(Updated April 2026) Heating with photovoltaics uses self-generated solar power for electric heating systems and reduces energy costs by 30–60%. The combination with heat pumps or infrared heaters is particularly economical because self-generated electricity replaces expensive grid electricity and fossil fuels.
This post shows why Modern hall heating When it's worthwhile, when it fits, and how companies can utilize grants.
Why heating with PV becomes economical
The feed-in tariff for solar power will be 7–9 cents per kWh in 2026, while grid electricity costs 25–35 cents per kWh. PV electricity used for personal consumption therefore saves 60–70 cents per kWh.
In addition:
- CO2 price rises (currently €55-65/t, free trade from 2028)
- Fossil fuel heating costs are exploding.
- Self-consumption protects against price risks
Result: Heating costs decrease by 40–60%, with a payback period of 5–10 years.
Which heating systems are suitable for solar PV?
Heat pumps
Ideal forWell-insulated offices, halls with underfloor heating, hot water.
Advantages:
- High efficiency (COP 3–5): 1 kWh electricity → 3–5 kWh heat
- Heating + Cooling in one system
- Low flow temperatures (suitable for PV)
Costs: €10,000–25,000 (depending on size), funding up to 70% (KfW 458)
Infrared heaters
Ideal forHigh halls, workshops, warehouses – pinpoint-accurate heat.
Advantages:
- Direct radiant heat (no air heating)
- Easy Installation (Ceiling Mount)
- Fast heat-up time, zone-divisible
Costs: €200 – €4,000 per device, low maintenance
Economic Viability: Solar Heating vs. Gas
Example500 m² hall, 50,000 kWh/year heating demand with 24-hour operation
| System | Annual Costs | Savings vs. Gas | Amortization |
| Gas heating | €7,500 (€0.15/kWh) | – | – |
| Heat pump + solar | 3.500 € | 4.000 € | 6 – 8 years |
| Infrared + PV | 4.500 € | 3.000 € | 4 – 6 Years |
Which companies is it worthwhile for?
Suitable
- Building renovatorPV + heat pump during roof renovation
- New constructionLow-temperature heating + PV planning
- Solar panel ownerUse surplus electricity instead of feeding it into the grid
- Hall operatorInfrared for peak loads
Optimal for:
- High power consumption during the day
- Good insulation (heat pump)
- High Ceilings (Infrared)
Retrofit: Step by Step
Analyze
- Determine heating demand (kWh/year)
- Check PV potential (kWp)
- Economic feasibility study
2. System Selection
- Heat pump: COP > 3.5, flow temperature < 35 °C
- Infrared: Power density 100–200 W/m²
- Energy management system (EMS) for PV control
3. Funding & Support
- KfW 458: Up to 70% grant
- Contracting: €0 in equity
- BAFA Consultation: 50–80 % eligible for funding
4. Installation
- Phased retrofitting (no operational downtime)
- PV Integration (Zero Balance)
- Technical acceptance
Advantages at a glance
| Advantage | Heat pump + solar | Infrared + PV |
| Efficiency | COP 3–5 | Direct radiation |
| Costs / Year | Low | Varies depending on intensity |
| Promotion | High (70 %) | Middle |
| Flexibility | Central | Precisely |
| CO₂ savings | Very high | High |
Legal Framework 2026
After the new Heating LawGMG) fossil fuel heating systems are still permitted, but the CO₂ price (currently €55-65/t and significantly more in the future) makes them more expensive.
Advantages of solar heating:
- No green gas quota
- Regardless of CO₂ price development
- Funding secured until 2029
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heating with solar PV worthwhile?
Yes, for self-consumption > 50%: 40–60% cost savings compared to gas/grid electricity.
Heat pump or infrared?
Heat pump for insulated low-ceiling rooms, infrared for halls.
What is the subsidy?
KfW 458: Up to 70% for heat pumps, 0% VAT on PV.
Do I need an EMS?
Yes, for optimal PV utilization and funding eligibility.