Is this the right service for your system
What the service covers
How diversion works
A sensor measures electricity flow at the property’s supply. When generation exceeds demand, a suitable diverter adjusts the power sent to the immersion heater. This turns surplus electricity into stored hot water rather than exporting it immediately. It cannot create extra generation or replace a hot water cylinder.
Compare the financial benefit
Using surplus electricity may reduce paid water-heating energy, but export income is also given up. We consider your export tariff, the fuel used for water heating, daily hot water demand and installation cost. Diversion is not automatically the best financial use of every spare unit of electricity.
Choose suitable controls
Options include straightforward immersion diversion, variable-output smart units, boost timers and app-controlled systems. Products such as myenergi Eddi and Solar iBoost+ offer different features. We select around compatibility, usage and the controls you actually need.
A diverter is not a plumbing valve
A solar electricity diverter controls electrical power to an immersion heater. It is different from a plumbing diverter valve that routes water within a heating system. The electrical installation and cylinder controls need to work correctly together, so specification and installation require appropriate expertise.
Working alongside battery storage
A diverter uses energy as heat; a battery stores electricity for later appliance use. Both can be useful, but the controls must avoid competing for the same surplus. Where supported, priorities can be set so storage charges first and remaining generation heats the cylinder.
Suitable properties and aftercare
Homes with regular hot water use can benefit, as can guest accommodation, farms, schools and premises with washrooms or other cylinder-based demand. A combi boiler without a suitable cylinder generally cannot use an immersion diverter. We also support faults, monitoring issues and servicing after installation.
From your first enquiry to ongoing support
- Specialist solar support
- Clear recommendations
- Work scoped to your system
- Ongoing maintenance and repairs
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1
Review the existing installation
We check the PV setup, cylinder, immersion heater, electrical supply and available surplus. Let us know if you already have a battery.
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2
Recommend the equipment
We compare controls, compatibility and likely use with your tariff and demand, then provide a clear quote.
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3
Install and configure
The unit, sensor and electrical connections are fitted by the appropriate technician. Timers, boost and priority settings are configured where supported.
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4
Test and explain
We check operation and explain the display or app, normal behaviour and how any grid-powered boost works.
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5
Support ongoing operation
Ask us about checks, servicing or fault diagnosis if the unit stops diverting, loses connectivity or behaves unexpectedly.
Why choose Solar Maintenance and Repairs
Our work covers solar installation, maintenance and repairs, so advice considers the equipment over its working life. We assess the installation before recommending work, explain the options and agree the proposed scope and costs with you.
If additional work is needed, we explain the reason and quote before it proceeds. Related solar PV, thermal, inverter, storage, cleaning and bird-proofing services can be discussed where they are relevant to your property.
Frequently asked questions
Can a diverter reduce bills
It can replace some paid water-heating energy with solar surplus. The saving depends on usage, generation, heating fuel and the export payment you give up.
Can it be added to existing solar panels
Often, provided the PV installation, electrical supply and immersion heater are suitable. We check compatibility before quoting.
How long does installation take
A straightforward installation may take one to two hours. Wiring, access and cylinder requirements can extend the visit; we confirm the scope first.
Do I need a battery
No. A diverter can work without storage. If a battery is present, the controls need to coordinate charging and diversion.
Does the unit need maintenance
Checks can confirm correct operation, settings and electrical condition. The schedule should follow the equipment guidance and any wider solar service plan.
Can I monitor diversion
Supported displays and apps can show diverted energy and operating status. Available data depends on the chosen product and connected sensors.
Will it work with a combi boiler
A conventional immersion diverter requires a suitable hot water cylinder. A combi-only setup without one is generally not compatible.
Does it improve self consumption
It allows suitable surplus to be used on site, although energy use and financial benefit depend on the property’s demand and tariff.
Is it a cost effective upgrade
It may be, but the answer depends on equipment cost and the usable surplus. We compare these factors during the assessment.
How do I book installation or a repair
Send your postcode, PV and diverter details and information about your cylinder. We can discuss the next step and appointment availability.
What our customers say
from homeowners and businesses
“I’m sure that there are dodgy companies out there but this company is certainly not one of them. Very helpful and prompt service, with good communication and trustworthy engineers who know their stuff. Louis was smashing. Very polite, explained everything and did a cracking job of servicing our solar panels system. I’d recommend them to anyone.”
“SMAR are extremely professional, I was kept up to date throughout my interaction with them. They arrived promptly and had me up and running again within an hour. I would definitely recommend them.”
“SMAR serviced our solar water heating system and replaced our original expansion tank, which was installed in 2010. They kept us informed on their arrival times and any issues. Matthew and his colleague were very pleasant and competent workers. Many thanks.”
“Thanks to everyone one at Solar Maintenance. New inverter, battery and Zappi car charger. Thanks to Louis we got there in the end.”
Book your free assessment and quote
Tell us about your solar panels, hot water cylinder and any battery storage. We’ll help you decide whether a diverter is suitable or diagnose a problem with your existing unit.
Call 0330 111 9399Request a call back
Leave your details and a brief description of your requirements. Include relevant equipment details or fault messages where available.