It’s January 2026, and the average Dorset household is facing an annual energy bill of around £1,758 according to the latest Ofgem price cap for typical dual-fuel use on direct debit. That’s still a hefty chunk, especially with winter heating demands.
One Poole family we recently helped changed all that. After we installed an air source heat pump combined with a 4kW solar PV system and a home battery, they cut their total energy costs by well over £1,200 a year. From worrying about every statement to seeing real monthly drops—and making the most of the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant that knocked a big slice off the upfront price.
We’ve done similar setups across Poole, Bournemouth, Broadstone, and beyond. Here’s the honest breakdown from one of our actual recent jobs (client details kept private, naturally).
Why This Heat Pump + Solar Combo Works So Well in Dorset?
Our coastal weather plays right into the strengths of these systems. Air source heat pumps thrive in mild winters like ours—they stay efficient even when temperatures dip. And with Dorset’s sunny south coast delivering plenty of those 1,600+ annual sunshine hours, solar panels generate impressive free electricity, especially on south-facing roofs.
When that solar power runs the heat pump directly, you’re slashing grid imports for heating and hot water. Goodbye to gas standing charges, and hello to protection against future bill hikes. Add a battery to store daytime excess for evenings, and self-consumption jumps to 65–75%, multiplying the savings.
The Real Numbers from a Poole Three-Bed Semi We Upgraded
This was a well-insulated three-bedroom semi we completed in late 2025. Before anything changed:
- Heating and hot water through an older gas boiler: roughly £890 annually.
- Household electricity for lights, appliances, and the rest: £750 to £800.
- Combined energy spend: about £1,650 to £1,750 a year—right in line with national averages.
After the install—an 8–10kW air source heat pump, 4kW solar panels, and a 5–6kWh battery:
- The heat pump handles heating efficiently, with electricity costs offset heavily by solar.
- Solar output: around 3,400kWh per year (Dorset locations often push a bit higher thanks to the coastal light).
- With the battery boosting self-use: avoided grid purchases worth £800 to £1,000 annually.
- Smart Export Guarantee payments for surplus: £150 to £250 extra coming in.
- Net energy cost now: roughly £450 to £650 a year.
Annual savings: comfortably £1,000 to £1,300 compared to before. Many of our clients see even stronger results once they switch to a smart tariff like Octopus Intelligent for cheap overnight charging.
What the Upfront Picture Looks Like in 2026
- Air source heat pump installation: typically £10,000 to £13,000, dropping to £2,500 to £5,500 after the £7,500 grant (still available for eligible homes).
- 4kW solar plus battery: around £9,000 to £12,000.
Realistic payback: 8 to 12 years for most Dorset properties, faster with high bills, good roof orientation, or our optimised designs. After that, it’s essentially free heating and power.
(Imagine inserting your own photos here: one of the heat pump unit neatly installed outside a Poole home, another showing solar panels catching the sun on a local roof, and perhaps a simple before/after bill comparison graphic or anonymised savings chart. Alt text like: “Air source heat pump and solar installation in Poole by The 2 Brothers team”.)
Quick Savings Breakdown for a Typical Dorset Home
- Heating savings alone: 60–70% lower fuel use versus gas, often £400 to £700 a year.
- Solar covering household and heat pump needs: £600 to £1,000 avoided imports.
- Battery storing excess: adds another £200 to £400 in extra value.
- No gas standing charge plus export payments: £100 to £300 bonus.
- Total realistic yearly saving in our area: £1,000 to £1,500 for medium-sized homes.
Could This Work for Your Place?
It shines brightest if your current bills are high, your roof faces south or west with minimal shading, and your insulation is decent (we always check EPC ratings first). We’ve fitted these in bungalows near Sandbanks, family homes in Parkstone, and even small commercial spots in Bournemouth—results stay strong and consistent.
If you’re curious about your own potential savings, drop us a line for a free no-obligation assessment. We’ll look at your bills, roof space, and setup to give you personalised numbers.
Ready to cut those Dorset energy costs for good? Get in touch today.
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Whether you need Air Source Heat Pumps, Air Condtioning, Solar Panels Installation, Ventilation, Plumbing or Electricians in Poole, Dorset – we’re here to help.
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