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. 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.
≥ 0.70
Thermal efficiency ηth at ΔT = 0
Uncovered flat-plate absorber optimised for low-temperature operation — the range 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
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.
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.
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
Swimming Pool Heating
Why Us？
Solis PVT vs European Brands
Lower Cost
Flexible OEM
Faster Delivery
Strong Technical Support
Solis PVT is a cost-effective alternative to high-priced European manufacturers.
Can PVT work together with air-source heat pumps?
Yes. DX PVT systems can operate as an auxiliary evaporator source in dual-source heat pump configurations.
Can PVT regenerate geothermal boreholes?
Yes. Hydronic PVT systems can transfer excess thermal energy into borehole loops during summer periods.
What is the difference between hydronic and DX PVT?
Hydronic PVT uses water or brine as the heat transfer medium, while DX PVT uses refrigerant directly inside the panel.
Do you provide complete systems?
We provide PVT products together with application support and cooperate with experienced engineers and system integrators.