Solar iBoost: How does it work with solar panels?
What’s on this page?
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.
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?
Hot water heater: What are the features of the iBoost and how does it work with Solar Panels?
Can I use a hot water heater to heat my gas boiler?
No you can’t use an i Boost 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.
That’s how you can heat hot water with solar panels.
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 an added option which can link up with your smart meter or other app so you can see where your energy is going in real time.
What is the Solar iBoost?
The Solar iBoost, also known as the iBoost Solar or Solariboost, is a device that optimises the use of excess solar energy generated by solar panels. It provides an innovative solution for diverting extra energy to power different household appliances such as immersion heaters, electric water heaters, or storage heaters, maximising solar-generated electricity self-consumption.
Is the Solar iBoost Worth It?
The iBoost can save you hundreds of pounds over its lifetime. Those with an electric boiler or immersion heater can definitely benefit from adding it to their solar system.
It is however best for those who do have excess energy, so check that your system regularly exports unused energy. If you have a small system and you regularly use all of your energy, you may not benefit as you won’t produce enough energy to heat water.
1. Self-Consumption: If your solar panels regularly generate surplus energy that is exported to the grid, iBoost can increase self-consumption by utilizing that excess power for heating water. This can potentially reduce your reliance on grid energy and increase overall energy cost savings.
2. Hot Water Consumption: Consider your household's hot water consumption patterns. If you have high hot water usage during the day when solar energy production is at its peak, Solar iBoost can be particularly beneficial in utilizing the surplus energy effectively.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the upfront cost of installing a Solar iBoost unit against the potential savings it can provide over its lifespan. Factors such as your electricity tariff, hot water demand, and the size of your solar power system should be considered when calculating the return on investment.
Contact us about Solar iBoost installation for your home
How much is the solar iBoost?
To add to an existing system, the solar iBoost costs £500 plus VAT. There’s no VAT if you are installing a new solar system with CRG Direct and want to add it to your package.
Optimize the usage of your excess solar energy by diverting it to power hot water heating systems. By maximizing self-consumption, it reduces reliance on the grid and enhances the cost-effectiveness of solar power systems. However, the decision to install Solar iBoost should be based on your specific energy needs, hot water consumption patterns, and financial considerations.
Get in touch with CRG for a free Solar iBoost assessment and see if it’s worth adding an iBoost to your system.
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