Buried pipework collects heat from the ground and transfers it to the heat pump. The system uses electricity to raise that heat to a useful temperature for your home’s heating and stored hot water.

It can be suitable for existing homes as well as new builds. The assessment considers heat demand, available land, ground conditions, access for machinery and the indoor heating system. These factors determine whether ground source is a practical option.

There is no single minimum that suits every property. Horizontal collectors need enough land for the required pipework. Vertical boreholes use a smaller surface area, but still need suitable geology and access for drilling equipment. The design depends on your home’s heat demand.

Horizontal collectors are laid in trenches across an area of land. Vertical boreholes place pipework deeper underground. Available space, ground conditions, access and budget help determine the more suitable approach for your property.

Yes. A suitably designed system can provide space heating and heat water stored in a compatible cylinder. Cylinder capacity and hot water settings should reflect the number of occupants and how the household uses hot water.

Yes. Ground source systems use heat from below the surface, where temperatures are more stable than outdoor air. The collector and heat pump still need to be correctly sized to meet the property’s heating demand through colder weather.

It often has a higher upfront cost because of excavation, drilling and collector installation. The right comparison includes site conditions, installation costs and expected operation over time. Solaris can help assess which option makes practical and financial sense for your property.

Qualifying ground source installations in England and Wales may be supported by the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Eligibility depends on the property and system being installed. We can explain the current requirements and the application process before you commit.