Enphase Ensemble install in progress

Here is another Enphase Ensemble install in-progress so we can see the components behind the covers. Contact us below with any questions:
www.webuildsandiego.com/lets-build/solar-and-storage/
www.webuildsandiego.com/contact-us-bt/
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction and Homeowner interview
2:02 Enpower explained
5:30 Encharge 10 explained
9:51 Backed-up loads panel explained
11:10 IQ combiner and Envoy explained
13:29 Final thoughts

[@LucienDupont]

Hello, thanks Dave for making the video about my install! If anyone has any questions about this, or why I picked Dave and his company, please post and I will reply. (note, I suggested to Dave to make another video, as I found his company through a search on KZbin). He's not compensating me at all for the video. :)

[@eespin1543]

Hi Lucien, I would like to know if you still have the old M250 microinverters?.

[@LucienDupont]

@@eespin1543 I don’t.

[@gerardvriend729]

I’m really suprised to see this. Do you still draw energy from the net? And would you have enough power in the winter?

[@LucienDupont]

@@gerardvriend729 Yes, we still draw power from the grid - right now I have the two batteries set for a 40% reserve for power outages, and in the San Diego area, for us, it’s lasting until about 2am, when our electric car starts to fill up. Every day they’ve been filling to 100%, except for 2 cloudy days so far.

[@gerardvriend729]

@@LucienDupont I’m impressed about this system. We live in Holland where cloudy days are more but I think it can be impressive for company computersystems to keep working. At this point we can not sell this system in Holland but we don’t need the part where we have 120 volt. Our grid is 230 volt.

[@lolabence8970]

Very impressive! It looks so complicated and comforting to know that the installers understand the process and brains behind it.

[@johnbogdan5119]

One of the best videos I have seen regarding the Enphase IQ equipment.👍

[@mysolhome]

Thank you sir.

[@yolo_burrito]

The use of common components is really smart.

[@markthompson4099]

I am a solar installer contractor and very savvy with PV systems since 1998. I am very impressed that the technology is now lithium phosphate very safe. I am very impressed with the salesmanship and workmanship displayed. I find many "know it all" newbies that offer "sales" pitches and inferior work. Very impressed by your stating that dangers of cobalt lithium batteries. I give you and your staff a 100% approval. Great video!

[@mysolhome]

Thanks Mark!

[@hectorcorral3484]

This is such a good video explaining all the components of the install. It has helped me with making a template for designing ensemble systems.

[@mysolhome]

Glad to help! Let me know if you need anything else.

[@jrakey09]

Best summary video with real-world application overview. Great work!

[@mysolhome]

Thank you.

[@cmodjeski2891]

Incredible install. That's one of the neater installs I have seen. First company, that can figure a way to reduce the need for all those boxes and conduit into a clean looking install, will take over the solar/battery market.

[@LarryRichelli]

Money can buy anything. Certainly not a eco built system.....top shelf equipment means top shelf money.

[@dannywitz]

Neat videos, I hope you do more of these!!! In the Enpower that toggle switch is a little more complex than an on off switch, it enables manual override or normal operation. Important difference! Feel free to reach out to Enphase training.

[@JohnnyNubs]

I just got the complete IQ system w/32 LG355 Panels. I love this system and I just want to tell you how thankful i am for you explaining everything as the company who did mine did not and i paid way to much. None the less I love my system! I cant thank you enough for this knowledge and ill like and sub just cause you got laughed at! Good to see you guys are close as im in San Diego! Thanks again!

[@davidpollock2245]

No problem John; sorry we didn't meet before you had your system installed. Let us know if you need anything else in the future!

[@shandusa]

I believe that the screw in the solar breakers is required because if you pull that breaker out, the wires on the breaker are energized.

[@money4189]

Every wire on a breaker is energized if the breaker works and is switched on.

[@BadInfluence808]

Good stuff SolHome! I install AND commission these systems here in Hawaii and learn something new everyday with this off grid system 🤙🏽💯

[@mysolhome]

Thanks DeeJay!

[@hungarianhc]

Great video! I'd like to hear more about how the batteries can work WITH solar to potentially supply more than 30 amps in case of an outage, but when the panels are still producing.

[@mysolhome]

Kevin, great suggestion. You are correct; the battery output would then be augmented by the amount of micro inverters on the roof. For example: IQ7 puts out 1 amp per micro inverter. So if you have 20 micro inverters on the roof, you would have up to an additional 20 amps of capacity on top of the battery capacity. This is one of the main differentiators from the Tesla power wall and other solutions that can only turn the solar inverters on or off and not accurately throttle them depending on the current loads or state of charge of the batteries.

[@Joe-qw6il]

I’m an owner installer--I’m about half-way through my install--putting in an 8.8 kw system (400w panels) paired to IQ7A (22) and connecting to combiner 3-es, can i add I. The encharge batts and smart switch later on? Thanks

[@food-forest-resort-market]

you explained very clearly. Thanks.

[@charlesaguirre5916]

I've personally installed over 50 of these ensemble systems.

[@JosePerez-sv6pw]

Great job on the video.

[@mysolhome]

Thanks!

[@benjaminvivar7855]

You guys remind me of IBM, right before Apple changed the PC industry, but what do I know Im excited about your products.

[@ehkdas]

Hi, I was watching the videos, I noticed the home has a main meter panel, and subpanel on top of meter panel outside next to the IQ combiner. Earlier you also showed one sub panel inside next to the Enphase smart switch. I wanted to know how these two subpanels are being used? I mean how the wires are being routed? My understanding is that Main meter panel 200 Amp should directly go the Enphase smart switch(ESS), and then from ESS to sub-panel for home. Can you help me understand this?

[@rickandrew5196]

Hey great video and really informative so thanks. In any future videos can you touch upon California building and fire codes please. I noticed you installed both batteries in the attached garage in this video. I'd love to hear if you have been able to do this since the new building codes went into effect.

[@mysolhome]

It hasn’t been a problem.

[@davidkirk1338]

What was the model of the load center you used for the battery combiner box? I'm trying to find one that works with the Eaton hold down kits that enphase promotes.

[@MrKurtn]

Great video. Green lights mean power in that combiner box so I’d be a little more cautious sticking fingers in it. Looking good.

[@pherdantler707]

Nice job on the video, refreshing to see someone who knows their product. I too, as mentioned by others, would like to know more about the battery function and distribution of generated solar power between battery recovery charging and carrying house load. Are there management functions to minimize power importing? Also, I have a 22K Generac generator. Are there provisions in the Enphase system to interface with generators for long term grid outages where loads may exceed the solar panels/ battery production ability?

[@mysolhome]

Enphase does have provisions for generator input, however the I/O on the Enpower is currently labeled “for future use”. Not sure when they plan to roll out the functionality on that.

[@pherdantler707]

@@mysolhome Thanks for taking the time to respond!

[@LucienDupont]

As far as I can tell it balances filling the battery with house loads. Example right now I am making 2.2kw and it’s providing the .6kw the house is drawing and sending the rest to the battery.

[@jblair2996]

Nice to see the inside of the box's. I'm waiting for my install now, should have it in about 3 weeks. How easy is it to add on more batteries later on? I'm starting out with a 10kW one, but if that's not enough I might add on another one later on.

[@mysolhome]

It is not hard at all to expand the capacity later once the system is set up. Make sure you leave enough room.

[@rodolphedrolet6994]

How do you get permit with a sprinkler head in the room ,many water sprinkler in garage in ga ,did you shut it off with box open ,not heard and input with sprinkler system in home ,have they made a fire proof battery ,??

[@s0012823]

Interesting thing is that in Europe we have 400V 3-fase and 240V 1-fase. The cables are smaller here. Maximum 10mm2 for 40A/240V Main connector switch

[@devancalleja2593]

Explain bonding ground and neutral at the disconnect when to put it and when not to.

[@CC-mj3zq]

Hi there, a good job on the video liked it! Was curious that install looks like it's on the side wall of a garage, was there a height requirement from the floor to the battery in that installation?

[@mysolhome]

In our jurisdiction, they only require 3’ off the ground if the batteries are in the direct path of travel of the vehicle. So, if they were placed on the front wall of the garage, they would need to be 3’ off the ground or have bollards installed.

[@pvon128]

Great practical video on the Ensemble. Now I know what my future system should look like. Do all Encharge batteries need there own DC CB or shutoff? I've have heard that IQ-7 are good only up to 305 W panels and anything bigger should have an IQ7+ Do you have an opinion?

[@mysolhome]

Thank you. Yes, all of the Encharge batteries have integrated DC disconnects. You will also need an AC breaker on the output side as well. Enphase promotes slight over paneling and recommends IQ7 up to 340w modules before switching up to IQ7+.

[@mrteausaable]

How do you re-route some load wires from the Main panel to the critical load subpanel? Do you have to extend the load wires using wire nuts on the main panel to the subpanel box ?

[@mysolhome]

Yes.

[@pogo9162]

TWO INCH?!? Esco zoo wildin with the pipe work

[@FastSound23]

Great job! My question is what the is max input amperage for the IQ battery. In other words what is the max solar panels one can tie with the battery,

[@mysolhome]

The max input amperage for the IQ battery 10 is 16 amps at 240v.

[@d.reidmorgan7531]

Can the pv panels charge the Enphase batteries when the grid is offline? Is this what you mean by two-way flow, both AC to DC and DC to AC that can only happen with the IQ8D's in the Enphase batteries?

[@mysolhome]

That is exactly right. So, if you have sunny days during a grid outage, you could use the solar to recharge the batteries during the day and remain off-grid indefinitely. You would simply need to be mindful of your usage.

[@mrteausaable]

Looks like you wires the power connection of the Envoy System on the Combiner breaker box. How do Envoy report status, get power during the no grid power and runs on the battery power only?

[@mysolhome]

It gets power from the batteries and use a cell modem.

[@mattdeilke3587]

wondering why a system that size the doesn't have as you said "main systems" like the AC hooked up to the panel. I assume with that many panels and 2 battery banks it could handle it or am i wrong there? Nice install and great video!

[@mysolhome]

The “large loads” such as the AC and oven simply draw too many amps for this setup.

[@raymondbracamontesd.c.3776]

@@mysolhome even with a slow start on the AC unit? The batt amps plus the solar amps combined should handle the ac start up no? My best, Ray

[@horscategorie]

Can a small 5-10 kw stand by generator be tied in as well? Solar is great, but batteries can't supply all the power all of the time - Grid down for a week, it would be nice to have the ability to charge the batteries with a generator at night or when demand is higher than solar array and battery output. The Sol-Ark 12k has this ability.

[@mysolhome]

Yes, the hardware is already in the Enpower for a generator. However, Enphase is still working on approvals so it’s not functional just yet. I’m not sure when they are going to roll out the software update to enable the I/O for the generator port.

[@abhishekrockstar4893]

Really nice video for knowledge purpose but just i ask you could you try to make one video for tesla battery.

[@mysolhome]

Unfortunately we are not a Tesla installer.

[@LarryRichelli]

@@mysolhome Also, the Tesla battery 3 is a DC connect battery and I don't see how an Enphase system could charge them without an inverter. I know the Tesla battery 3 does have an inverter but then you are first converting DC to AC on the roof than at the Tesla battery 3 AC to DC and from the battery to the home panel DC back to AC again. At least that is the way I understand it. There is not one video on youtube about connecting any Enpahse system to a DC Battery which is just not right.

[@edwardstanley2195]

Very good system explanation. Why would Enphase not want me to turn off the grid breaker on the controller? I should be able to go off grid If I prefer, unless there is a code, ordinance, or law prohibiting such. What is the logic please?

[@mysolhome]

That is the relay switch, not the grid breaker. You can turn off the main breaker on the existing main panel coming from the utility whenever you want to go off grid.

[@taylor9665]

can you do a video on PV shedding, and maybe even one on load shedding? I feel like thats where many installers could get better, also i think a video on integrating generators would be HUGE

[@BadInfluence808]

Pv shedding isn’t really that bad to understand too . I’ve done about 2 or 3 till I finally understood the jist of how to wire it and how it works . Pretty neat but junk in terms of for the customer having to shed that one string when off grid if it’s needed .

[@troyjohanson5070]

Very informative! How does the cost of the Enphase batteries compare to Tesla power wall?

[@mysolhome]

Enphase lowered their pricing about a month ago so the price is now very comparable. 👍🏻

[@FastSound23]

If I am installing 40 panels of 360w ea. and would like to use 2 IQ battery. How would want split the design to use the battery plus grid tie?

[@mysolhome]

I recommend talking to your local installer to help design a system that meets your needs.

[@philschwarz7233]

We are in much-less-sunny-than-San-Diego Cape Ann, Massachusetts. We're installing a standby generator because solar+20kWh battery won't be enough to keep the pipes from freezing during a prolonged winter outage. (Think blizzard followed by polar vortex with several days without power and below freezing.). We're going to be putting up 7.2+ kW solar as well. Enphase IQ8+ microinverters, because of our east+south+west roof geometry. So for now, the solar system will shut down and the generator will kick in on a grid outage. My question is this: can we add AC coupled batteries (Enphase or otherwise) to the system later on and repurpose the generator to kick in only to charge the battery if the solar array can't do so (at night, or under snow cover or poor winter daytime illumination)? I heard that the pending Federal reconciliation bill will extend the solar tax credit for 10 more years at 30% and that batteries added to an existing solar system will qualify.

[@mysolhome]

The short answer is yes, you can do that with the Enphase system controller with an approved generator.

[@joeljesudoss5416]

I have an existing IQ7+ Solar Panel system which uses envoy. I just signed contract for 3 Encharge 10s install for $33000. However I am reading online that there are issues with zigbee wifi connectivity for encharge batteries, which takes the batteries offline frequently. My main panel is in the garage, the solar meter and solar box(containing the envoy) are on the other side of the house. So where will the encharge 10 batteries be installed? Will it be installed in the garage or on the other side of the house along side the solar box containing the envoy. Will this be a connectivity issue for zigbee and will the encharge 10s be dependable? I dont want to go outside to fix the connectivity issue every few days after dropping $33000. I would much appreciate a quick response, I signed the contract today and have only another 2 days to cancel it.

[@simonpaine2347]

Hello! Very informative. Thank you. This is very similar to the kind of system that I'm looking to install, however in addition to being able to charge my EV, I want to be able to offer my EV battery to the system in a real emergency, via the Generator input. Any thoughts or experience with this kind of operation yet?

[@mysolhome]

They currently do not offer that integration.

[@simonpaine2347]

@@mysolhome Thanks, but don't you think that if the car is connected to the Generator input it will be able to deal with it in the same way?

[@kirkstanford9711]

Nice video! How are you installing Enphase Ensemble grid agnostic systems over a year ago when the Enphase website says the IQ8 microinverters and batteries are still being developed in stages?

[@mysolhome]

This system has been available for purchase for a few years now.

[@kirkstanford9711]

Thanks for the reply. I'll look further.

[@Jedward108]

Great video. What's the advantage of upgrading the existing M250 microinverters?

[@mysolhome]

There really isn’t any big advantage to upgrading at this time other than future-proofing the system. Enphase has made it clear the IQ architecture is designed for long-term evolution designed to work with future upgrades. Enphase has a legacy upgrade program that gives discounts for owners that want to upgrade to the new IQ inverters; the owner decided this was worth it to reset the warranty so basically his entire system has a 25 year warranty starting now (other than the modules that were existing).

[@jankyfpv4081]

What about 40 more watts per inverter?

[@jankyfpv4081]

Sorry that's the 7+

[@jtburn7862]

Do the batteries have to be installed close to the enpower switch? Can they be installed about 30 feet away?

[@mysolhome]

Ideally the closer the better. That far away and you may have communication issues.

[@enkrypt3d]

Can the iq7 inverts do all the same things as the iq8's? Since they're not available yet... I'm about to deploy this system but don't want to wait for the iq8 on the roof

[@mysolhome]

The iq7 is all you need for now; deploy away.

[@donl6501]

What solar panels do you use with Enphase microinverters?

[@mysolhome]

You can use any number of panels, but we have a few manufacturers that we like. It really depends on what is available at time of install; COVID has supply chains in a bind again.

[@abiodunoyelola7285]

I wish I could get all this information on PDF catalogue and how to place an order for this product

[@mysolhome]

Do you live in California?

[@sherwinm]

what is the total output for the 2 batteries. i can't seem to find it. is it around 3.8kWh per battery? so w/ two batteries is it 7.6kWh? i have a tesla charger that charges my cars at 11kWh. so if i wanted that to be backed up too, i would need three IQ10 batteries? is that how it works?

[@djpollock80]

You are correct on all counts. Or you could get away with less batteries by decreasing the charging current of your Tesla.

[@sherwinm]

@@djpollock80 thank you

[@mysolhome]

Looks like I accidentally replied from my personal account. Let me know if you need anything else. Dave

[@jeffadams6416]

How is the car charger powered? Second breaker off of the main or integrated into the Enphase wiring? Can the current Enphase switch accommodate the upcoming electric trucks (Ford, Tesla, etc.) that can act like a battery for the house or will they require an updated Enphase switch? The current one seems to accommodate fixed generator connections (short list of approved manufacturers) but the the truck would definitely not be fixed. However the wiring to whatever Ford/Tesla is planing to provide as the house battery circuit would be fixed. Inquiring minds want to know! Also in the video, why bother with a "critical load" sub panel? Modern appliances and LED lights draw so little power, why not just power the whole sub panel (Scenario 1 in Enphase documentation)? The Homeowner can simply NOT USE the electric oven, electric clothes dryer, car charger, etc. when on backup battery power (assuming he didn't buy enough batteries)? This is how interlock switches work on modern sub panels for generator connections. The whole sub-panel is powered. It's up to the homeowner not to exceed possible generator output when on backup power.

[@mysolhome]

Hi Jeff, without getting too deep into the weeds, this setup worked best for the current equipment, homeowner expectations and needs, and was approved by Enphase design team. They don’t want the possibility of a brown out of you leave too many loads on the batteries. What happens if he sells the house? There is not enough control to simply “trust” that they will not turn on the large loads that would brown out the equipment.

[@mysolhome]

The car charger is directly connected to the main panel and is not in the critical loads panel. Currently there is no talk of integrating Ford trucks into the smart switch.

[@joshchen5415]

Does the Enphase Ensemble work with a string inverter solar set up with a Tesla inverter?

[@mysolhome]

Unfortunately it does not.

[@enkrypt3d]

what is the process of adding additional batteries to an existing enphase system? I want to buy more batteries down the road.

[@mysolhome]

The process is pretty straight-forward. You would need the AC combiner (if you don’t already) and the Enpower switch if you want off-grid capabilities.

[@fly4fun24]

can this solar system Panels w IQ8 work with my 30KW EG4 Battery Pack.??

[@LarryRichelli]

I have the same question and have been asking that question without an answer for the past two months. Not even one video youtube demonstrates how to do this....Enphase to DC Battery.

[@IsaacAlfaro3]

Have you done Circuit load shedding or PV Load shedding?

[@mysolhome]

We have yet to have a system that requires circuit or PV load shedding as of 9/10/21.

[@raymondbracamontesd.c.3776]

It's my understanding that Enphase now has a load management system...how does this work? And would a critical loads panel still be needed with the new load management system? My best, Ray

[@mysolhome]

We actually just used the relays for load shedding on our most recent install. They are simply dry relays that can interrupt a 24v circuit to control the load.

[@rodolphedrolet6994]

I see a water sprinkle bell I think on that out side wall

[@thelion1944]

Our’s should be installed with a month, we hope.

[@ra3975]

Why isnt the ac and oven loads on the backup battery power?

[@mysolhome]

The system as configured could not supply enough current or capacity for those loads. This was not important to this particular homeowner.

[@alexhendrix4585]

Neutral runs are required per local utilities. Advising to install a controller without the neutral run through is extremely dangerous

[@taniksambo1969]

When installing solar, do you need to upgrade your main panels?

[@mysolhome]

I’m most cases you do not. It depends on how big of a system you need/want. Where are you located?

[@taniksambo1969]

@@mysolhome southern California. But my panels also full. Could we remove the 30a dryer breaker and put a sub panel instead for the solar things?

[@GARFIELDTECH]

Have you done an installation with the combiner box using M-215 micro inverters?

[@mysolhome]

Not yet; everyone has chosen to upgrade to the IQ inverters at this point.

[@mysolhome]

This is as of 9/9/21.

[@GARFIELDTECH]

@@mysolhome Could the conbiner also work with a 3 phase system

[@mysolhome]

Unfortunately no, the IQ combiner is only for single phase 120/240 VAC systems.

[@jamied5935]

Where does the comms kit get installed? Smart Switch or IQ combiner?

[@mysolhome]

IQ combiner.

[@jamied5935]

@@mysolhome Thank you. Reason I ask is that my installer not only didn't install consumption CTs for my ESS, but tried saying the comms kit was in the smart switch when I asked them about it, meaning they either took it from the site as it was part of the order, or somehow forgot to install it. Jealous of others that had correctly installed ESS.

[@mysolhome]

@@jamied5935 did you get ESS working?

[@migal6969]

Do you have to have a RSD For the system?

[@mysolhome]

Rapid shutdown is built into the microinverters. You simply shut off the labeled breakers in the combiner and the solar is de-energized almost instantly.

[@gilbrook]

IQ8’s available for roof arrays?

[@mysolhome]

Hi Bill, not quite yet.

[@gilbrook]

Why sub panel since Enphase has auto load shedding?

[@mysolhome]

They do, but it requires relays and is meant to be used for single large loads such as a well pump per Enphase’s example. For multiple branch circuits they recommend this type of setup.

[@gusmartinez90]

How long did it take for the installation?

[@mysolhome]

It takes about 3 days.

[@patriot7633]

I want to learn how to install Battery backup Smart swith to existing Enphsae Combiner Box 3. I am Hoe owner N not an electrician. But know how to install Solar panels, Connections, Combiner Box, Circuit nreakers as hobby.

[@sstch2005]

How long did it take for the install?

[@mysolhome]

It takes about 4-5 days for a typical install.

[@ThomMurphy]

I'd like to see a "the math of solar" series. Going over production calculations, ROI, module to inverter pairing, predicting production impacts, that sort of thing...

[@mysolhome]

Great suggestion.

[@stingk5295]

Question, Cost of a system? 10K

[@mysolhome]

It really depends on the situation. The entire solar and battery backup system can run anywhere from $25k to $80k with multiple batteries and a huge solar array.

[@kgcycles]

If you were considering having solar installed, please think carefully before signing with Soleria Solar Or or Enphase. My system has been installed since September 9 months later and it still does not work. They've been out here and worked on it several times and it still doesn't work. Now I get some of the highest electric bills I've ever had and and a loan that I'm making payments... They don't ask for phone calls or return messages left.. I don't know if they're messing with me or just Incompetent......

[@mysolhome]

Sounds like incompetence to me.

[@Preciouspink]

Can you put any this junk outside?

[@mysolhome]

Yes; All of the junk is exterior rated.

[@rodolphedrolet6994]

Do the panels have locks for child proof at least there so easy to reach have they got sensor like them new table saws it can detect fingers and shut down , all I see is a lot of not child home owners ,do the code at least have a dead bolt on the doors at least to stop sleep walkers ,you hear story's of sleep meds

[@gunlover1955]

I like the way everybody thinks this is a good idea the power company must love the fact you are now responsible for the power station and equipment, lol. AND it only cost you 30,000 dollars.

[@mysolhome]

It feels good to be independent of the unreliable grid with a 25 year warranty.

[@bryanchambers7227]

His guys just want to hurty up, get the job done and go home now theyre stuck making a video lol