Choosing a Solar Diverter in 2026 — comparing the top 4
Divert surplus solar generation to your immersion heater instead of exporting it.
Compiled by Sepehr · Last reviewed May 2026
What to look for in a solar diverter
What it actually does: A solar diverter monitors your import/export at the meter and routes any surplus generation to a resistive load — almost always an immersion heater. Instead of exporting at SEG rates (typically 4–15p/kWh), you heat water at your generation cost (effectively free). Hot water typically represents 15–20% of a UK household's energy use.
Continuous vs relay switching: Better diverters ramp power continuously (like a dimmer) rather than switching in fixed blocks. Continuous control captures more surplus by precisely matching the diversion to your real-time generation — relay-switching diverters leave a margin of generation unused to avoid oscillating.
Smart features vs simplicity: The myenergi Eddi offers full app control, tariff scheduling, and integration with other myenergi devices. If you want a no-setup, no-app, fire-and-forget device, the iBoost+ or Solic 200 do the job without an ecosystem.
Common mistake: Buying a solar diverter before checking whether your immersion heater element is functional. Most UK homes have an immersion heater fitted but many haven't been used in years — before installing a diverter, run the immersion manually to confirm it heats the cylinder.