solar powered electric shower vs combi boiler heated shower - which is most economical?

leafy211

I have solar panels (capable of producing just under 4kw on a good day, and no battery).  I was wondering, on average, if it's more economical for me to use my electric shower during the day, or my combi-boiler heated shower?  It does take a tad longer for hot water to come through on combi-boiler shower, which doesnt make calculations any easier. And I'm guessing that wintertime might offer a different recommendation than in summer etc. 

Reed_Richards

I think the smallest electric showers consume about 7.5 kW so if you are generating 4 kW you'll be importing 3.5 kW.  In which case you will be getting your shower at around "half price" compared to what you normally pay for electricity.  That would be about 33p per kWh if you're not on some legacy fixed rate deal.  Since gas is less than half the price of electricity per kWh then your gas combi should be the cheaper option.  If the hot water from the combi took a long time to come through you would have to factor in the amount of hot water that is wasted, trapped in the pipes after you finish your shower.  But as it only takes "a tad longer" that should not be a concern.    

markin

And your also not selling the power for the fit or the seg thats 18p with Octopuss, unless it's a rent a roof.

leafy211

indeed i am on the Octopus SEG - so another good point for adding to the calculatioin