Last Updated on October 15, 2026 by daxom

Running an Electric Combi Boiler with Solar Panels

Electricity costs are an important consideration when choosing a new heating system. However, combining a Daxom electric combi boiler with solar panels can help households generate renewable electricity and reduce the amount of grid electricity required to power their heating and hot water.

For homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, an electric boiler paired with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can provide a practical way to use more renewable energy at home. See our electric boiler range for available models.

What Is an Electric Combi Boiler?

An electric combi boiler uses electricity to provide heating and hot water without burning gas, oil or other fossil fuels at the point of use.

Like a conventional combi boiler, an electric combi boiler can provide hot water and central heating from one compact appliance. Electric boilers also have relatively few moving components, which can help simplify installation and maintenance.

An electric boiler can be particularly suitable for properties that:

• Do not have access to mains gas
• Are looking to move away from gas or oil heating
• Have sufficient electrical capacity for electric heating
• Want to combine electric heating with renewable energy
• Are considering a lower-carbon heating system

The suitability of an electric boiler depends on the property, heating requirements and available electrical supply, so professional advice should be obtained before installation.

Can You Run an Electric Boiler Using Solar Panels?

Yes. An electric boiler can use electricity generated by solar PV panels.

Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours. When the panels are producing electricity, the power can be used by appliances and electrical systems within the home, including an electric boiler, subject to the system design and the home’s electricity demand.

However, solar PV generation varies throughout the day and across the seasons. An electric boiler may therefore still need electricity from the grid, particularly when heating demand is high or solar generation is low.

For this reason, solar panels should be viewed as a way of reducing grid electricity consumption, rather than necessarily providing all the electricity required for heating throughout the year.

Benefits of Combining Solar Panels with an Electric Boiler

Pairing an electric boiler with solar PV can provide several potential benefits.

Reduce Reliance on Grid Electricity

Solar panels generate electricity on-site, allowing your home to use renewable electricity before importing electricity from the grid.

How much electricity can be offset depends on factors such as the size and orientation of the solar PV system, weather conditions, household electricity consumption and when the boiler operates.

Make Greater Use of Renewable Energy

Electric boilers do not burn fossil fuels at the property. When powered by electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar PV, they can form part of a lower-carbon home energy system.

The environmental benefit depends on the source of the electricity and the overall energy efficiency of the property.

Power Other Electrical Appliances

Solar-generated electricity does not have to be used exclusively for heating.

When available, it can also help power everyday electrical appliances such as:

• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Refrigerators
• Lighting
• Computers and other electronics
• Electric vehicle chargers

This can increase the overall value of a solar PV installation by allowing more of the electricity generated to be used within the property.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Replacing fossil-fuel heating with an electric heating system can reduce direct on-site fossil fuel use. Using solar PV to generate some of the electricity required can further increase the proportion of renewable energy used by the home.

The overall carbon reduction will depend on the property’s existing heating system, electricity consumption and solar generation.

Is Solar Power Enough to Run an Electric Boiler?

This is an important consideration when planning an electric heating system.

Solar PV generation is generally highest during daylight hours, while heating demand can be particularly high during mornings, evenings and colder periods when solar generation may be lower.

As a result, a typical home should not assume that solar panels will provide all of the electricity required by an electric boiler.

A correctly designed system can instead combine:

Solar PV + electric boiler + grid electricity

This allows the solar-generated electricity to be used when available, with grid electricity providing additional energy when required.

A battery storage system may also be considered where appropriate. Batteries can store some surplus solar electricity for later use, although the suitability and economics of battery storage depend on the individual property and energy consumption pattern.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for an Electric Boiler?

There is no single number of solar panels that will suit every electric boiler installation.

The required solar PV capacity depends on several factors, including:

• Property size
• Heat loss
• Heating requirements
• Electric boiler output
• Annual hot water demand
• Solar panel size and efficiency
• Roof orientation and pitch
• Shading
• Location
• Household electricity consumption
• Whether battery storage is installed

It is therefore important to size the solar PV system according to the property’s overall energy requirements rather than simply matching the panel capacity to the boiler’s maximum output.

Electric Boiler and Solar Panels: Is It a Good Combination?

An electric combi boiler with solar panels can be a useful combination for homeowners who want to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make greater use of renewable electricity.

However, the system should be designed as a complete energy solution. Factors such as insulation, heat loss, boiler sizing, electrical supply, solar PV capacity and household energy consumption should all be considered.

For some properties, other low-carbon heating technologies may also be worth considering. The best solution will depend on the individual building and the homeowner’s requirements.

Conclusion

Combining an electric combi boiler with solar panels can help homeowners use renewable electricity for heating and hot water while reducing their reliance on electricity from the grid.

Solar PV can also generate electricity for other household appliances, making it a versatile renewable energy technology.

Because solar generation varies with weather, daylight and the seasons, an electric boiler will typically require additional electricity when solar generation is insufficient. Careful system design is therefore essential.

If you are considering an electric boiler and solar PV for your home, professional advice can help determine the appropriate boiler, electrical supply and renewable energy system for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solar panels power an electric combi boiler?

Yes. Electricity generated by solar PV panels can be used to power an electric combi boiler. The amount of solar electricity available depends on the size of the PV system, weather, daylight hours and household demand.

Can an electric boiler work without gas?

Yes. Electric boilers do not require a mains gas supply. They use electricity to provide heating and, depending on the boiler type, domestic hot water.

Are electric boilers suitable for homes with solar panels?

They can be. An electric boiler can use electricity generated by solar PV, although the system needs to be appropriately designed and sized for the property.

Do I need a battery with solar panels and an electric boiler?

Not necessarily. A battery is optional, but it can store some surplus solar electricity for use later. Whether a battery is worthwhile depends on the property’s energy consumption, solar generation and system design.

Can solar panels provide all the electricity for an electric boiler?

Usually, solar PV generation will vary throughout the day and across the year, so grid electricity may still be required. The amount of electricity that can be supplied by solar depends on the size and performance of the PV system and the property’s heating demand.