Best Battery for Net Zero Home? (Enphase IQ 5P)

[@UndecidedMF]

Wow! Big fan of your channel. Awesome to see your thoughts on my setup and take on it. 👍

[@SolarSurge]

Thanks for the reply. Overall a great setup and you should have consistent experience on the Enphase platform. It's too bad Enphase and SPAN didn't do a better job on their integration.

[@UndecidedMF]

@@SolarSurge yeah, that’s a big bummer for me so far. Span has been working with me on a possible software fix for it. No matter what though, it’ll never be as accurate as a direct tie-in to Enphase.

[@quibbs9848]

Matt, just wanted to say we enjoy your channel/content as well as Solar Surge. Keep up the good work.

[@Quidproquo07093]

Thank you for presenting and responding to Matt's video. I've been watching Matt's channel for years, and he presents many energy saving solutions and appliances for the typical home. I'm glad he caught your attention, and I hope some of your viewers decide to follow him as well. Keep up the good work, you are educating many people on preparing for the zombie apocalypse!

[@jasonwidegren3211]

Two of my favorite channels for discussion of self-sufficient energy solutions. Love it!

[@Homerun_Vince]

You have the best solar content on the internet right now. Thank you 🙏

[@SolarSurge]

Glad it was helpful.

[@G.K.Walker]

Oo😊.

[@doncornelious7553]

This was an amazing tutorial for me as I’m in the process of getting my solar roof integrated with my very expensive electrical system for a relatively small home in Southern California. My local code inspectors will certainly be looking for the best in class safety profiles of the system I choose to complete my system. Cheers!

[@miguelzrx]

I have an face and it took him two weeks to hook it all up and all running perfect and I love it

[@miguelzrx]

Sorry about that I met in phase

[@quibbs9848]

We are building a large home and using ground based solar panels. It's a large system. Over 80kwh storage (16 5ps) and over 70+ panels. We are consuming as much Enphase content as we can and yours has been the best by far. Glad to have found your channel. If I would have found it sooner and known you were in SC I would have contacted you when we were first discussing going solar.

[@getmarciano]

one comment. but overall great video and you helped me understand more. my comment is if you have backup power then you dont need internet 12:35. WiFi would be powered but no internet, luckily you would be using your LAN network and not relying on WAN. So technically if your on the WiFi you can still communicate with your system so long as your system uses your LAN network, either plugged in or on wifi, which more than likely is. But much appreciated my brother this video was great! Appreciate you taking the time to make this.

[@edselg6602]

Great video. As a homeowner, I'm a novice with respect to solar panels. Wish I had discovered this channel before making a decision. I went with the enphase panels but am somewhat comforted by this video that it may not have been a bad choice all things considered. I did not go with the batteries, but I did consider them. I did have the designers put together a full blown option in the event I wanted to add batteries in the future.

[@Travlinmo]

You would find my Tesla PW install ugly but I love it.

[@DGuthrie1111]

We went with 3 Enphase 5p batteries with 24 Qcell 410 panels and IQ8M inverters for $43 k. Both of the Tesla system quotes were 6 figures. We're running off-grid after Hurricane Beryl. Turning off the A/C in the evening, and surviving. I wish we had gone with 4 batteries.

[@SolarSurge]

Hey, that’s a very good price for that system. I hope your installer was able to make a little bit of profit. Glad to hear the system is holding up.

[@DGuthrie1111]

@@SolarSurge After 7 quotes... my wife got us a "friends & family" quote from a friend in the business. We got lucky. The next closest quote $18k more.

[@SolarSurge]

@@DGuthrie1111 I'd bet they lost money on that project. Hopefully that company will be able to make it long term.

[@GBOY185]

I've really been thinking about going with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra set up. Seems to come out much cheaper while allowing a modular setup with batteries that can be moved around for multiple use cases.

[@MrRichardyc]

I dont think you can use the Delta Pro Ultra or any Ecoflow or other brand of off grid systems with a grid-tied solar system.

[@davidorcutt9246]

Fireman Joe!!!! Spot on with your review, correct and honest. Listen to Joe yall. He is smart, knowledgeable, good to work with.

[@therevoman]

Interesting. I love the modular approach. Lets me customize exactly what I want/need, and allows me to expand.

[@GerardoRodriguez-ov5se]

Another great video. Do you have any videos on modular systems, such as Eco Flow, Bluetti, or others?

[@SolarSurge]

Yes, check out our video on Bluetti EP800: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYWcc4qrrK1qrJo

[@whenniceguysretaliate5619]

12:00 Using an App?? Sol-Ark has a local inteface that doesn't require cell service or an app to control. Awesome point. Thanks.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Quick question on app, is Bluetooth sufficient to control these home battery systems or do you actually need internet access? If so, why?

[@SolarSurge]

That's a great question. I don't have a clear answer on that yet.

[@mwolrich]

@@SolarSurgeEnphase Requires a live internet connection, to control the battery discharge, in the event your connected to a virtual powerplant on the grid, this is because the utility directs them to put your system in discharge in the event they need grid support. They also require a cell modem as a backup, in the event the main ethernet or wifi connection stops working. It’s also a good ides for the data logging of production & discharge, and finally it’s a requirement for their 15 year/6,000 cycle battery warranty. how can they track cycles if it’s not being monitored?

[@keng5067]

​ Enphase is now holding training for use of their batteries and micros in OFF grid systems. I would assume that the internet connection requirement will be relaxed with this type of system, since many of these OFF grid systems are in remote locations and do not have internet access.

[@mwolrich]

@@keng5067 Internet access is now worldwide, StarLink works anywhere, and its very fast. It is a bit costly, but even off gridders need internet..

[@MrNicholls97]

Can you make a video about the solarc (if thats spelled right) install I agree that even beyond "grid down" apps are not safe from acquisitions, hacks, etc, and are a threat vector.

[@alexicon_]

thank you kindly for the video, hugely informative - one might say enlightening 😄 but really, your video was very well put together and helped bring to light some important considerations for someone looking at the enphase system. thank you again!

[@SolarSurge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markcampanelli]

Two of my favorite You Tube channels put together 🎉. Wonder-twin powers…activate!

[@freeheeler09]

Seems like the Sigenergy/PointGuard, modular, stackable, battery/car charger/controller/inverter system has a much better architecture. You can stack the 8 kWh batteries, then stack the car charger Lego, then the inverter Lego on top in a single stack that takes up just a similar amount of floor space for a single, undersized Powerwall. With Enphase, you’d wind up with 8, tiny batteries, a car charger, a controller, etc. strewn across an entire wall. You’d better have a really, really, really big wall!

[@alzuu1]

So my installer made us two quotes for a solar/micro plus battery system. One was with 3 enphase 5ps and one with 1 PW3 - the enphase system was only like 4k more(I'm in NC).

[@chesta30]

Thanks for all the shared information - it is very helpful - I live in North Carolina near the South Carolina border in Gaston Co and would love to be able to connect regarding maximizing my system and my future goals

[@jascam1]

Great content, nothing beats a peer review when it comes down to comparing apples to apples.

[@Scott-sm9nm]

Wonder if you can take the 9.6 kW 240v NEMA 14-50 output of the Cybertruck bed and hook it up to the 'generator' input of the a battery system? Seems like it would work just like a generator with a L1 & L2 coming from the generator and there is a neutral balancing transformer in the battery system to create the 120v capable input into your backup loads.

[@chrisross3631]

What would you recommend for a pro-installed unified battery/controller ecosystem setup then? I used to think you favored Enphase, but you seemed to have soured on them recently?

[@SolarSurge]

I still like Enphase. I also like Tesla, Franklin and SolarEdge depending on the situation. In this case, since he already had Enphase micro-inverters, staying with the Enphase batteries made sense.

[@llN3M3515ll]

I am pretty sure you can access the enphase web ui locally and dont need intenet connectivity.

[@kg4cnm]

Not directly through a web UI, it can be controlled somewhat through Home Assistant locally

[@CC-mj3zq]

Enphase has great products I have no issues with anything that they do. Who's just a little unfortunate that the cost of the in phase solar only battery sized to any substance is so close in cost to a full function battery like a Franklin for example.

[@roguegeek]

Any thoughts on using the Enphase microinverters with a Franklin battery?

[@Bowhunters6go8xz6x]

It has always seemed to me that Enphase has gone out of their way to create a route where they force people that buy their solar panel micro inverters and controllers, etc. to force people to be locked into buying all Enphase components including batteries. They also seem to have (doubled down) by creating their batteries with even more micro inverters and so to force people to make you buy as many of their inverters as possible and in the end it is to line their pockets. ( Not a Question Really, but more of what i've seen from their equipment and their pushing people to buy more and more of their micro inverters. )

[@lawrence_SoCal]

The counterpoint is vendor finger-pointing if an issue arises leaving homeowner in the lurch when combining best-of-breed. We are VERY early in the tech curve on consumer whole home batteries (in the overall scheme of things). I have SunPower system using EnPhase inverters… I’m annoyed enough with SunPower for their heavily shortcut to-my-detriment install, that I’d love to dump their PVS6… but anyway. As SPAN is complete overkill for me/my use case, what I’ll be looking forward at some point is a Hybrid Inverter and battery system that are guaranteed compatible, if not same vendor or an integrated unit. Matt’s mentions his real reason for enPhase battery is local AHJ sprinkler requirement for over 20kWh system … as I’m looking at >20kWh battery system, enPhase makes no sense at this time for me.. other professionally installed options will be cheaper

[@joep5170]

You can choose whatever panel you want. The Enphase hardware is good, price reasonable, app great, but do charge extra for some features. The only item that is sub-par is their chargers.

[@ushipb00]

Great video review! Both Matt Ferrell's channels and yours are a must-watch. It's like a good comic book crossover with you reviewing the video! I personally prefer Solaredge due to the lower price point compared to Enphase, but the NMC battery chemistry is less superior than LFP. I do have a question. Since Solaredge has released their Solaredge Energy Hub inverter, has the reliability improved? Has the installers noticed a lowering of the failure rates with that inverter?

[@samfish6938]

You can buy batteries 14k for $3000 wall mount Install 2 or 3 there are differant brands EG4-WallMount Indoor Battery | 48V 280Ah | 14.3kWh | Indoor |

[@matthewowen1360]

Great video!

[@lanceguilin]

Joe, have you found any definitive document or spec sheet from Tesla which actually/officially states that the new Power Wall 3 is made up of LFP batteries as opposed to NMC batteries? I still haven't been able to officially confirm that the Power Wall 3 system use LFP batteries.

[@SolarSurge]

No I think they intentionally did not publish this to spark the kind of speculation we are having now.

[@bobpietraszewski4331]

I just started watching but right off the bat had the same impression and I just got done watching a video about the ethos batteries which I have to price or better or less than a Tesla powerwall

[@marcvanheugten9472]

Thing is that these batteries are too expensive, but yes the eco system is nice. Then again the solar inverters that are nice are also more expensive than the first available model, setting the max of your 400wp panel back to 300wp. SO all in all I am little bit happy, but it has its downsides, which can be overcome at extra costs, the system is much more expensive than other systems. And you are right about app dependence and then I refer to my hifi system than I cannot upgrade because of the app. Wouldnt mind a small control panel in my closet.

[@williamlloyd3769]

In the end it seems you’d be better of having an energy audit of the house, mitigate things like missing insulation, replace old single pane windows, replace older water heater, replace old furnace with heat pump, etc. in other words, limit your energy usage up front before investing in solar cells and batteries.

[@SolarSurge]

Agree 100%

[@danielcarroll3358]

True. I have all of 3.9 kW peak of solar. Under NEM 2.0 in California I produce 2,000 kW-hr excess per year. This really surprised me as in renovating my house I added a basement and two more baths to a three bedroom house. The difference was really insulating everything, putting in double pane windows and going all electric with heat pumps for AC and hot water.

[@savagecub]

The Enphase solar panels have one the highest wind ratings of any panel.

[@SolarSurge]

I'm not aware of any Enphase brand solar panels.

[@savagecub]

@@SolarSurge You are correct sir. I stand erected. What I meant to say was Aptos panels.

[@Dragonrc.]

I live in north Alabama and would love to install a solar system for my home and shop with batteries. Just nobody here to do it and the cost is just ridiculous! This tech isn't new and should only be a fraction of these current cost.

[@Snerdles]

I'm very interested in the point guard energy home battery solution but only as long as their bidirectional DC EV charger works with a vehicle I'd be willing to buy. Waiting patiently as it seems to he vaporware roght now.

[@markcluff7104]

I learned a lot ty

[@BrianBetron]

Nice job

[@timothymusson5040]

Also, isn’t dumping water on a lithium fire a really bad idea? Wouldn’t the sprinkler system just make the problem worse?

[@COSolar6419]

No

[@BornRiders]

Great video. Which brand do you recommend for battery backup without solar?

[@SolarSurge]

FranklinWH

[@SuperSushiRoll]

I think you should have really focused on the 20kWh limitation he had. That automatically rules out Tesla and Franklins.

[@robertbrownell3918]

I like Span, but don't you need the internet to get full use?

[@DoctorKnockBoots]

Hey @Solar Surge... if they are pahsing out or doing away with net metering as you stated in this video, then whats the purpose of even getting panels and batteries anymore? If we eventually wont significantly lower or electric bill, then why pay $30k to $50k for all of this stuff?

[@SolarSurge]

The idea is that you can be your own utility both day and night so you don’t need Net Metering. You would literally use the electric utility as a last resort option only. So you would be able to reduce your electric bill significantly.

[@alexkumar7062]

If you do DIY then do you get rebates etc

[@petersimms4982]

Wow go dam😊

[@andoniskapsalis4063]

Min 20:35 you state that you believe ENPHASE requirea that they do the planset for you. That is NOT accurate. We are an installer in Hawaii. Other than that a great video.

[@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv]

Enphase discusses their Gen 4 10kw battery in their latest investor presentation. Title is something along the lines of “CEO letter 2023” (reviews their fiscal 2023). Due in 2025 along with Combiner and System Controller merged into a single box.

[@SolarSurge]

Very interesting. Would you please share the link to the report...

[@JeffreyAdams-kt5gv]

@@SolarSurge For some reason KZbin will not let me paste the link. search for “Enphase CEO letter 2023”. It’s 24 page PDF

[@johneric98]

@@SolarSurgeSearch for Enphase investor relations CEO letter for 2023 (page 14). Remember, these projections may be based on optimistic schedules, material availability, etc. It appears they are looking at 10 kWh battery on a smaller wall space, deeper panel, and higher micro inverter for the battery.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

😂seems like folks like to dream up complicated and expensive systems to geek out over. With net metering going away or having never existed in the first place, ( my situation) I don’t see how this system is cost effective. I can’t justify spending so much money per Kilowatt hour. In addition, he never stated exactly what the entire solar system expense was gross or net after tax credits and rebates. Fuzzy details. I met recently with the site engineer for new line extension for the coop and he recommended that I install a standby natural gas generator for power outages and I could add the least expensive battery storage if I felt compelled. Generator would keep the battery charged if power was out. My 2 cents

[@OComunaMaisFraco]

Copiar e não inovar não me importa. Se o produto é bom e barato é o que eu quero

[@susanswafford5903]

So, how do I get federal tax break if Im on SSI

[@tookster7483]

That's the problem. Essentially, if you don't pay the government taxes you can't use the tax break.

[@gamerzieg3211]

@@tookster7483 Everyone pays taxes xD if your working stiff you pay taxes bro. Everyone forgets that where you work automatically takes out money from your check to pay those taxes.

[@GeraldPUR]

You dont even need a batteries for the enphase to work or create a/c power. You want something that will last 4 ever get a Victron system 😊

[@ChandraSkinner]

Just discovered your channel and looking to learn more from you. But I am having a problem with your vlog. When you talk there is background music, Why? Talk to anyone. Why would distract from what you are trying to convey buy adding background music. It is distracting. And I know the CC is possible. But you know how we can be. We are reading and listing to something totally different. Try a video without the background music.

[@terrya6486]

As an off grid kinda guy I like my systems to have NO software ! The Biggest problem with any of these systems is always the software in the integration. In a grid down survival scenario No. Thank you to any kind of software.

[@SolarSurge]

Agree 100%

[@dmv_p]

I like the new style of video ... keep up the good work. Brotha uhhhhhhhhhhhh lol

[@dblanchard34]

The reason why he chose them is because they sponsored him. Basically he got it for free! Knowing he wanted to use Tesla solar but they didn’t want to sponsor him.

[@thereplacementfordisplacement]

Have you considered the option of purchasing a leaf s just to use as a V2H battery instead of installing just a battery on a wall in your garage? Keep leaf outside, it has environmental protection, crash protection, could be used once in a while as backup vehicle, could be driven or towed to a charge station to bring power back home during extended outages. I personally don't want batteries mounted on a wall of my garage, it's not an option or safe either. I would rather have a leaf parked in my side driveway outside, even build a carport over it. This option would cost a similar amount and last way longer given 40kWh battery used in a narrow range SOC. Draw is limited to 7kW but that really isn't a big deal for most households.

[@travschula]

The system needs to change. It needs to provide a United solution. "fair is fair" contribute to the grid...get credit for it...Sold credit to any who requires it... unite the system and work TO-GET-HER> together...What is fair is right and what is right is Rightouse. Credit metering should be embraced and accepted fairly...For Life's Sake. Get ALONG! and bless and be a blessing to the kingdom and family of life. Please do what is fair and right. Sow That, Life may go well for you and your family of life. Owed to love your neighbors of life as your self.

[@robertbrownell3918]

I am curious why people aren't building their own I can build a 48 volt 315 AH LiFePO4 battery for about $1,600 pluse $200 +/- for a BMS - am I missing something? I am in the process of doing this now (with 2 EG4 6000XP) - I hope I am not missing something obvious

[@MyUtubeScott]

Micro Investors surviving on top my roof or string inverter living in my garage. Electronics do not like heat. Is it easier to replace one inverter in my garage or each individual micro inverter on my roof? Buy a good quilty string inverter and dont complicate the system. House battery - what a colossal waste of money. Why not force EV OEM to make EVs bidirectional? For those 1 or 2 times a year that electricity goes out the 75kW battery in vehicle should hold you over for couple days.

[@greggall]

I like that you are promoting this technology but most of of your content is Matt Ferrell. I would like to see you do your own content.

[@SolarSurge]

I just started making reaction videos, but most of our content is original. Check out the channel we’ve got over 450 videos about solar and storage technology.

[@Alans-qm5ch]

Enphase is like Microsoft. Each time évolution, new models not compatible with others. Run away

[@markstaniford9965]

Ugly? Really? Maybe a by the way at the end of the video. Lets get through the data first. Then do aesthetics

[@darkshadow4998]

13.9kw system he's lying

[@darkshadow4998]

He has enphase iq8m micro inverteres

[@darkshadow4998]

Maximum continuous 325 x 43 panels 13.9kw

[@cjb8993]

"Net zero"? Lol, why would I want to be net zero? There's the lowest parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere than there's been perhaps for millions of years. We need more CO2, not less.

[@SolarSurge]

He means electricity net zero. Generating as much kWh as he consumes.

[@priyavratshukla7511]

Copying everything from “Undecided”. Really! Wish you had made a higher contribution.

[@gamerzieg3211]

He picked the most expensive garbage option xD