My booster’s on a simple timer, but honestly, I end up fiddling with it whenever we get a run of cloudy days. I thought about adding more panels too, but after insulating the pipes and tank, things improved way more than I expected—definitely worth the effort. Lukewarm showers are fine sometimes, but I draw the line in winter. If you haven’t done the insulation yet, it’s a cheap fix that actually makes a difference.
Insulating the pipes is honestly one of those things I wish I'd done sooner. It made a bigger difference than I expected, especially in the mornings when the water used to be just barely warm. I get the temptation to add more panels, but unless you're running out of hot water completely, insulation gives way more bang for your buck. I did notice, though, that the timer on my booster sometimes kicks in too late on cloudy days—maybe tweaking the schedule could help if you’re still running into cold showers.
I totally get what you mean about the insulation making a difference. When we moved in, I didn’t even think about the pipes—just figured the solar panels would do their thing. But after a few chilly showers, I wrapped the pipes with some foam sleeves and it was like night and day. The water actually stays hot now, even if I’m not the first one up.
About the booster timer, I’ve been wondering if mine’s set up right too. Sometimes it feels like it kicks in just after I’ve given up and finished a lukewarm shower... Do you just adjust yours seasonally or is there a trick to getting it to anticipate those cloudy days? Also, did you notice any change in your power bill after tweaking the timer? I’m a bit paranoid about running it too much and losing all the savings from the solar setup.
Curious if anyone’s tried those pipe insulation wraps that claim to be “extra efficient”—are they worth it or just marketing fluff?
Those “extra efficient” wraps are mostly just thicker foam, honestly. I’ve tried a few brands and didn’t notice a huge difference compared to the regular stuff, as long as you get a snug fit and seal the joints well. As for the booster timer, I usually bump mine up in winter and dial it back once the days get longer. It’s a bit of trial and error—sometimes I still get caught out with a cold shower if there’s a run of cloudy days. Power bill didn’t jump much after tweaking, but I keep the booster window pretty tight. If you’re worried, maybe try a shorter boost and see if it’s enough before extending it.
