As more homeowners in Stockport, Greater Manchester and the wider UK look to cut their energy bills and lower carbon emissions, two renewable technologies are leading the way: solar PV and air source heat pumps.
But if you’re planning a staged upgrade rather than doing everything at once, the big question becomes:
Should you install solar panels or a heat pump first?
The answer depends on your home, your heating system, and your long-term energy goals.
This guide breaks down the pros, costs and savings of each option to help you decide.
Understanding the Two Technologies
Solar PV – Generate Your Own Electricity
Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity you can use in your home. They reduce your grid usage, lower your bills and can power household appliances, EV chargers and even your heat pump.
Learn more: Solar PV by Solarus Energy
Air Source Heat Pumps – Efficient Heating and Hot Water
Heat pumps extract energy from the outside air and use it to heat your home and water.
They are extremely efficient and are supported by the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, offering £7,500 off installation if you are eligible.
Learn more: Heat Pumps by Solarus Energy
Government scheme details:
Boiler Upgrade Scheme – GOV.UK
Which Should You Install First?
1. Install Solar First If…
You want the quickest financial return.
Solar panels offer some of the best payback periods in the UK—often 5–8 years depending on usage and export rates.
You want to reduce your running costs before upgrading heating.
Solar immediately lowers electricity bills and creates long-term savings that can help fund a future heat pump.
Your heating system is still serviceable.
If your boiler is fairly new or still reliable, installing solar first makes sense.
You plan to install a heat pump later.
A solar system (especially with a battery) will help reduce the electricity cost of running a heat pump in the future.
Find out more about Solar PV with the Energy Saving Trust – Solar PV Guide.
2. Install a Heat Pump First If…
Your boiler is old or failing.
If your boiler needs replacing soon, moving straight to an air source heat pump gives you a long-term, efficient solution — with £7,500 off if eligible for the BUS Grant.
You want the biggest carbon reduction immediately.
Heat pumps significantly cut CO₂ emissions compared to gas heating.
Your home is already well insulated.
If your property has good insulation and modern radiators, a heat pump will perform at maximum efficiency.
You want to stabilise heating costs.
Heat pumps run on electricity, which offers more predictable long-term pricing compared to gas.
Our preferred Heat Pump manufacturer is Vaillant Heat Pumps and you can read more about them using the link provided.
How Solar and Heat Pumps Work Together
Installing both technologies gives you the best of both worlds:
- Solar reduces the cost of running your heat pump
- A heat pump increases the value of the solar you generate
- Both improve your EPC rating (important for landlords and property value)
- Combined systems lower carbon emissions dramatically
In Stockport and Greater Manchester, many homes benefit from the pairing because:
- Roof orientations often suit solar generation
- Heat losses are manageable with modern insulation
- Local export tariffs provide strong financial incentives
Which Should You Install First? – Quick Decision Guide
| Your Priority | Recommendation |
| Lowest upfront cost | Solar first |
| Immediate heating upgrade | Heat pump first |
| Best financial return | Solar first |
| Reduce carbon footprint most | Heat pump first |
| Preparing for long-term renewable home | Start with solar (add heat pump later) |
| You want to run heating on self-generated electricity | Install both, or solar first |
Costs and Savings Overview (Typical UK Averages)
(Figures are general estimates – actual quotes vary by property size and specification)
Solar PV System
- Cost: £4,500–£8,000
- Annual savings: £400–£1,000+
- Payback: 5–8 years
- Lifespan: 25+ years
Air Source Heat Pump
- Cost after BUS grant: £3,000–£7,000 (net)
- Annual savings vs gas/oil: £200–£1,000+
- Lifespan: 15–20 years
Which Option Is Best for Homes in Stockport and Greater Manchester?
Based on our installations across Stockport, Cheshire and Greater Manchester, this pattern is very common:
✅ Homes with modern boilers and high electricity use start with solar
This gives instant savings and sets the foundation for a heat pump later.
✅ Homes with older boilers often choose a heat pump first
Especially if they qualify for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
✅ Families planning long-term energy independence often install both
Solar + heat pump + battery = major bill reductions and a low-carbon home.
Speak to a Local Renewable Expert
At Solarus, we are fully certified to help you make the right decision:
- MCS Accredited for solar and heat pumps
- NICEIC Approved Contractors
- CHAS Accredited and Which? Trusted Traders
- Trusted across Stockport, Greater Manchester & Cheshire
Whether you’re ready for solar, a heat pump, or both, our team can assess your home and give you clear, honest guidance.
Request a free survey or quote
Contact Solarus Energy