Photovoltaic-Thermal Collectors
PVT Panels for Heat Pump Systems
Solar PVT collectors designed for ground source heat pumps, solar-assisted heating systems and low-temperature energy applications.
Why Choose Solis PVT
Solis PVT focuses on practical photovoltaic thermal solutions for heat pump applications. Rather than developing isolated laboratory concepts, we work to provide mature PVT products already applied in real projects. Suitable for borehole regeneration, source-side preheating, retrofit projects and integrated renewable heating systems. Matching PVT collector specifications to heat pump models, providing hydraulic schematics for indirect brine configurations, and supporting installers through the commissioning process. We have supplied brine-loop PVT systems to projects across Europe and direct-expansion configurations.
Our focus is system integration, application understanding, and international project support for installers, distributors, and renewable energy companies.
Solis PVT is a cost-effective alternative to high-priced European manufacturers.
≥ 86.5%
Solar Utilization Rate
Flat-plate absorber optimised for low-temperature operation — the brine heat pumps operate in most efficiently.
+5–8%
Electrical yield gain
Continuous cell cooling through the rear absorber reduces operating temperature, improving PV output compared to standard modules in the same area.
–30%
Borehole depth reduction
In GSHP systems, PVT-assisted ground regeneration reduces borehole requirements — published field studies demonstrate 25–35% reductions in drilling depth.
25 years
Linear power warranty
Standard PV module performance guarantee applies. Absorber circuit rated for pressure compatibility with standard brine heat pump circuits
What Is a PVT Heat Pump System?
Generate electricity while supporting heat pump performance with hybrid PVT technology.
A PVT system combines photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal energy collection in a single panel structure. In heat pump applications, the thermal side of the PVT collector can be used as a low-temperature energy source to support system operation throughout the year.
Unlike conventional PV modules that only generate electricity, PVT collectors can also contribute usable thermal energy for renewable heating systems. Depending on system configuration, PVT can support:
- Ground source heat pumps
- Solar-assisted heat pump systems
- Borehole regeneration
- Domestic hot water preheating
- Hybrid renewable HVAC systems
- Existing heat pump retrofit projects
PVT technology is increasingly used in applications where roof space efficiency and integrated energy generation are important. By combining electrical and thermal output in a single collector area, PVT systems can support higher overall energy utilization compared with standalone PV installations.
Brine PVT
PVT for Ground Source Heat Pumps, Low-Temperature Heat Source, Retrofit for Existing Heat Pump Systems,
Direct Expansion PVT
Refrigerant-based thermal collection Compact thermal transfer structure Integrated solar-assisted HVAC concepts
How a PVT System Works with a Brine Heat Pump
A PVT collector functions simultaneously as a photovoltaic module and a low-temperature heat exchanger. The rear absorber plate — in direct thermal contact with the PV cells — circulates a water-glycol mixture that collects both solar irradiation and ambient air heat.
This brine circuit connects directly to the evaporator inlet of a standard brine-to-water heat pump, raising the heat pump’s inlet temperature and improving its seasonal performance factor (SPF) compared to ground-only or air-source configurations. The PV cells benefit from continuous cooling, maintaining lower operating temperatures and higher electrical output year-round.
System components in a standard indirect configuration:
PVT collectors — mounted on roof or ground, generating electricity and low-grade heat simultaneously
Brine circulation loop — water-glycol mix, typically 25–35% concentration for frost protection to −15°C
Brine-to-water heat pump — standard European models (Vaillant, NIBE, Viessmann, alpha innotec compatible)
Buffer / stratification tank — thermal storage for space heating and DHW circuits
Distribution system — underfloor heating (35–45°C) or low-temperature radiators
Why Use PVT as a Heat Pump Source?
Dual Energy Output
Generate electricity and collect usable thermal energy simultaneously from the same roof area.
Roof Space Optimization
Combine photovoltaic and thermal collection functions within a single collector footprint.
Low-Temperature Thermal Support
Provide renewable low-temperature energy for heat pump-related applications.
Borehole Regeneration Potential
Support seasonal thermal balancing in ground source heat pump systems.
Renewable Heating Integration
Suitable for hybrid renewable heating concepts and solar-assisted HVAC systems.
Retrofit Flexibility
Can be integrated into selected retrofit and existing heating projects.
Direct Expansion PVT Systems
Direct expansion PVT systems use refrigerant-based thermal collection technology integrated behind the photovoltaic module structure.
These systems are typically explored for:
- Compact solar-assisted HVAC concepts
- Refrigerant-based thermal transfer
- Integrated heat pump applications
- High thermal transfer efficiency concepts
Direct expansion PVT can be considered for specialized renewable heating and cooling system designs where compact integration is important.
Our PVT Solutions
PVT Collector
Commercial & Multi-Family Projects
PVT + Heat Pump System
Accessories
PVT collector for ground source heat pump / geothermal optimization
In closed-loop GSHP systems, the ground temperature around boreholes gradually drops over heating seasons if no solar regeneration is applied. PVT collectors address this directly: during spring, summer, and mild autumn periods, excess low-grade heat from the absorber circuit is directed back into the ground via the borehole heat exchanger.
Recommended for:
- Borehole regeneration
- Brine loop support
- Shallow geothermal projects
- Renewable residential heating
This active ground regeneration maintains borehole temperatures above the design minimum, improving heat pump COP throughout the heating season. In new installations, published studies show this allows a reduction in total borehole drilling length of 25–35%, lowering ground loop installation costs significantly.
PVT as a primary heat source — replacing the outdoor air unit
An array of PVT collectors can serve as the sole low-temperature heat source for a brine heat pump, replacing the conventional outdoor air-to-brine unit entirely. Unlike an air source heat pump, this configuration has no moving outdoor components, produces no airborne noise, and — when combined with adequate collector area — delivers more stable inlet temperatures during winter operation.
This approach suits dense residential settings where noise regulations or planning restrictions limit ASHP installation, as well as retrofit projects where existing borehole infrastructure is absent.
PVT solar pre-heating — retrofit integration into existing systems
PVT collectors can be added to an existing heat pump or boiler installation as a pre-heating stage. The brine circuit from the collectors passes through a heat exchanger before the heat pump’s evaporator inlet, raising the inlet temperature and reducing the heat pump’s required work input. In solar-favourable periods, this measurably reduces electricity consumption without modifying the existing system hydraulics.
Existing homes
Existing hot water tanks
Pool heating
Renewable upgrades
This is typically the lowest-disruption entry point for PVT in renovation projects — no replacement of the heat pump is required, and the collector circuit operates independently.
Standalone Hybrid
Solar Preheating System / PVT Hot Water
PVT systems preheat water before entering boilers or heat pumps, reducing energy demand and improving overall system efficiency. Easy to integrate into existing installations.
Compatible with standard European brine-to-water heat pumps
Solis-PVT collectors use a standard glycol-brine circuit (G/W 25–35%) and connect to the evaporator or brine inlet of any brine-to-water heat pump via a plate heat exchanger. No proprietary connections or modified heat pump firmware required. For specific hydraulic schematics matching your heat pump model, contact us with the make and model number.
Applications
PVT for Ground Source Heat Pumps
Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Systems
PVT Retrofit for Existing Heat Pump Systems
Direct Expansion PVT Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
A PVT panel combines photovoltaic electricity generation and thermal energy collection within a single collector structure.
PVT collectors can provide low-temperature thermal energy that supports heat pump operation in selected system configurations.
Yes. PVT is increasingly used in applications related to brine loop support and borehole regeneration concepts.
Lower Cost
Flexible OEM
Faster Delivery
Strong Technical Support
Solis PVT is a cost-effective alternative to high-priced European manufacturers.
Yes. PVT systems are designed to simultaneously generate electrical and thermal energy.
Borehole regeneration refers to restoring ground temperature balance in geothermal systems using renewable thermal input.
PVT can be considered for selected retrofit projects involving existing heating systems or domestic hot water integration.
Traditional solar thermal collectors primarily produce heat, while PVT combines photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal collection.
Yes. PVT is commonly discussed in applications involving low-temperature renewable heating concepts.
PVT may contribute thermal energy for domestic hot water preheating applications depending on system design.
PVT is commonly explored in projects involving ground source, brine-based and solar-assisted heat pump systems.