Rising energy prices and increasingly ambitious climate targets mean that homeowners are more frequently considering investments in renewable energy sources. The two most popular technologies are photovoltaics (solar panels) and heat pumps. But which is the better choice? Or is it worth investing in both at the same time?
In this article, we compare both technologies in terms of costs, savings, subsidies and practical aspects of operation to help you make the best decision.
Photovoltaics — How It Works and What It Offers
A photovoltaic installation converts solar energy into electricity. The electricity produced can be used immediately, stored in a battery or exported to the grid (net-billing).
Advantages of Photovoltaics
- Reduction of electricity bills by 60–90%
- Versatility — electricity powers all appliances in the home
- Low failure rate — no moving parts, panel lifespan of 25–30 years
- Easy installation — fitting takes 1–2 days
- Increased property value
Disadvantages of Photovoltaics
- Seasonal production — high in summer, low in winter
- Net-billing is less favourable than the former net-metering scheme
- Energy storage needed for maximum self-consumption
- Roof dependency — orientation, tilt, shading
Photovoltaic Costs in 2026
- 8–10 kWp installation: PLN 18,000 – 26,000
- 5–10 kWh energy storage: PLN 15,000 – 30,000
- Annual saving (with storage): PLN 5,000 – 7,000
- Payback period (with subsidies): 3–5 years
Heat Pump — How It Works and What It Offers
A heat pump is a device that extracts heat from the surroundings (air, ground or water) and transfers it to the building’s heating system. It operates on the principle of a reversed refrigeration cycle — similar to a refrigerator, but in reverse.
The most commonly used heat pump types:
- Air-source (air-to-water) — the most popular, extracts heat from the air
- Ground-source — extracts heat from the ground via boreholes or a collector
- Water-to-water — extracts heat from groundwater
Advantages of a Heat Pump
- Drastic reduction in heating costs — COP of 3–5 (for every 1 kWh of electricity you get 3–5 kWh of heat)
- Eco-friendliness — no combustion, no on-site CO2 emissions
- Comfort — automatic regulation, quiet operation
- Summer cooling — many models offer an active cooling function
- No chimney — simplified building design
Disadvantages of a Heat Pump
- High purchase cost — particularly ground-source pumps
- Electricity consumption — a heat pump increases the electricity bill
- Building requirements — works best in well-insulated buildings
- Reduced efficiency in severe frost — air-source pumps lose efficiency below –15°C
- Underfloor heating required — optimal operation at low supply temperatures
Heat Pump Costs in 2026
- Air-source pump (8–12 kW): PLN 30,000 – 50,000 (installed)
- Ground-source pump (8–12 kW): PLN 50,000 – 80,000 (with boreholes)
- Annual heating cost (150 m² house): PLN 3,000 – 5,000
- Payback period (vs gas, with subsidies): 5–8 years
Direct Comparison
For a fair comparison, let us assume a typical scenario: a 150 m² detached house, annual electricity consumption of 4,500 kWh, annual heat demand of 12,000 kWh, location: Silesia.
Scenario 1: Photovoltaics Only (10 kWp + 5 kWh storage)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment cost | PLN 38,000 |
| Subsidies (Mój Prąd) | –PLN 22,000 |
| Net cost | PLN 16,000 |
| Annual saving | PLN 5,800 |
| Payback period | 2.8 years |
Photovoltaics reduce electricity bills but do not affect heating costs (if you heat with gas or coal).
Scenario 2: Heat Pump Only (air-source, 10 kW)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment cost | PLN 42,000 |
| Subsidies (Clean Air) | –PLN 19,400 |
| Net cost | PLN 22,600 |
| Annual saving (vs gas) | PLN 4,500 |
| Payback period | 5.0 years |
A heat pump dramatically reduces heating costs but increases electricity consumption (by approx. 3,000 – 4,000 kWh annually).
Scenario 3: Photovoltaics + Heat Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment cost | PLN 80,000 |
| Total subsidies | –PLN 41,400 |
| Net cost | PLN 38,600 |
| Annual saving | PLN 11,500 |
| Payback period | 3.4 years |
Combining both technologies produces a synergistic effect — photovoltaics cover the heat pump’s electricity consumption, and together they virtually eliminate energy costs entirely.
Subsidies — What Can Be Combined?
In 2026, the ability to combine subsidies is a key factor determining profitability:
Mój Prąd 6.0 (My Electricity 6.0)
- Photovoltaics: up to PLN 6,000 (requires an additional component)
- Energy storage: up to PLN 16,000
- Heat pump: up to PLN 19,400 (air-source) / PLN 28,500 (ground-source)
Clean Air
- Thermal modernisation + renewables: up to PLN 99,000 (maximum level)
- Covers: insulation, windows, heat pump, photovoltaics
Thermal Modernisation Tax Relief
- Income tax deduction of up to PLN 53,000 for all thermal modernisation expenditure
- Applies to both heat pumps and photovoltaics
Important: Mój Prąd and Clean Air subsidies cannot be combined for the same component. However, you can, for example, obtain a Clean Air subsidy for the heat pump and a Mój Prąd subsidy for photovoltaics and storage.
When Should You Choose Photovoltaics?
Photovoltaics are the better choice when:
- You already have modern heating (condensing gas, heat pump)
- Your priority is reducing electricity bills
- You have a well-exposed roof (south-facing, unshaded)
- You are planning an electric vehicle (charging from your own electricity)
- Your budget is limited — photovoltaics are cheaper
When Should You Choose a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is the better choice when:
- You heat with coal or an old gas boiler
- Your home is well insulated (new construction or post-refurbishment)
- You have underfloor heating or low-temperature radiators
- You want to eliminate the chimney and boiler room
- You are also planning summer cooling
When Should You Choose Both?
Combining both solutions is the optimal strategy provided that:
- You are building a new home and can plan both systems from the outset
- You have a sufficient budget (even with subsidies, the investment is PLN 35,000–40,000)
- The home is well insulated
- The roof allows for adequate photovoltaic capacity
Technical Aspects — What to Watch Out For
Sizing PV for a Heat Pump
If you opt for both systems, the photovoltaic installation capacity should account for the additional electricity consumption of the heat pump. Typically:
- Without a heat pump: 6–8 kWp
- With a heat pump: 10–14 kWp
Selecting a Heat Pump
- Do not oversize — the heat pump should be matched to the building’s actual heat demand
- COP above 4 — look for pumps with a high coefficient of performance
- Energy class A+++ — the highest efficiency
- R290 (propane) refrigerant — environmentally friendly, with low GWP
System Integration
Modern systems enable intelligent energy management:
- HUAWEI inverter + LUNA2000 + heat pump = optimal use of solar energy
- HEMS (Home Energy Management System) prioritises powering the heat pump from the panels
- Mobile apps for monitoring and controlling both installations
Summary
There is no single universal answer to the question “heat pump or photovoltaics”. It all depends on your individual situation:
- Limited budget → photovoltaics (faster payback, lower cost)
- Coal heating → heat pump (greatest saving, anti-smog requirement)
- Optimal scenario → both systems (synergy, greatest savings, maximum subsidies)
In every case, the key is good design and professional installation. A poorly selected or installed system will not deliver the expected savings.
ALTECH-SYSTEM designs and installs both photovoltaic systems and heat pumps. We offer comprehensive renewable energy solutions for homes in Silesia — from energy audits, through technology selection, to installation and servicing. Book a free consultation and find out which solution is best for your home.