The Swiss company Tiba AG offers an elegant integrated solution featuring the Master Therm heat pump, with the Kostal Plenticore photovoltaic inverter built directly into the unit’s housing. This compact, factory-wired system is ready for a 1,400 V connection and includes full Modbus integration. PV production data is available both on the heat pump’s display and in the MT App, making it easy to monitor and optimise energy use.

How integration with a PV inverter works

A heat pump can be connected to a photovoltaic inverter in two ways. The most efficient is via the Modbus communication bus, where the inverter sends real-time performance data directly to the heat pump. The unit then detects surpluses and can, for example, heat domestic hot water or raise indoor temperatures during the day to reduce heating demand in the evening. The alternative is a simple connection via a switching contact, where the inverter sends a start signal to the heat pump via a volt-free output.

Smart combination for greater savings

Combining a heat pump with a photovoltaic system can significantly increase the self-consumption of generated electricity. The heat pump can purposefully use surplus solar energy, which is particularly effective during the transitional months from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, grid electricity consumption can be reduced, lowering operating costs.