A grey air source heat pump unit in front of a grey stone wall with pipes coming out of the back.
An air source heat pump installed in an old building © KBImages/Alamy Stock Photo
An air source heat pump installed in an old building © KBImages/Alamy Stock Photo

Heat Pumps and Solar Panels Can Work for Older Buildings

Contrary to some misconceptions, heat pumps and solar panels can work for many older buildings. Watch our video on installing heat pumps and solar panels in older traditional buildings and find out more about the installation process as we take a behind-the scenes look at a real-life case study. From this page you can also find links to more guidance about these adaptations and other energy saving measures for your older home as a whole.

Watch our video on installing heat pumps and solar panels

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About heat pumps

Heat pumps offer an efficient, low carbon means of space heating and hot water for many historic buildings.

Heat pumps work by using refrigerant to absorb and release heat energy from the outside air, bodies of water, or the ground. The refrigerant is compressed from a low temperature to a higher temperature and then condensed back into a liquid to release its stored heat.

The design and installation of a heat pump needs to be carefully considered, so that its efficiency can be maximised and the impact on a historic building and its setting is minimised.

Our guidance on Installing Heat Pumps in Historic Buildings provides advice on installing air, ground or water source heat pumps in historic buildings.

Sign up for our free myth busting webinar on heat pumps in older buildings

Our first slot for this free webinar in March has proved so popular that we are re-running the webinar in April to cope with demand. Register early to secure a place.

Heat pumps in historic buildings: Addressing myths and misconceptions

8 April 2025 at 1:00 PM

Curious about heat pumps but not sure about how to implement them effectively?

This free webinar will build on insights from our previous heat pump events, diving deeper into the common myths and misconceptions about heat pump technology.

Our engineers will share practical advice, real-world experience, and case studies to help you plan and implement a successful heat pump installation project.

We will aim to allow plenty of time for questions so please come prepared with anything that you would like to ask or share!

Register here

 

Solar panels (photovoltaics)

Solar panels, also know as photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunshine directly into electricity. They can be suitable for mounting on historic buildings where this is possible without compromising their appearance.

PV panels can be mounted atop roofs, but the panel orientation and tilt, visual impact and structural bearing must be carefully considered. Practical installation issues include access for maintenance, availability of internal floor space for ancillary equipment, and how and when electricity is needed within the building.

The design and installation of a PV array needs to be carefully considered, so that their efficiency can be maximised and the impact on a historic building and its setting is minimised.

Installing Solar Panels provides advice when planning an installation on or within the setting of heritage buildings.

Use a holistic approach for improving the energy efficiency of your home

A holistic approach develops an understanding of your building in its context and seeks to:

  • Save energy
  • Sustain your home's heritage significance, and
  • Maintain a healthy indoor environment

The approach is known as the 'whole building approach' and anyone can use it, even if you live in a flat in part of a building.

Most of all, it deals with your home specifically and does not make general recommendations. What might work for your neighbour, might not work for your home, even if the two buildings appear similar.

The energy efficiency measures that will work for your home vary, depending on how you use your home, how your building is constructed and the heating systems you use.

See our range of advice for improving the energy efficiency of you home

Get the help and permissions you need

Our recent advice note on adapting historic buildings for energy and carbon efficiency

We recently produced an Advice Note to give clarity and support consistent decision-making for proposals to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings, whilst conserving their significance and ensuring they remain viable places to live in the future.

Recap on where to learn more