, we can help you choose the ideal model and configure it to run on solar power automatically and efficiently.
