What Is a Solar Diverter?

Solar diverters are a clever way to maximise your energy self-sufficiency when paired with solar panels. They help you make the most of your solar-generated power by redirecting surplus energy to heat water or power-specific devices, reducing your reliance on the grid. 

However, if you're using Loop Optimise, you might be surprised to learn that we recommend turning your diverter off. Why? Because optimising your energy usage and savings often requires a different approach. Here’s everything you need to know.

How Does a Solar Diverter Work?

A solar diverter monitors your solar panels' energy output and tracks how much is used by your household. When there's surplus energy, it redirects this excess to an immersion heater or another designated device, ensuring you make the most of your solar power instead of sending it back to the grid.

What Savings Can You Expect?

The financial benefits of a solar diverter depend on your export tariff:

• Feed-in Tariff (FiT): A solar diverter can pay for itself quickly - potentially in just two years - by maximising your use of solar-generated energy.
• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Selling excess energy to the grid can be more lucrative than redirecting it for personal use, especially during peak periods.

Why Does Loop Optimise Recommend Turning Off a Diverter?

For those using Loop Optimise, solar diverters can interfere with the system’s ability to accurately track energy exported to the grid. This can lead to less precise earnings calculations and even reduce overall earnings.

By turning off your diverter, Loop Optimise can:

• Prioritise using your home battery efficiently.
• Export power to the grid at the most profitable times, maximising your earnings.

How much does a solar diverter cost?

A solar diverter typically costs between £300–£500, depending on the make and model. With solar technology becoming more accessible, these prices may drop over time.

The typical payback period for one is around 2 years on the FiT. However, with Loop Optimise, you could be earning £360 a year by fully harnessing the power of your home battery.

Is a Solar Diverter Right for You?

A solar diverter might be a good choice for your household if:

• You don’t have a home battery and want to maximise your solar energy usage.
• You rely on an immersion heater and have a steady demand for hot water.
• You’re on the Feed-in Tariff (FiT), allowing you to enjoy the same payments whether you export energy or use it yourself.

But if you’re on the SEG, exporting surplus energy can often deliver greater financial returns. Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) like Loop Optimise take away the guesswork by automatically identifying the best times to export energy for maximum savings.

Evaluating the Savings

Solar diverters are a smart investment for making the most of the solar energy you generate, especially if you don’t have a battery. However, if you’re already using advanced tools like Loop Optimise or have a home battery, exporting energy at peak times can work out to be more profitable.

The best option depends on your setup and energy goals - take time to weigh your choices and decide what works for you!