Heat Water with Solar – Catch Power Diverter

What is a Catch Power Diverter?

Catch Power Diverter is a device that diverts excess electricity generated by solar panels to heat water in a hot water system. It works by monitoring the electricity being generated and consumed. When there is surplus solar power that would otherwise be exported back to the grid, the Catch Power Diverter redirects that energy to heat up the water in your hot water tank. This utilizes the excess solar energy productively instead of sending it back to the grid. By heating water with solar power, it reduces reliance on gas or electricity for water heating, resulting in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Learn more about Catch Power Diverter on this video with Daniel and Matt:

How Catch Power Diverters Work

 

Catch Power Diverters are designed to utilize excess solar energy generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels to heat water in a storage tank. The technology works by diverting the surplus electricity from the solar panels to an immersion heater element installed in the water tank.

The core components involved in this process include the solar PV system, a control unit (such as the Catch Control timer), and the immersion heater. When the solar panels generate more electricity than what is being consumed by the household, the excess power is redirected by the control unit to the immersion heater, which converts the electrical energy into heat energy to warm up the water in the tank.

This innovative system ensures that the surplus solar energy is not wasted but instead used productively to reduce the demand for conventional water heating methods, resulting in significant energy savings and lower utility bills.

 

Benefits of Using a Catch Power Diverter

 

Using a Catch Power Diverter offers several benefits, including energy savings and reduced utility bills, an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution, and increased hot water availability.

Energy savings and reduced utility bills: By diverting excess solar energy to heat water, a Catch Power Diverter can significantly reduce the energy required from traditional water heaters, resulting in lower electricity bills. According to a review by SolarQuotes, users can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually on their energy costs.

Environmentally friendly and sustainable: Catch Power Diverters harness renewable solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with traditional water heating methods. This eco-friendly approach aligns with sustainable living practices and contributes to a greener future.

Increased hot water availability: With a Catch Power Diverter, excess solar energy is utilized to heat water, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water throughout the day. This can be particularly beneficial for households with high hot water demands, such as larger families or those with energy-intensive appliances like hot tubs or swimming pools.

 

Types of Catch Power Diverters

 

The Green Catch Power Diverter monitors the voltage output of your solar panels to detect excess solar energy. When the voltage exceeds a certain threshold, indicating surplus energy, the diverter automatically directs it to heat your water tank.

In contrast, the Blue Catch Power Diverter measures the current flow from your solar panels. If the current surpasses the demand from your home appliances, the excess energy is diverted to heat water.

 

 

 

In terms of features and capabilities, the Green Catch Power Diverter is generally more affordable and easier to install since it doesn’t require additional sensors or monitoring equipment. However, the Blue Catch Power Diverter is considered more accurate and efficient as it directly measures the excess energy being generated.

 

Installation and Setup

 

To install a Catch Power Diverter, you’ll need a few key components: a solar panel system to generate excess electricity, an electric water heater, and the Catch Power Diverter device itself. The diverter is typically wired between your solar panels and the utility grid connection.

The installation process involves:

1. Ensuring your solar panel system is properly sized and installed to generate excess power.
2. Having a compatible electric water heater tank ready to accept the diverted energy.
3. Mounting the Catch Power Diverter device near your electrical panel and water heater.
4. Connecting the diverter to your solar panel system’s inverter and the water heater tank.
5. Programming the diverter to prioritize sending excess solar power to heat your water.

Safety is crucial when working with electrical systems. It’s recommended to hire a licensed electrician or solar installer to ensure proper setup and adherence to local codes and regulations. Take precautions like shutting off the main breaker, using proper tools and protective gear, or hire a professional installer like GI Energy to do the work for you.

 

 

Controlling and Monitoring Your Catch Power Diverter

 

Catch Power Diverters come equipped with user-friendly controls and monitoring systems that allow homeowners to easily manage and optimize their solar water heating. The CATCH Solar Relay provides real-time monitoring of energy usage, enabling users to track their solar production, household consumption, and surplus energy being diverted to heat water.

With intuitive scheduling features, users can customize hot water heating to align with their household’s needs and preferences. This not only ensures a consistent supply of hot water but also maximizes the utilization of excess solar energy. Additionally, the Green CATCH system precisely diverts surplus solar energy to the electric hot water tank, further enhancing energy savings.

Comprehensive monitoring capabilities allow homeowners to gain insights into their energy usage patterns and track the savings achieved by using a Catch Power Diverter. This data-driven approach empowers users to make informed decisions and adjust their energy consumption habits for optimal efficiency and cost savings.

 

 

 

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

 

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your Catch Power Diverter operates at peak efficiency. Inspect the system periodically for any loose connections or damaged components. Clean the solar panels regularly to prevent dust and debris from obstructing sunlight. It’s also recommended to flush the water heater tank annually to remove sediment buildup.

Common issues with Catch Power Diverters include faulty sensors, wiring problems, and compatibility issues with certain water heater models. If the diverter isn’t functioning correctly, check the error codes and refer to the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide. In some cases, resetting the device or updating the firmware may resolve the issue.

If you want to get out of the hassle of doing all these, you can count on a professional and trusted installer like GI Energy to do the maintenance work for you.

 

 

Choosing the Right Catch Power Diverter

 

When selecting a Catch Power Diverter, there are several crucial factors to consider. Firstly, determine the size and capacity requirements based on your household’s hot water needs and the available solar energy. A diverter with insufficient capacity may not adequately heat your water, while an oversized unit could lead to energy wastage. 

Additionally, ensure compatibility with your existing solar panel system and water heater. The diverter must be able to integrate seamlessly with your setup to function optimally. Consulting with a professional can help ensure a proper match. Contact us for more information and a free consultation.

Finally, consider the specific features offered by different Catch Power Diverter models. Some units may provide advanced monitoring, scheduling, or control capabilities, which could be beneficial depending on your preferences and requirements.