What is Solar iBoost and how does it work?

Most domestic solar PV systems will generate more energy during the day than is used. This surplus energy is usually sent to the National Grid automatically. An iBoost interrupts this process, enabling you to utilise more of your free solar energy and reduces the amount you need to buy when the sun is not shining.

The iBoost is made up of 2 main parts: the Solar iBoost+ Controller which is usually installed in an airing cupboard and a 'Sender' which is clamped to your electricity meter.

The Sender monitors the electricity being generated by your solar PV system and compares it against the amount of electricity you're using. It sends this information to the Solar iBoost+ wirelessly.

When the Solar iBoost+ detects that you are generating 100W more energy than you're using, it automatically sends the excess to power your immersion heater. If the excess energy is needed elsewhere i.e. you turn on another appliance it will automatically adjust.  The water will only be heated up the immersion heater's maximum thermostat setting.

Solar iBoost will have no impact on your Feed-in Tarif. Peak generation for solar PV systems is obviously during the day when many homeowners are out. This often means energy is being used to keep appliances on standby but not a lot else. This results in excess energy which is automatically sent to the National Grid.

The government theoretically pays you for the energy you've exported, but in reality most homes do not have export meters to track how much energy they've sent to the Grid. Instead energy suppliers estimate that you'll export around 50% of the amount you've generated and pay you based on that figure. So whether you export 10%, 30% or even 100% of your solar energy, you'll still only be paid for 50%.

Even homes which do have an export meter are only paid around 5p for each unit of energy they export, which is multiple times lower than the price you pay to import electricity at night.

An iBoost is simple to Install if you already have a hot water cylinder as it is wired to your existing immersion heater (up to 3kW).

The technology automatically and intuitively responds to the changes in your home's energy use and weather conditions to make sure only surplus power is used.

Programmable Timer

You can incorporate the Solar iBoost+ with your current heating schedule on a 5/2 basis and programme winter / summer settings.

It has a built-in Boost switch so you can top up the hot water in 15 minute periods.

The total cost of a Solar iBoost+ is likely to fall between £250 – £300 but this will vary depending on your supplier and doesn't necessarily include installation.

If you are looking for a way to make the most of your solar energy and save money on your water heating bills (a Solar iBoost is a great choice.

This is particularly true if you're out during the day and regularly producing at least 100W more energy than is used.