Hybrid systems would certainly be the better way to go with the UK’s less than airtight building fabric of older houses, compared to that of Nordic countries, who often have log burners as back up. Systems can be thermostatially controlled (bivalent) or tariff controlled, which know how much you pay for electric (smart) and switch between boiler and HP based on needs and the better way to go imo. HP’s are more efficient when the outside temperature is relevant to that of the inside temperature, higher outside temperature, the higher the efficiency, lower outside temperature lower the efficiency and so on. Looking at an heat pump efficiency vs temperature chart, will show this in more detail. Do remember that HP, similar to boiler installers are registered with different manufacturers so a Baxi registered installer will promote Baxi over other manufacturers. This also applies to battery storage systems, so a search around the net and user and trade relevant forums, will give you a good indication on each system. Don’t always except the cheapest quote and ensure trades are suitably qualified. Do take into account gas is on average 3 – 3.5 cheaper than electricity, so the payback time of having a heat pump installed, along with the costs to run a heat pump hybrid system compared to gas alone and importantly your age based on what benifit if any it will give you. I.E if your getting on a bit like @joss ? it may not be benificial. Joking aside it is smething to take onboard. As for battery storage Growatt, Victron and Solis along with others that may be worth looking into. MyEnergy Libi wouldn’t be my favourite. Perhaps @Oscarmax can share what he has as I forgot. In general LiFePO 4 (LFP) batteries are safer inside the house/loft. Although not affected to the extremes, they still hold their charge better inside, than outside in freezing temperatures. Your setup will depend, whether the battery serves as a means to power the house, car charger or both. Solar invertors put out a constant 230V, where as the grid is 230V + or – 10%, so you may notice a slight difference in pitch of electrical items on bttery power alone but, is normal and not detremental. Research is your best tool not only on the products but also the installation company.
We are with Octopus Tracker for gas we are averaging less than 4p/kWh, our 2 bedroom bungalow is only 6 years old, we did look into air source heat pump but even with the government financial incentive we cannot seem to make the figures working in our favour.
Unfortunately I have suffered a brain injury and occasionally I get confused and often say the wrong thing.