How an engineer saves heating costs and generates surplus energy with SOLINK PVT collectors and a heat pump from Viessmann.
Marco is a planning engineer – and naturally sceptical when it comes to technical innovations. However, after two years of operating his system with SOLINK PVT air-brine collectors from Consolar and a heat pump from Viessmann, his verdict is clear:
“I would choose this system again anytime.”
The combination of photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal energy (T) in one module convinced him. This is because PVT air-brine collectors not only use solar energy to generate electricity and heat, but also use the energy in the air to supply the heat pump efficiently all year round.
How the system works
In Marco’s system, the SOLINK PVT air-brine collectors work closely with the 6 kW heat pump.
Initially, the system only supplied hot water. Step by step, the basement and ground floor were then integrated. The result is a stable and efficient heating system with impressive performance values all year round.
- Annual performance factor for heating (APF): 4.9–5.5
- APF for hot water: 2.9–3.0
- Total APF: 4.6
- Annual PV surplus: over 4,000 kWh
Marco explains:
“I’m not interested in heating costs. With a feed-in tariff of €300, my heating costs are negative.”
Heating and cooling with one system
Energy self-sufficiency: A particular advantage of Consolar’s PVT technology is its year-round use:
In winter, the system provides heat for the heat pump – in summer, it can help cool the building. This means that Marco’s house is operated in a sustainable and energy-balanced manner.
“In the winter months, I have heating costs of around 1 Euro/m² per month – and in summer, cooling costs of 0 Euro/m².”
Technical data at a glance
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| PVT-System | SOLINK air-brine collectors from Consolar |
| Wärmepumpe | Viessmann, 6 kW output |
| Area | 212 m² heated living space |
| Power generation | Own consumption + 4,000 kWh grid feed-in |
| Location | Southern Germany |
| Special function | Heating and cooling operation with one system |
Conclusion: Future-proof energy with SOLINK
Marco’s project shows how PVT systems in combination with heat pumps can already contribute to the complete decarbonisation of building energy and energy self-sufficiency today.
He proves that those who rely on innovative technology benefit twice – through lower heating costs and greater energy independence.
“I have never regretted purchasing the system. SOLINK is a technology that works.”
Comparison with standard PVT
The advantage of Consolar’s PVT air-brine collectors lies in their high efficiency in heat generation. Marco has 15 SOLINK collectors on his roof. To achieve the same performance (annual performance factor, APF), he would need more than twice as many standard PVT collectors. The investment costs, including installation, are higher and the standard PVT collectors deliver lower performance during operation. Another disadvantage of standard PVT technology is that Marco would lack energy when he needs it most: at night and in winter.
The SOLINK PVT collector combines photovoltaics and solar thermal energy in one module and enables particularly efficient use of solar and ambient energy. SOLINK is ideal for use in combination with heat pumps, both in new buildings and in renovations, and can contribute to heating, cooling and power generation.