The two companies will combine Solarwatt’s solar panel technology, battery storage solutions and Manager flex energy management system with Stiebel Eltron’s heat pump systems in a process known as ‘sector coupling’, involving the intelligent linking of solar PV, mobility and heat.
“The combination will revolutionise the adoption of sustainable technologies across the country’s homes by providing a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for renewable energy” said Mark McManus, Stiebel Eltron Managing Director.
The collaboration aims at achieving greater energy independence by integrating heat pumps and solar panels in a seamless fashion with smart capabilities to utilise energy in the most efficient way. The heart of the collaboration is Solarwatt’s advanced Manager flex and Stiebel Eltron’s EM Trend, with both components optimising the system and supporting energy storage.
The EM Trend provides optimised use of solar power to operate heat pumps and delivers efficient use of real energy surplus from the PV system. It will also work alongside the Manager flex to look ahead at weather forecasts and will apply dynamic adjustments in real time.
For example, where cold weather is predicted the EM Trend will store more heat in the buffer and hot water tanks to maximise efficiency and response times, helping to lower heating and hot water preparation costs by using solar power to do this.
The aim is to combine the two systems to optimise energy consumption in response to changing weather conditions, thereby utilising energy generated from Solarwatt’s solar panels more effectively.
The partnership has been implemented successfully in Germany, where both companies are originally based, and therefore has a proven track record.
As well as offering an all-encompassing renewable energy product offering for British homeowners, Stiebel Eltron UK and Solarwatt, which has over 30 years of experience in the solar sector, will work collaboratively to expand each other’s customer base.
Additionally, the two companies will share best practices and expertise with each other via training programmes, so they are well placed to inform installers and consumers about what the package offers.
“Delivering renewable energy solutions is at the heart of what we do at Stiebel Eltron, and this partnership represents a significant milestone on the journey towards sustainable, green housing across the UK” added Mr McManus. “Combining Solarwatt’s revolutionary solar technology with our heat pumps is a unique proposition to the UK market, offering an innovative, end-to-end energy solution which will power Britain’s homes. With their strong track record, partnering with Solarwatt was a no-brainer and we’re excited to drive the adoption of renewable heating technologies together.”
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