As Europe accelerates its transition towards a low-carbon future, the demand for sustainable, fully electric heating solutions has never been higher. Leading this movement is an innovative Dutch solution — the Triple Solar PVT Heat Pump System, an award-winning and patented technology that not only generates electricity but also harnesses heat, delivering unmatched energy efficiency.
Developed in the Netherlands, Triple Solar integrates photovoltaic (PV) and thermal (T) technologies into a single advanced panel, known as a PVT panel. Unlike conventional solar panels, Triple Solar’s PVT panels serve a dual purpose:
- Generate Electricity
- Capture Solar Heat
This combined system feeds both electricity and thermal energy directly to a high-efficiency heat pump, making it a smart, compact, and eco-friendly solution.
How Does the PVT System Work?
Under normal conditions, traditional solar panels convert only about 18% to 23% of solar energy into electricity, while most of the remaining energy is wasted as heat. The Triple Solar system captures this unused thermal energy through its patented PVT panels and channels it directly to a specialized heat pump.
The Triple Solar heat pump is a compact unit designed to fit conveniently into a building’s boiler room. It consists of two modules with the following specifications:
- Size: 100 cm x 38 cm x 65 cm
- Weight: 55 kg
- Noise level: 42 dB(A)
- Refrigerant: Propane (R290)
Unlike air-source heat pumps that rely on ambient air — which can fluctuate and even drop below freezing — Triple Solar’s system consistently draws heat from the roof-mounted PVT panels, even during low-light or sub-zero conditions. This allows the heat pump to operate efficiently throughout the year.
Why is it More Efficient?
The secret to the system’s higher efficiency lies in the temperature advantage of the PVT panels. Compared to ambient air, the panels always maintain a higher temperature, enabling the heat pump to heat its working fluid more efficiently. As a result, the system achieves over 20% higher efficiency compared to conventional air-source heat pumps.
This captured heat is used for both space heating and domestic hot water, significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for gas.
The Key Benefits of the Triple Solar System are:
Fully Electric & Gas-Free
Efficient in All Weather Conditions
No External Fan Unit — Compact & Silent
Generates Both Solar Power and Heat — Saving Space
Ideal for New Builds & Retrofit Projects
Smart Grid Compatible
The system costs approximately €1,000 (around $1,090 USD) per installed panel. For a typical 6 kW heat pump, at least six panels covering 16m² would be required. This setup can generate estimated savings of €2,000 per year, making it a cost-effective alternative to air-source heat pumps and expensive geothermal systems.
The Triple Solar PVT system is suitable for both individual homes and larger residential developments, meeting regulatory requirements and supporting low-temperature heating systems. In new constructions, where gas connections are increasingly unavailable, this system provides a robust and sustainable solution for generating both heat and electricity on-site.
Award-Winning Solar PVT Heat Pump System Transforming Sustainable Heating
ByHaroon Junaidi
Mar 31, 2025
By Haroon Junaidi
Haroon Junaidi completed his PhD in Renewable Energy from Edinburgh, Scotland. He has since participated in several workshops, conferences and seminars to promote Renewable Energy Technology across the world