Solar Diverters

The challenge with Renewable energy, and particularly solar PV, is utilising the power generated.

Use your excess solar energy and save on your energy bills with a solar diverter

To get the most efficient use of your solar PV system, you will want to fully utilise the energy generated from your solar panels throughout the day.

A solar diverter can help with this by redirecting any excess energy from your solar PV system to either a heat source or battery storage, depending on the product you choose.

Battery storage systems for electricity are still relatively expensive to purchase up-front. For a much smaller outlay, you can store your excess solar energy into your hot water cylinder via an immersion heater - further reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint.

How does a solar diverter work?

The solar diverter detects how much solar power is being generated in real time, and how much power is being consumed in your home at the same time. If the solar power being generated is greater than the amount of power being consumed, then the surplus power is diverted to storage. Typically, it will go to your immersion heater, contributing to your hot water supply.

How is a solar diverter fitted?

The solar diverter takes the form of a small electronic box. This is fitted into your electric supply circuit, generally close to your hot water cylinder, and wired in line with the power supply of the immersion element. Then two Current Transformer (CT) clamps are fitted, one around your solar PV AC cable, and the other around your main incoming mains supply.

What savings can I expect from using a solar diverter?

The savings you can expect from using a solar diverter will depend on the peak power output of your solar PV system and also how much power you consume during the day. If you have a reasonably-sized array of 2-4 kWp (kilowatts at peak) and therefore are generally not consuming more much power than you are generating, then the diverter could send enough electricity to your immersion heater to heat your water for free, capitalising on your excess green solar energy.

This would mean a reduction in your fossil fuel consumption if you have a traditional boiler, reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, any energy generated by your solar PV system saves on costs associated with gas consumption (or oil/electric/ LPG, if applicable).

With today’s rising household energy prices, these savings alone could be quite significant and give you a return on your investment within just a few years.

What devices does Gregor install?

We recommend and install three brands of solar diverters, all of which are market-leading products manufactured in the UK. These are:

Eddi from Myenergi
Solar iBoost from Marlec
SolarEdge diverter

Our Renewables team is more than happy to advise which device is right for you and your home. We work throughout Bristol, Bath, and Somerset and the surrounding area. For more information, don’t delay, call Gregor today on 0117 935 2400 or 01225 738 397 and ask to speak to our Renewables team.