Japanese OEM Panasonic has announced a partnership with U.K. energy provider ScottishPower and its installer Plug Me In to supply Aquarea heat pumps, including the propane (R290)-based L Series, to its residential customers across the country.
According to the manufacturer, the collaboration will enhance access to low-carbon heating across the U.K.
“It is now more affordable than ever to access sustainable heating solutions in the home,” said José Alves, Regional Director for Panasonic UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. “Thanks to our new partnership with Plug Me In and ScottishPower, we are proving that anyone can make this change.”
With financial assistance from government grants like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) and Energy Company Obligation (ECO), transitioning from fossil fuel-based boilers to heat pumps is even more accessible.
“It is now more affordable than ever to access sustainable heating solutions in the home. Thanks to our new partnership with Plug Me In and ScottishPower, we are proving that anyone can make this change.”
José Alves, Panasonic
“We know heat pumps are making a difference to customers across the nation, particularly those who rely on government support schemes to create warmer, healthier homes,” said Rob McGaughey, Head of Smart Heat and Cities at ScottishPower.
Over the last 18 months, ScottishPower installed more than 3,000 heat pumps across England, Scotland and Wales. Panasonic said it hopes to see this trend continue.
“We are forecasting strong growth to support end users up and down the country,” the company told NaturalRefrigerants.com. “Panasonic and Plug Me In [are] set to have a long-term partnership that will build into the future.”
Plug Me In currently has 23 installers across the U.K., all of whom have received heat pump training from Panasonic. The company has also previously partnered with U.K.-based manufacturer Clade for its commercial heating-as-a-service (HaaS) offering.
Focus on propane
To enable a simpler transition from boiler to heat pump, all Aquarea models will be available through the collaboration. For example, the R290-based L Series, which can produce outlet temperatures of 75°C (167°F) in ambient temperatures down to −10°C (14°F), is well suited to older properties with radiators.
“The L Series is the main focus [of the partnership] due to the ease of install for Plug Me In,” said Panasonic. “It is visually attractive for the end user and [provides] an ease of control and monitoring for both the end user and Plug Me In.”
With a GWP of 3 – compared to R32’s GWP of 675 – a seasonal COP of up to 5.6 and an energy efficiency rating of A+++, the propane model is also a “very” important solution for decarbonizing U.K. homes, it added.
As a “hydrosplit monobloc” heat pump, all of the refrigerant is kept in the outside unit, where the water is heated. The hot water is then pumped inside the home, where it is used for both space heating and to heat domestic hot water stored in a water tank.
Panasonic first introduced its L Series in late 2022 and released it on the European market in early 2023.
With built-in Wi-Fi and Panasonic Smart Cloud controls, homeowners can easily monitor and manage their heating in real time. The control system also tracks heat pump use and diagnostics to enable preventive maintenance and servicing.
“The L Series is the main focus [of the partnership] due to the ease of install for Plug Me In. It is visually attractive for the end user and [provides] an ease of control and monitoring for both the end user and Plug Me In.”
Panasonic
