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01 · Ask
Heat pump, solar, battery or all?
Different priorities, different ROI. Describe the house, the bills and the budget — the AI tells you what stacks up.
Compare air vs ground heat pumps.
ASHP for cheaper install, GSHP for longer payback — what each costs and which suits your property.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
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Hire a renewables installer. MCS or no grant.
Read the brief on MCS, BUS grants, heat-loss surveys and right-sizing — then let Three local installers quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
BUS £7,500 heat pump grant, SEG export tariffs, MCS certification, EPC requirements, radiator upgrades. Know the rules.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 installer quotes
Three local installers quote on the same spec — heat-loss, sizing, grants, warranty — so the cheapest isn't accidentally the unfunded.
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Top tips
Hiring a renewable energy, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Use MCS-certified installers only.
BUS, ECO4, SEG payments all require MCS-certified installation. Any installer without MCS means no grants and no SEG export tariff.
Get a heat-loss survey for heat pumps.
Heat pumps must be properly sized to your house heat loss. Insist on a Heat Loss Calculation (MCS-recognised) — never a 'kW per m²' shortcut.
Check radiator compatibility.
Heat pumps run at lower flow temps (35–55°C vs 70°C for gas). Most existing rads are undersized. Cost: £200–£500 per upgraded rad — get this on the quote.
Don't oversize solar PV.
Generation beyond what you export earns 5–15p/kWh (SEG). Generation you use saves 30p+. Right-sized to consumption beats massive arrays for ROI.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Air source heat pump (install)Pre-grant
£8k–£14k
Ground source heat pump
£18k–£35k
Solar PV 4kW system
£6k–£9k
Battery storage (5kWh)
£3.5k–£6.5k
Solar thermal (hot water)
£4k–£7.5k
EV charger (Type 2, 7kW)
£800–£1.5k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Renewable Energy explained
Air source vs ground source heat pumps — UK homeowner's main choice. ASHP £10-18k install, GSHP £18-35k. GSHP more efficient (COP 4-5 vs 3-4). Same £7,500 BUS grant. Expect to pay £4,500–£27,500 after grant for UK heat pump (range covers both).
What Does the Work Involve?
ASHP: outdoor unit extracts heat from air. Quick install. Permitted Development typical. GSHP: underground pipework (borehole or trench) extracts ground heat. Major civil works. Indoor unit + cylinder for both.
Comparison Table
| Factor | ASHP | GSHP |
|---|---|---|
| Install cost (gross) | £10,000-£18,000 | £18,000-£35,000 |
| Net after £7,500 BUS | £2,500-£10,500 | £10,500-£27,500 |
| COP efficiency | 3.0-4.0 | 4.0-5.0 |
| Annual running cost | £800-£1,800 | £700-£1,500 |
| Lifespan | 15-20 years | 20-25 years (pipework 50+) |
| Install time | 2-5 days | 1-3 weeks |
| Outdoor unit noise | 40-50dB | None (underground) |
| Garden disruption | Minimal | Significant (boreholes/trenches) |
| Best for | Most UK homes | Rural large gardens, long-term |
UK Regulations
Same MCS 3005 sizing for both. BUS grant £7,500 for both. ASHP under Permitted Development (size/position limits). GSHP needs EA notification for some boreholes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more efficient?
GSHP — constant 10°C ground heat. ASHP loses efficiency below 0°C air temp.
Right for UK climate?
ASHP works in UK climate (max -10°C tested). GSHP not affected by air temp.
Cost-benefit of GSHP?
15-25 year payback vs ASHP 10-15. For long-term owners and premium properties.
Garden size for GSHP?
Boreholes: minimal. Trenches: ~600-1,000m² for 3-bed.
Noise concerns ASHP?
Modern ASHPs 40-50dB. Position carefully — Permitted Development limits.
Resale value impact?
Both add EPC rating boost. GSHP slightly more premium feel. ASHP more common.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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