What are Immersion Diverters?
Immersion diverters, also known as immersion controllers or hot water diverters, are devices designed to enhance the self-consumption of solar energy generated by Photovoltaic (PV) systems by directing surplus electricity to heat water in hot water storage tanks.
Immersion diverters play a crucial role in promoting the self-consumption of solar energy within a property. By efficiently directing surplus electricity to heat water, these devices contribute to increased energy autonomy, reduced electricity bills, and a more sustainable use of your own renewable energy resources.
Benefits of Immersion Diverters
How Immersion Diverters Work
When a solar PV system generates more electricity than is currently needed by the household or building, referred to as surplus solar energy, the excess power is typically exported to the grid.
An immersion diverter intercepts this surplus electricity before it reaches the grid. Instead of exporting it, the diverter redirects the excess power to an immersion heater located in a hot water tank, maximising self-consumption within the property.
Considerations before deployment
Immersion diverters are designed to integrate with existing solar PV systems and immersion heaters. But you will need to have a compatible hot water tank with an immersion heater. Typically, clients with combi boilers do not have a hot water tank, so these devices are not an option.
Some immersion diverters come with monitoring features, allowing users to track energy usage and savings realised by self-consumption. This visibility helps in optimising energy consumption patterns and habits. More expensive devices also offer remote control via mobile applications.
Immersion Diverters FAQs
What is an Immersion Diverter?
An immersion diverter works in a similar way to a battery system by diverting excess energy which would otherwise be exported to the grid for a small reward. Immersion diverters take this excess energy and energise the heating element of a water tank, so you have the benefit water heated by the sun!
