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Infrared Heating with Solar Panels

Infrared heating panel used in a modern home with solar PV

Infrared Heating and Solar PV

As more homes and businesses invest in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, questions often arise about which heating technologies work best alongside self-generated electricity. Infrared heating is one option that is frequently considered due to its electric operation, zoned control, and responsive heat delivery.

This page explains how infrared heating can be used with solar PV, where the combination works well, and what practical considerations should be taken into account.

How Infrared Heating Works with Solar PV

Solar PV systems generate electricity during daylight hours, which can be used directly within a property or exported to the grid. Infrared heating panels operate on electricity and respond instantly when powered, making them well suited to using available on-site generation.

Rather than heating the air, infrared panels warm people and surfaces directly. This allows heat to be delivered efficiently in specific rooms or zones, which can help align heating demand with periods of solar generation.

Why Infrared Heating Is Often Paired with Solar

  • Direct use of generated electricity
    Infrared panels can make use of electricity produced on site, reducing reliance on grid imports during daylight hours.
  • Zoned and responsive heating
    Rooms can be heated individually, allowing energy use to be focused where and when it is needed.
  • Low system complexity
    Infrared heating does not require water-based pipework, pumps, or outdoor units, making it simpler to integrate into existing buildings.
  • Compatibility with smart controls
    Infrared systems can be paired with smart thermostats and timers to help manage energy use alongside solar generation.

Practical Considerations

While infrared heating works well with solar PV, it is important to consider realistic usage patterns. Solar generation varies by season and time of day, while heating demand is typically higher in the early morning and evening.

For this reason, infrared heating is often most effective when used as part of a wider energy strategy that may include:

  • Good insulation and airtightness
  • Energy-efficient building design
  • Battery storage or time-of-use tariffs
  • Zoned heating control

Infrared heating can be used as a primary heating system in well-designed buildings, or as a complementary system alongside other technologies, depending on requirements.

Is Infrared Heating a Net-Zero Solution?

Infrared heating itself does not generate energy, but when powered by renewable electricity it can form part of a low-carbon heating approach. When combined with solar PV and efficient building fabric, infrared heating can help reduce operational carbon emissions at the point of use.

To understand the wider environmental context, you may find our page on the environmental benefits of infrared heating useful.

When designing a fully electric building, it is important to consider heating and hot water together rather than as separate systems. Infrared heating and heat batteries can be combined to create a compact, gas-free solution that works efficiently with solar PV and off-peak electricity. Our guide Electric Heating and Hot Water Systems: Infrared Heating with Sunamp Thermino explains how this type of system works in practice.
When combined with solar PV, a heat battery can store energy when electricity is cheapest or cleanest and release it later as hot water. Solutions such as the Sunamp Thermino heat battery integrate well with electric heating systems, including infrared heating.

You can learn more about how heat batteries work and why they suit solar-powered buildings in our guide:
What Is a Sunamp Thermino Heat Battery and How Does It Work?

When designing a fully electric heating system, hot water storage is just as important as space heating. Heat batteries offer a more flexible alternative to hot water cylinders in electric and solar-powered buildings. If you are considering whether a heat battery is the right choice for your project, our guide Why Choose a Sunamp Thermino Heat Battery Instead of a Hot Water Cylinder? looks at the practical and long-term benefits in more detail.

Is This Approach Right for You?

Infrared heating paired with solar PV is commonly considered for:

  • Modern homes and extensions
  • Garden rooms and outbuildings
  • Offices and small commercial spaces
  • Properties aiming to improve EPC performance

If you are exploring infrared heating more generally, our Infrared Heating Guide provides a detailed overview of how the technology works.

Next Steps

If you would like help assessing whether infrared heating is suitable for your property or how it may work alongside solar PV, our technical team can provide guidance on system layout, panel sizing, and control options.