Solar energy is a brilliant way to power your home. However, managing that energy efficiently can be a challenge.
The MyEnergi Eddi is an intelligent power diverter that’s changing the game for homeowners with solar panels. It helps you make the most of your solar energy, ensuring not a single ray goes to waste. It’s designed to work with your home olar system, directing any surplus energy to power your heating. It ensures you use every bit of power your solar panels generate rather than sending it back to the grid.
Unlike traditional central heating systems, which switch on regardless of available power, the Eddi activates only when there’s excess solar energy. It’s like having a smart assistant for your hot water tank, one that knows exactly when to start heating and when to hold off.
This blog explores the benefits of a MyEnergi Eddi and why it’s worth investing in one.
Key features of the MyEnergi Eddi
The Eddi’s standout feature is its ability to detect surplus energy. It’s always on the lookout for extra power that your home isn’t using. When it spots some, it springs into action, using that energy to heat your water.
The Eddi isn’t just smart – it’s also connected. It comes with a smartphone app that lets you monitor and control the system from anywhere. You can check how much energy you’re saving, adjust settings or even boost your heating if you’re expecting guests. The Eddi’s smartphone app is more than just a control panel – it’s a window into your home’s energy use. You can see in real-time how much power your solar panels are generating, how much your home is using and where the surplus is going.
The app also gives you remote control over your system. Heading home early and want hot water ready? You can activate boost mode from wherever you are. You can also set schedules, telling the Eddi when you typically need more hot water. You can set the Eddi to prioritise certain tasks, like charging your storage battery before heating water. Its flexibility means you can tailor the system to your specific needs and lifestyle.
And if you like data, the app provides detailed logs and statistics. You can track your energy use over time, seeing how much you’ve saved and how efficiently your system is operating.
How the Eddi system operates
The Eddi system operates on a simple principle: use surplus energy first. When your solar panels are generating more power than your home is using, the Eddi detects this surplus and puts it to work. Typically, the system is set up to prioritise battery charging. Any excess energy will first go towards filling up your home battery. Once the battery is full, or if you don’t have a battery system, the Eddi then directs surplus energy to your central heating system.
But what if you need hot water and there’s no surplus energy? That’s where boost mode comes in. You can activate this mode through the app, telling the Eddi to heat your water regardless of available solar power. It’s a handy feature for those cloudy days.
Setting up your MyEnergi Eddi
Installing an Eddi is a job for professionals. A qualified electrician will need to connect the Eddi to your consumer unit and your heating system. They’ll also set up the necessary sensors to monitor your energy production and usage. If you already have a solar panel system, the Eddi can be easily integrated. It’s designed to work alongside your existing setup, including your battery storage system if you have one.
While the Eddi itself is compact, you’ll need space near your consumer unit for installation. You’ll also need a good Wi-Fi signal in that area for the app’s functionality. Your installer will ensure everything is properly connected and communicating.
Benefits of using a MyEnergi Eddi
The primary benefit of the Eddi is that it helps you use more of your solar energy for power-intensive tasks. Instead of exporting surplus power to the grid, you’re storing it to heat water. This means you’re getting more value from your solar panel investment.
Using more of your own power also reduces your reliance on the grid, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. Every kilowatt-hour of grid electricity you avoid using is money in your pocket. Flexibility is one of the Eddi’s strengths. You can adjust various settings to suit your needs. For example, you might want to set a delay on the water heating, ensuring your battery gets a chance to charge first. You might also prioritise water heating if you have a large household with high hot water demand.
These adjustments are made through the smartphone app. Its user-friendly interface lets you tweak settings without needing to be a tech expert. You can experiment with different configurations to find what works best for your household.
Maintenance is minimal. The Eddi has no moving parts, so there’s little that can go wrong. Occasional software updates may be required, but these are usually handled automatically through the app. There’s also an environmental benefit. Using more of your clean, solar-generated electricity reduces your carbon footprint. It’s a small step that can make a big difference over time.
Comparing Eddi to other systems
Compared to traditional immersion heaters, the Eddi is in a league of its own. Traditional systems heat water on a timer, regardless of available power. The Eddi, on the other hand, is responsive to your energy production and usage.
When compared to similar systems like the iBoost, the Eddi holds its own. While both systems divert surplus energy to water heating, the Eddi app’s functionality and customisation options give it an edge. Being able to integrate with other MyEnergi products, like the Zappi EV charger, is another point in the Eddi’s favour. Eddi is designed to work with most existing solar panel systems. It can also integrate with battery storage systems and other MyEnergi products.
How can Electrical Innovations (Derby) Ltd help?
The MyEnergi Eddi is a vital part of a smart, efficient home energy system. It helps you get the most out of your renewable energy investment by intelligently managing your surplus solar energy. As we move towards a more sustainable future, systems like the Eddi will play an increasingly important role. They bridge the gap between renewable energy generation and everyday home energy use, making it easier and more cost-effective for homeowners to embrace solar power.
Whether you’re looking to lower your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint or simply make your home more efficient, the MyEnergi Eddi could be a valuable addition to your solar setup. So, why not give us a call?
From solar PV panels to battery storage systems and add-ons to help you save even more money, we can design the best solar system for your home and circumstances. To find out more and for a free, no-obligation consultation and quote, get in touch today.