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Solar Immersion Diverter

Solar Immersion Diverters are intelligent devices that use the excess power generated by your solar PV panels to heat hot water in an immersion tank.

Why use a solar immersion  diverter?

Did you know that hot showers, bath time and cleaning the dishes accounts for around 18% of a typical household’s energy use? That’s a lot of hot water, electricity – and a lot of money!

A solar immersion diverter uses excess electricity generated by your solar panels to heat water in your hot water tank. This helps you utilize more of the solar energy you produce, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering your energy bills.

Solar panel owners without an immersion heater waste large amounts of their self-generated energy by giving any unused electricity freely, or cheaply back to the grid.

But a solar immersion diverter ensures that you are maximising the consumption of all your own self-generated solar energy by diverting it to be used within your own property, such as to power heating systems, heat water or maximise the efficiency of a heat pump. The possibilities are endless!

The benefits of using a solar immersion diverter

Switching to a solar immersion diverter from Bloom Renewables is a smart choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. 

Reduced energy bills

By using your free solar energy to heat your water, you can significantly lower your electricity costs. Over time, this can lead to substantial savings on your household bills.

Increased solar utilisation

Make the most out of your solar panel system by re-utilising the excess energy you generate via your solar immersion diverter.

Environmental benefits

Solar immersion heaters reduce your home’s carbon emissions with clean, renewable energy. You be helping reach the UK’s goals for a sustainable future and fighting climate change.

Energy independence

By efficiently producing your own hot water with a solar immersion diverter you become less dependent on the grid which is typically powered by fossil fuels. This provides greater energy security and resilience against rising energy prices.

Eddi solar immersion diverter installation Devon

“2 months now since Bloom Renewables installed 16 panels with GivEnergy 5KW inverter and 2 x 9.5KW batteries. Having been recommended by a neighbour, my experience with Bloom has been 1st class. Every interaction with everyone of the team, has been excellent, from pre-sales, survey, fitting, commissioning, admin & payments, and a few follow-up questions.

Mark Willson

How does a solar immersion diverter work?

A solar immersion heater system includes a controller that monitors the electricity generated by your solar panels. When there is excess energy that isn’t being used by your household appliances, the controller diverts it to the immersion heater, which heatsthe water in your tank.

FAQs about solar immersion diverters

Can I use a battery and a solar immersion heater?

The solar immersion heater is another energy storage device like the house battery – they both store surplus energy from your solar panels. The difference is that the energy stored in the battery is used as electricity and the energy from the solar immersion is used as hot water. 

Can I install a solar immersion heater with my existing solar PV system?

Yes, a solar immersion heater can be integrated with your existing solar panel system. It works with your setup to divert excess solar energy to heat your water. 

Do I need a specific type of hot water tank for a solar immersion heater?

Solar immersion heaters are compatible with most standard hot water tanks. But be sure to use a qualified installer for your system to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. 

How much does it cost?

The cost of installing a solar immersion heater varies depending on the specific system and installation requirements, but totall installed costs can range from £500 to £1,500. Contact one or our experts to get a personalised quote. 

Will a solar immersion heater work on cloudy days?

A solar immersion diverter depends on the excess electricity generated by your solar panel system. While solar panels produce less energy on cloudy days, the system will still divert any available excess energy to heat your water. (However, the efficiency may be reduced compared to sunny days). 

How much money can I save with a solar immersion heater?

Your saving from using a solar immersion diverter will vary by your energy usage, the size of your solar panel system and your overall hot water consumption. On average, homeowners save up to 50% on their water heating costs!

Is maintenance required for a solar immersion heater?

Solar immersion heaters require minimal maintenance. Monthly checks to ensure the system is functioning correctly and occasional servicing is usually sufficient. 

How do I monitor the performance of my solar immersion heater?

Many solar immersion heater systems come with smart controllers that allow you to monitor their performance via a mobile app or web portal. You can track energy usage, see how much solar energy is being diverted to your heater, and adjust the settings as needed. 

Are there any government incentives for installing a solar immersion heater?

While specific incentives for solar immersion heaters may vary, installing a solar PV system with a solar immersion heater can benefit from broader renewable energy incentives. Check the latest information on government grants and schemes to see what’s available. 

How long does it take to install a solar immersion heater?

Typically a solar immersion heater can be installed within a few hours to a day. The process includes setting up the controller, wiring, and integrating it with your existing solar PV system and hot water tank.