Keeping your home warm in an energy-efficient way is more important than ever. Many homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional heating systems, and solar underfloor heating is becoming a popular choice. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
Solar underfloor heating uses energy from the sun to warm your floors, creating a comfortable and evenly distributed heat throughout your home. Unlike radiators, which heat the air, this system works by warming surfaces, making rooms feel cosier with lower energy use. It is a great way to reduce heating bills while being environmentally friendly.
In this blog, we will explain what is solar underfloor heating and how it works, its benefits, and whether it’s the right option for your home.
What is Solar Underfloor Heating?
A solar underfloor heating system does exactly what the name suggests—it uses solar panels to heat your home through heating elements embedded in the floor.
This system provides an efficient, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly way to keep indoor spaces warm while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
There are two types of solar panels: solar thermal panels and solar PV (photovoltaic) panels. Likewise, underfloor heating systems come in two forms—wet underfloor heating and electric underfloor heating.
Regardless of whether your system runs on solar thermal or solar PV, the energy generated can be used to power your underfloor heating.
How Does Solar-Powered Underfloor Heating Work?
Underfloor heating systems use the entire floor area to distribute heat evenly throughout a room. Unlike radiators, which rely on convection heat to warm the surrounding air, underfloor heating primarily works through radiant heat transfer.
This means it directly warms up surfaces, including floors, furniture, and people, creating a more comfortable and consistent indoor climate. The absence of visible radiators also allows for greater flexibility in interior design, making spaces feel more open and uncluttered.
There are two main types of underfloor heating: wet and electric.
Solar-Powered Wet Underfloor Heating System
A wet underfloor heating system, also known as a water-based or hydronic system, heats water through a heat source and circulates it through pipes laid beneath the floor. These pipes, also called circuits, are arranged in a way that ensures even heat distribution.
In a solar-powered setup, the heat source would be solar panels—either thermal or PV paired with a water cylinder. Other heat sources, such as traditional boilers or heat pumps, can also be used.
A manifold and pump mixing unit regulate the water temperature before it enters the underfloor pipes, ensuring efficient energy use and preventing overheating.
Wet underfloor heating works best with stone or tiled flooring, as these materials conduct and retain heat efficiently. Carpeted floors can also be used, but the underlay should not exceed 1.5 tog (a unit measuring insulation levels).
This system is typically recommended for new builds, as installing it in an existing property may require raising the floor to accommodate the pipework, which can add to installation costs. However, the long-term energy savings and increased comfort often outweigh the initial expense.
Solar-Powered Electric Underfloor Heating System
Electric underfloor heating, sometimes called dry underfloor heating, comes in two main forms: heating mats and heating cables.
Heating mats feature ultra-thin electric wires attached to a mat that can be fitted directly onto the subfloor. Electric heating cables, on the other hand, are flexible wires that can be installed within or on top of the subfloor.
Solar PV panels can generate the electricity needed for these systems, with the grid acting as a backup when necessary. Once powered, the electric mats or cables convert this electricity into radiant warmth.
Electric underfloor heating is often preferred for smaller projects, such as bathrooms, as it generally has higher running costs than wet systems. However, using solar-generated electricity reduces overall expenses. Like wet systems, it works best with stone or tiled flooring due to their high thermal conductivity and ability to retain heat efficiently.
Laminate flooring is also compatible with both systems, though it is recommended to keep the floor temperature below 27°C to prevent damage. Wooden flooring can be used, but engineered wood is preferable over solid wood, as it is more stable when exposed to fluctuating heat levels.
Both wet and electric underfloor heating systems use a thermostat for temperature control, ensuring consistent warmth without unnecessary energy consumption. Smart thermostats can further improve efficiency by allowing users to schedule heating times and adjust settings remotely.
Benefits of Underfloor Heating with Solar Panels
Pairing underfloor heating with solar panels is an excellent solution for modern homeowners in Ireland.
This combination offers several advantages when compared to conventional heating systems:
- Lower energy bills – By using free solar energy, you can reduce reliance on expensive electricity or gas.
- Consistent warmth – Heat is evenly distributed, removing cold spots and ensuring maximum comfort.
- Increased efficiency – Radiant heating requires lower temperatures than traditional radiators to achieve the same comfort levels, making it more energy-efficient.
- Eco-friendly – Using renewable energy significantly reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and more sustainable home.
- Low maintenance – Once installed, underfloor heating systems require minimal upkeep compared to traditional radiators, which may need frequent bleeding and maintenance.
If you’re considering installing solar-powered underfloor heating, comparing quotes from local installers can help ensure you get the best deal for your home. Investing in this system can improve your property’s value while providing long-term savings and an environmentally friendly heating solution.
Conclusion
Solar underfloor heating is a cost-effective and sustainable way to keep your home warm while lowering energy bills. It’s a system that uses solar energy to power either a wet or electric underfloor heating setup, providing even heat distribution and improved efficiency. Ideal for new builds and renovations, it works best with stone or tiled floors for maximum heat retention.
If you’re considering making the switch, My Power can guide you through the best options for your home. Get in touch today to explore how solar underfloor heating can benefit you!
FAQ’s
What is solar underfloor heating?
Solar underfloor heating is a system that uses energy from solar panels to warm water or electric elements installed beneath the floor, providing consistent and efficient heating throughout a building.
How does solar underfloor heating work?
Solar panels collect energy from the sun, which is then used to heat water in pipes (wet system) or power electric heating mats (dry system) installed under the flooring. This heat radiates upwards, warming the room evenly.
Is my home suitable for solar underfloor heating?
Most homes can accommodate solar underfloor heating, especially new builds or during renovations. Quality insulation and sufficient space for installing the system components are essential for optimal performance.
What are the benefits of solar underfloor heating?
This system offers energy efficiency, reduced heating costs, and an even distribution of warmth. Additionally, it operates silently and frees up wall space since no radiators are needed.
Can solar underfloor heating be used with all floor types?
While it’s compatible with various flooring materials, hard surfaces like stone or tile are ideal due to their thermal conductivity. Carpets can be used if the combined tog rating of the carpet and underlay does not exceed recommended levels.
Does underfloor heating use a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity used by an underfloor heating system depends on the area it covers and how long it runs. For instance, an electric underfloor heating system with a power rating of 125 W/m² will consume around 15p per hour for every 8m² of coverage. However, if your electricity comes from solar panels, the running costs will be significantly lower, making it a more energy-efficient and cost-effective solution.