Solar iBoost: How does it work with solar panels and should you get one?
In this article, we'll talk through the features and benefits of iBoost in conjunction with solar panels, explaining how it works, how much it costs, and if you should add it to your solar PV system.
What's on this page?
- Can I use a hot water heater to heat my gas boiler?
- How does solar iBoost work?
- What is the Solar iBoost?
- Is the Solar iBoost Worth It?
Can I use a hot water heater to heat my gas boiler?
No you can't use an iBoost with a gas boiler. It's important to note that you can only use the iBoost to heat hot water with your solar system with an electric boiler.
"If your home runs only on electricity, an iBoost is definitely worth considering. However, if you do have a gas boiler, we do not recommend the iBoost."
How Does Solar iBoost Work?
Essentially, the Solar iBoost can take unused and excess electricity generated by your panels and divert it to your electric boiler to heat your hot water for free.
Solar iBoost operates through a wireless communication link between the solar power system and the iBoost unit, which is connected to the hot water immersion heater.
Here's how that happens:
1. Energy Monitoring: The iBoost unit monitors the power output of the solar panels and checks to see if there's excess energy.
2. Diversion Control: When excess solar power is detected, the iBoost unit automatically diverts it to the immersion heater in your boiler, giving you hot water for free.
3. Custom Settings: Users can set the time of day they'd like excess energy to be diverted. For example, set it to the morning for your morning shower, or set it to the evening to you have hot water ready when you get in from work.
4. iBoost Plus +: The iBoost + is the latest model that offers enhanced features including:
- Wireless monitoring
- Multiple heating zones
- Smartphone app control
- Real-time energy tracking
What is the Solar iBoost?
The Solar iBoost is an energy diversion device specifically designed for solar PV systems. It's a smart controller that:
- Automatically detects surplus solar generation
- Diverts excess power to your immersion heater
- Reduces reliance on grid electricity for hot water
- Works with most existing immersion heater systems
- Provides detailed energy usage reports
Key Features:
- Easy Installation: Can be fitted to most homes in under 2 hours
- Wireless Sensor: Clips onto your meter for accurate monitoring
- Intelligent Control: Only diverts truly excess energy
- Manual Boost: Override function for when you need extra hot water
- Compatible Systems: Works with tanks up to 3kW
Is the Solar iBoost Worth It?
The value of a Solar iBoost depends on several factors:
When it's worth it:
- Electric-only homes: If you heat water electrically, savings can be substantial
- Large solar systems: More excess generation means more free hot water
- High hot water usage: Families with high demand benefit most
- Export tariffs are low: Better to use energy than export at low rates
When it might not be worth it:
- Gas heating: If you have gas hot water, savings are minimal
- Small solar systems: Limited excess generation reduces benefits
- Battery storage: Batteries might provide better overall value
- High export rates: If your export tariff is generous
Typical Savings:
- Average UK household: £200-300 per year
- Installation cost: £300-500
- Payback period: 1.5-2.5 years
- Lifetime savings: £3,000-5,000
Installation and Costs
What's included:
- iBoost unit and sender
- Professional installation
- System commissioning
- User training
- Warranty (typically 2-3 years)
Installation process:
- Site survey to check compatibility
- Install sender unit at consumer unit
- Wire iBoost to immersion heater
- Configure and test system
- Demonstrate operation to homeowner
Making the Decision
Consider these questions:
- Do you currently heat water with electricity?
- Is your solar system 3kW or larger?
- Do you export significant amounts of energy?
- Would you use hot water during sunny periods?
If you answered yes to most of these, a Solar iBoost could be an excellent investment.
Conclusion
The Solar iBoost represents smart energy management at its finest - turning excess solar generation into useful hot water. While not suitable for every home, for those with electric water heating and decent solar arrays, it offers quick payback and long-term savings.
Ready to maximize your solar investment? Contact CRG Direct today to discuss whether Solar iBoost is right for your home.
