Solar iBoost Review: Maximize Your Solar Energy Usage

Solar iBoost Review: Maximize Your Solar Energy Usage

What is Solar iBoost?

The Solar iBoost is a solar power diverter designed to maximize the use of electricity generated by your solar photovoltaic (PV) system, helping you save on energy bills by redirecting surplus solar energy to heat your water. It allows households with solar panels to make the most of their solar energy by automatically diverting excess electricity to their immersion heater, rather than exporting it to the grid. This way, homeowners with a hot water tank can save on gas or electric water heating costs.

Key Features of Solar iBoost

  1. Smart Energy Diversion
    The Solar iBoost automatically detects when excess electricity is available and then directs it to heat your water, ensuring that you only use ‘excess’ solar electricity to heat your water.
  2. Wireless Monitor
    A wireless display allows you to keep track of energy savings in real time, showing you how much energy is being diverted to your immersion heater and how much you are saving on water heating.
  3. Easy Installation
    The device integrates easily into most existing solar PV systems and requires minimal technical setup. It connects between the solar inverter and your immersion heater with the help of a qualified electrician.
  4. Boost Function
    For times when solar production may be low, or if you want to heat water outside of solar production hours, the device includes a manual boost button. This ensures you always have hot water when you need it, while still prioritizing solar energy.
  5. Future-Proof
    Designed to work with both current and future technology, the Solar iBoost is compatible with battery storage systems and can work alongside other energy management systems in your home.

Pros and Cons of Solar iBoost

Pros:

  • Maximizes Solar Efficiency: Redirects surplus solar power to heating water, increasing self-consumption.
  • Reduces Heating Costs: Reduces your dependency on grid energy for hot water, leading to substantial savings.
  • User-Friendly: Wireless monitoring and simple controls make it easy for homeowners to track and adjust usage.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reduces your overall carbon footprint by making use of renewable energy instead of fossil-fuel-based electricity or gas.

Cons:

  • Requires Hot Water Tank: Only works for homes with a hot water cylinder equipped with an immersion heater.
  • Seasonal Effectiveness: Performance can be limited in winter months when solar energy production is lower.
  • Initial Investment: There’s an upfront cost for the device and installation but the payback period for a Solar iBoost in an average UK home with solar PV generally ranges between 3 to 5 years.

How Does Solar iBoost Compare?

The Solar iBoost is one of the market leaders for energy diverter products, you can see some of the alternatives on our page covering solar power diverters. Each system has its unique benefits, but the iBoost stands out for its simplicity and is very popular. Other models have additional compatibility with electric vehicle chargers and battery systems, so users interested in broader functionality may want to explore other options.

Installation and Cost

Getting the Solar iBoost installed by a professional installer will cost between £100 and £200 in the UK, depending on the complexity of the setup and your location. The installation is straightforward and should take around 1-2 hours.

The best price we have found for the product itself is £300, although stock levels seem to vary and prices can be higher when there is less stock available.

Buy the Solar iBoost+ on Amazon

Is the Solar iBoost Worth It?

Solar power diverters ideal for solar PV users looking to improve their self-consumption, reduce their energy bills, and cut carbon. Homeowners who have both solar panels and an immersion heater with a hot water tank can see significant savings, especially over a few years. It’s a straightforward, effective solution for using surplus solar power without complex setup or configuration.

Final Rating

FeatureRating
Energy Savings⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Effectiveness⭐⭐⭐⭐
Environmental Impact⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall⭐⭐⭐⭐

FAQ

  • Will Solar iBoost work with battery storage systems?
    Yes, the Solar iBoost is compatible with many battery storage systems and can operate in tandem with them.
  • What happens on cloudy days?
    On low solar production days, the iBoost may not be able to heat water effectively, but the Boost function allows you to manually top up as needed.
  • Is Solar iBoost suitable for all solar systems?
    Most modern solar PV systems are compatible with Solar iBoost, but a qualified installer can confirm compatibility based on your setup.
  • Where can I find the installation and operating manual?
    You can download the Solar iBoost manual here, which includes installation and operating Instructions.
  • How complex is the installation?
    The installation is not complex and could be done by a competent DIYer – see the video below.

Conclusion

The Solar iBoost is a reliable and efficient tool for households looking to maximize the value of their solar investment. It’s easy to install, simple to use, and can deliver substantial savings over time by using your home’s free solar energy. It is an excellent investment if you have a compatible setup, a hot water tank, and want to reduce your reliance on the grid while lowering your utility costs.


Check out some of the other solar power diverters available, and smart radiator valves to reduce heat in unused rooms.