Solar Power Diverters Explained: Turning Excess Energy into Hot Water or Home Use
If you already have solar panels installed at home, you might be wondering how to make the most of the energy your system produces. Solar power diverters are a smart, cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of your solar setup by redirecting excess energy to useful purposes within your home. In this blog post, we’ll explain how solar diverters work, their benefits, and how they can help you reduce energy bills and waste.
What Is a Solar Power Diverter and How Does It Work?
A solar power diverter is a device that automatically detects when your solar PV system is generating more electricity than your home is currently using. Rather than sending that excess energy back to the grid, the diverter redirects it to power other appliances, most commonly, to heat water in your immersion heater or boiler.
This means your solar power diverter works in the background, helping you make full use of your renewable energy. It reduces reliance on your energy provider and ensures that your solar setup is working for you throughout the day.
If you're curious about how solar power inverters work in a home, imagine this: your solar panels are generating power during a sunny afternoon, but no one is home using electricity. Instead of losing that energy to the grid, the diverter activates and redirects it to your hot water tank, saving you money and making your home more energy-efficient.
Benefits of Using a Solar PV Diverter in Your Home
Installing a solar PV diverter can significantly increase the efficiency of your solar system. One of the key advantages is the reduction in energy waste. Instead of exporting unused energy, it’s used directly in your home, helping you reduce your electricity bill.
Another major benefit is the lower wear and tear on the grid, which supports a more sustainable and decentralised energy model. Plus, solar diverters have no moving parts and are easy to maintain, offering a low-hassle upgrade to your existing solar setup.
Because solar PV diverters are automatic, they don’t require any manual intervention. Once installed, they work seamlessly with your existing equipment to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Turning Excess Solar Energy into Hot Water
One of the most common and effective uses of a solar diverter is for water heating. Using solar power to heat water automatically is both practical and cost-saving. When excess energy is available, the diverter sends it to your immersion heater or thermal store, allowing you to enjoy hot water that’s essentially powered by the sun.
This application is especially useful for homes without battery storage. Rather than letting energy go to waste, you store it in the form of hot water, a simple yet efficient solution that can reduce your reliance on gas or electricity for water heating.
Turning excess solar energy into hot water is not only economical but also environmentally friendly. It reduces your carbon footprint while increasing your home’s sustainability.
Choosing the Best Solar Diverter for Excess Solar Energy
If you're looking to choose the best solar diverter for excess solar energy, there are a few factors to consider:
Compatibility: Make sure the diverter is compatible with your existing solar inverter and hot water system.
Ease of installation: Some models are plug-and-play, while others may require professional installation.
Features: Look for diverters with monitoring apps or energy tracking features.
Popular options on the market include brands like Eddi by MyEnergi and Solic 200, both known for their reliability and performance.
Ultimately, the best solar diverter will depend on your household’s energy usage, the capacity of your solar system, and your budget. Consulting a professional installer can help you make the right decision.
Is a Solar Power Diverter Right for You?
A solar power diverter is ideal for households that:
Already have solar PV panels installed
Use an immersion heater or thermal store
Want to maximise the use of self-generated electricity
It’s particularly beneficial if you spend a lot of time away during daylight hours, when your panels generate the most power. Instead of sending unused energy back to the grid for minimal returns, you can use it to lower your heating costs.
While it’s not a full substitute for battery storage, a diverter is a far more affordable option and still delivers significant savings and sustainability gains.
Ready to Maximise Your Solar Power with a Smart Diverter?
Solar power diverters are a practical, low-maintenance way to boost the efficiency of your solar panel system. By turning excess solar energy into hot water or powering appliances in your home, they help reduce energy waste, cut costs, and support a greener future.
At Grid Neutral, we help homeowners make the most of their solar energy. If you’re looking to enhance your system’s performance without the cost of battery storage, a solar PV diverter could be the ideal solution.
Get in touch with our expert team to learn more about how a diverter can lower your bills, increase your energy independence, and support your sustainability goals.