There are many perks to using solar panel systems as energy generators. But at the same time, certain issues that homeowners face can be a bit of a headache if not tackled right. Solar panels constantly generate energy from sunlight. There’s no on or off switch for the panels, just constant sunlight-to-electricity conversion when the sun’s up.
As a result of this, there will be times when the power generated by the panels will be more than what the household needs. What happens then? How’s that excess energy utilised? Is it even utilised? This is where solar immersion controllers come in.
The simple task of utilising excess energy has been made even more feasible with the use of immersion controllers. So, how do they work, and what role do they play in the household?
Understanding the Concept of Solar Immersion Controller
Firstly, what is a solar immersion controller? It’s a system that detects when the solar panels are generating more electricity than the home needs. The detection is via a clip-on system. Once excess energy has been detected, it turns on the immersion in the hot water tank, and the excess electricity is converted into hot water.
This continues until production is back to normal or household energy usage increases, and then the immersion is turned off. In summary, you’re turning spare electricity generated by your solar panels into another form of resource – hot water. The next question is how?
How Does A PV Immersion Controller Work?
- First, the immersion controller or diverter, as it’s called in some cases, comes with a monitoring system known as the CT sensor clamp.
- Through the CT sensor clamp, energy usage in the home is monitored closely. The goal is to detect the difference between electricity imports and exports.
- Once the CT sensor clamp detects that the household is exporting electricity, it immediately signals the immersion diverter to send the surplus power to the immersion tank.
- Essentially, the hot water cylinder gets free heating from the sun, and that, in turn, reduces its dependence on fossil fuels for power.
Remember that the CT sensor clamp continues to monitor household electricity usage. When this usage increases, power generation reduces, and electricity exported to the immersion tank is also reduced until it eventually stops.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Solar Immersion Controller?
There isn’t so much that a solar immersion controller does for households powered by solar panel systems. However, the little it does save a bit of the investment made on the panels.
The hot water cylinder tanks can hold up to 10kwh of solar power per 120 litres of tank. Basically, the dollar immersion controller serves as a tool for preventing the waste of excess electricity.
Are There Drawbacks To Be Weary Of?
With the advent of smart meters and tariff plans, there is little to no need for immersion controllers, as you can now get paid to supply excess electricity to the grid. Get a quote from The Solar Co for your dream solar panel system.
