Poland’s Instrat foundation has launched a free online simulator that lets homeowners estimate the costs and pay‑back of installing a heat‑pump system, plus other green upgrades.
Simulator Overview
The Simulator for Green Technology Investment, developed by the Instrat Foundation, is a no‑cost web tool that estimates the cost, savings, and pay‑back time of heating and green tech upgrades.
How It Works
Users enter basic home data: size, number of residents, insulation state, current heating type, electricity tariff and car fuel consumption. They then select desired changes such as thermal retrofitting, boiler replacement, photovoltaic panels, or energy storage.
The calculator also suggests tariff changes and highlights risks of installing a heat pump in inadequately insulated buildings.
Typical Polish Household Case
For a three‑to‑five‑person home of 100‑150 m² with poor insulation and a coal boiler, the tool recommends basic upgrades—better insulation, double‑glazing, new ventilation—and a air‑to‑water heat pump.
The estimated cost is 176 thousand PLN, of which 89 thousand PLN can be funded under the Clean Air program, leaving 87 thousand PLN for homeowners.
Annual energy bills drop from 21.5 k PLN to 15.4 k PLN, yielding an eight‑year pay‑back, assuming eventual EU ETS price hikes and grant receipt.
High‑Ambition Scenario
In a deeper retrofit, the same house receives triple‑glazing, extensive insulation, a ground‑source heat pump, photovoltaic panels and an energy storage unit.
Electricity costs fall sharply but the total investment climbs to 336 thousand PLN, with pay‑back extending to 13 years under the same assumptions.
Adding an electric car further reduces yearly energy spend, with the combined investment—car plus retrofit—paying back after about 15 years.
First Comprehensive Polish Calculator
Prior online tools only allowed simple comparisons, such as replacing a burner with a heat pump. Instrat’s simulator is the first in Poland to model combined incentives, dynamic tariffs, battery storage and electric vehicle synergies.
Expert Recommendations
Smolen stresses the simulator aids understanding but underscores the need for a detailed energy audit and engagement with a trusted professional to tailor the retrofit to a specific building.
The simulator offers generalized findings; each house differs, so professional guidance is essential.
