Heat Pump or Solar Water Heater in Cyprus?

Short answer: A heat pump water heater is an electric hot water tank that works by transferring heat from the air to the water, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy, it can be two to three times more efficient than conventional electric resistance heaters. In Cyprus, however, solar water heaters are still the first choice because they provide almost free hot water in the summer months. A heat pump water heater is a strong alternative or complement for apartments that cannot use the roof, homes in the shade, and households that want consistent hot water in winter as well.

This article has been prepared for buyers who question the hot water system when purchasing a home in Northern Cyprus (TRNC), homeowners who notice that the water heater resistance element inflates the bill in winter, and readers choosing a system for a villa or apartment. We covered overall energy and water performance at villa scale in our villa energy and water efficiency inspection guide; here, we focus only on hot water technologies.

How is hot water provided in homes in Cyprus?

In most homes in the TRNC, hot water is provided by a solar water heater installed on the roof; there is also an electric resistance element inside the tank for cloudy winter days. This setup makes sense in a climate with long sunny periods: throughout the summer, the water heats up without spending additional energy.

The problem begins in the winter months. On short and cloudy days, the collectors cannot heat the water sufficiently, the resistance element switches on, and electricity consumption moves into higher-priced bands under the tiered tariff. In addition, roof space is limited in multi-storey apartment buildings; it is not always possible to install a separate collector for each apartment, and as pipe runs get longer, the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap increases. Heat pump water heaters stand out as a way to fill these gaps.

How does a heat pump water heater work?

A heat pump water heater works like a refrigerator in reverse: with the help of a compressor and refrigerant, it takes heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water in the tank. Electricity is used not to produce heat directly, but to move it from one place to another. That is why more heat is transferred to the water than the kilowatt-hours of electricity consumed.

This efficiency is expressed as COP (coefficient of performance). COP 3 means that three units of heat are obtained with one unit of electricity. For example, on the product page of a manufacturer sold in the United Kingdom, a COP value of “up to 3.36” and 170, 200 and 270 litre model options are given for a ducted heat pump hot water cylinder. The actual COP varies according to air temperature, incoming water temperature and the target water temperature. Cyprus’s mild winters are an advantage for this technology, because heat pumps operate less efficiently in cold air.

Most devices also have a backup electric resistance element. This resistance element may switch on when rapid heating is needed, on very cold days, or during a periodic high-temperature cycle for hygiene purposes.

Heat pump water heater, solar water heater and resistance heater comparison

The three systems have different strengths and weaknesses. The table below summarises the key differences for a home under Cyprus conditions:

The conclusion from the table is this: In a detached house or villa with a roof that receives good sun, a solar water heater meets most needs; heat pump support instead of resistance in winter can create the most efficient combination. In apartments where roof use is not possible, a heat pump water heater offers clear savings compared with an electric water heater.

When making the decision, also take household size into account. In a crowded family with heavy shower use in the morning and evening, tank capacity may become more critical than the type of device, because a heat pump heats water more slowly than a resistance element. In single-person households or homes used for only part of the year on the island, setting a timer according to usage hours instead of keeping the tank constantly hot reduces consumption regardless of which system is chosen.

Sample calculation: how much electricity does hot water use in winter?

Let us assume that a two-person household heats 150 litres of water per day from 15 °C to 45 °C. The heat required for this is approximately 5.2 kWh/day (150 litres × 30 °C × the heat capacity of water). When tank and pipe losses are not taken into account:

• Electric resistance: Approximately 5.2 kWh/day of electricity, about 157 kWh per month.
• Heat pump (assuming COP 3): Approximately 1.7 kWh/day, about 52 kWh per month.
• Solar water heater: On sunny winter days, part of the need comes from the sun; on cloudy days, the shortfall is covered by a resistance element or heat pump.

The approximate 105 kWh difference corresponds to about 1,270 TL in a winter month when monthly consumption exceeds the 250 kWh threshold, based on Kıb-Tek’s 12.092 TL/kWh price in the 251–500 kWh band. This is a sample calculation; actual consumption varies according to usage habits, tank insulation and the device’s real COP. The tariff is dated June 2026; confirm before taking action. We explained how the tiered tariff works in our Kıb-Tek electricity tariff 2026 article.

Installation, location and hygiene

The efficiency of a heat pump water heater depends directly on where it is installed. Clarify the following points before purchasing:

1. Air source: The device extracts heat from the surrounding air and cools the space. Efficiency drops in a small enclosed cabinet; a laundry room, utility space or duct connection to outside air is preferred.
2. Condensate: Moisture in the air condenses; a drain connection is required.
3. Noise: When the compressor is running, it produces a sound similar to an air-conditioning outdoor unit; do not place it adjacent to a bedroom wall.
4. Tank capacity: A heat pump heats more slowly than a resistance element; a tank suitable for household size should be selected.
5. Service: Since it is a device with a compressor, ask about the availability of authorised service and spare parts on the island.

On the hygiene side, the risk of Legionella bacteria in hot water systems should not be ignored. According to the World Health Organization, this bacterium multiplies in water between 20–50 °C; the organization recommends keeping hot water above 50 °C, with the water leaving the heater at least 60 °C. Instead of setting the temperature too low for energy savings, it is safer to use the device’s periodic high-temperature (anti-Legionella) programme. Also remember that water may be hard in coastal areas; anode and limescale checks should be part of annual maintenance for both solar water heaters and heat pump tanks.

How should you evaluate the system in a new home?

When buying off-plan or a resale home, the hot water system is often not discussed at all during the sales conversation. Yet it directly affects the annual bill and comfort. Asking the following questions is a sufficient start:

• Which system provides the hot water, how many litres is the tank and where is it located?
• If there is a solar collector, is there anything on the roof casting shade, and has a collector space been allocated to each apartment in the building?
• Is there an on-off switch and timer for the resistance element?
• Has space and a drain connection been left in the utility area to switch to a heat pump heater in the future?
• Who is responsible for the system’s warranty and maintenance?

We also recommend asking to be shown that the hot water system works and where the resistance switch is on handover day in our new home handover checklist. You can find winter daylight and temperature conditions in our Cyprus climate and seasons article.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a heat pump water heater save?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pump water heaters can be two to three times more efficient than conventional electric resistance heaters. In other words, the electricity spent for the same hot water can roughly fall by half or to one-third. Actual savings vary according to the temperature of the place where the device is installed, tank capacity and usage habits.

Is a heat pump needed if there is a solar water heater?

On a roof that receives good sun, a solar water heater meets the need almost completely in the summer months. A heat pump mainly replaces the resistance element in winter to save on bills and is considered as the main system in apartments where roof use is not possible. It is also possible to add it as a support system without removing the existing solar water heater.

Where is a heat pump water heater installed?

It is installed in a ventilated and relatively warm indoor space, such as a laundry room or utility area; some models can be connected to outside air by ducting. Because the device cools the air around it, produces condensate and makes compressor noise, small enclosed cabinets and walls adjacent to a bedroom are not suitable. A drain connection is required.

At what temperature should hot water be kept?

The World Health Organization recommends keeping hot water above 50 °C against the risk of Legionella, and that the water leaving the heater should be at least 60 °C. A mixing valve can be used at the tap outlet to reduce the risk of scalding. Instead of lowering the temperature to save energy, use the device’s periodic high-temperature programme.

Can a heat pump water heater be used in an apartment?

Yes, it is one of the most suitable options for apartments without collector space on the roof. The device requires a ventilated utility area, laundry room or a sheltered space by the balcony, a drain connection and an appropriate electrical line. If a duct will be opened to the exterior façade, obtain the site management’s approval in advance, as it may be considered an intervention in common areas.

If you would like to evaluate the hot water system and winter operating cost of a home you are considering buying together, you can contact the Akol Global team.

This article is for informational purposes only; it does not replace legal, tax or financial advice. Last updated: October 2026.