Case Study: Heat Pump and Solar Panels in Shepperton – How One Family Saved £100 a Month
- Leah Robson
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
On one of the few bright days we’ve had this February, we headed down to Shepperton to visit Tris at his family home.
Tris has lived in his house for eight years with his wife and children. With his daughters at school locally, they’re not planning on moving anytime soon, which made investing in long-term energy upgrades feel like the sensible next step.
Over a cup of coffee, we talked through his decision to go ahead with a heat pump and solar panel installation in Shepperton, and what the experience has been like so far.
From a Failing Gas Boiler to an Air Source Heat Pump
Like many homeowners, Tris didn’t start out planning a full renewables upgrade. His gas boiler was on its last legs. “I just needed to replace it,” he said. “But every plumber I spoke to told me not to rush into another gas boiler.”
With changing legislation and uncertainty around fossil fuel heating, he didn’t want to install something that might feel outdated in a few years’ time. That’s when he began seriously considering an air source heat pump.
He had previously researched heat pumps but had been told he would need to replace all his radiators. Having recently upgraded them, that wasn’t appealing. We carried out a full heat loss assessment including using data loggers to measure the heat loss, and we were confident only two needed upgrading to ensure the system would run efficiently at lower flow temperatures. That reassurance made the decision much easier.
But for Tris, it wasn’t just about legislation or efficiency. It was about comfort.
Now, the heat pump runs at lower temperatures, providing steady warmth rather than intense bursts of heat - and the house feels noticeably more comfortable.
Heat Pump Installation Process: Minimal Disruption, Maximum Efficiency
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have about heat pump installation is disruption.
In Tris’ case, the process was smoother than he expected.
It took around a week to take out the gas boiler and install the 8kW Samsung R290 Monoblock heat pump at Tris' home. During this time there was:
No loss of hot water
Only two radiators replaced
Pipework improved and tidied
Radiator valves upgraded
Removal of the loft expansion tank, creating additional storage space
The result was not only a low-carbon heating system but a neater, more efficient overall setup.
He described the team as approachable, sociable and clear in explaining what they were doing each day, which made having them in the house for a full week feel easy and comfortable.
Adding Solar Panel Installation and Battery Storage in Shepperton
Initially, solar wasn’t part of the plan.
“In my head, it felt like a big leap to install a heat pump and then add solar panels and a battery as well.” But after understanding the long-term savings and energy independence solar could offer, Tris decided to proceed with a solar panel installation, complete with solar battery storage.
Panel placement required careful design due to the roof structure. The final solution included:
5 Solar PV Panels mounted on a south-facing wall
Additional 4 panels on a lower roof section
Sleek black 465W Aiko panels to maintain kerb appeal
Tesla Powerwall 3 and Gateway for continuous power supply even in the event of a power cut.
The solar installation itself took four days. Once again, Tris said, the team worked quietly and left everything spotless, even clearing out a gutter while they were up there.
Despite installing at the end of January, and enduring a particularly wet February, the system is already delivering results.
The battery has been a standout feature, allowing him to:
Store excess renewable electricity
Access a better time-of-use tariff
Save approximately £100 per month on electricity
Cover much of his domestic hot water demand
For Tris, combining a heat pump with solar PV and battery storage has significantly reduced reliance on the grid.
Why Your Energy Your Way?
I asked Tris what made him choose Your Energy Your Way.
He first came across Leah speaking on a podcast panel and was struck by how technical and knowledgeable she was. “She sounded like an engineer, not a salesperson.”
From the initial website enquiry to the final commissioning, he found the whole process organised and professional.
For him, it came down to one thing: if you’re installing a system that needs to perform well for 15+ years, especially something as design-sensitive as a heat pump, it’s not worth cutting corners.
What Does Renewable Energy Mean for This Shepperton Family?
For Tris, the environmental impact was the primary motivation.
He had become increasingly aware of local air pollution - soot particles, traffic fumes, and emissions from gas and wood burning.
“I just wanted to avoid more burning,” he said simply. While he knows one household won’t change the world, he feels strongly about playing his part.
Beyond sustainability, the quality-of-life improvements have been significant:
A more energy-efficient home
Greater protection from rising energy prices
Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
Backup resilience during grid outages
With battery storage installed, the family can maintain power during short disruptions -offering reassurance in uncertain times.
Thinking About a Heat Pump and Solar Panels in Shepperton?
Tris’ experience shows that combining air source heat pump installation and solar panels doesn’t have to be disruptive and can deliver meaningful savings alongside greater comfort and independence.
And as Tris put it, it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about how the house feels afterwards.
Your home should be your place of comfort - not a source of stress. By taking steps now, you can make sure it stays warm and welcoming this winter, while also feeling confident about the future.
If you’d like to explore what’s possible, book a no obligation, no pressure Discovery call with us or complete our online questionnaire.
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