Loving my Encharge 10 and 6.12 kW solar panels. On city water and natural gas I am a whole home backup with only limited to not run electric dryer and stove when in outage situation.
@@warmon6 it's close span is working on a RS485 feedback loop to signal the state of the mid. This will let the Span know when to perform in offgrid mode
@@ericlaskey4320 one of the biggest problems that i have with span is it's a new/unknown ( and that can be a good thing or a mixed bag or junkyard but on a 5plus year upgrade that adds complexity to a project but using 1910's-70's~ hardware is opslolete and can be dangerous ect. as this isn't a new car or a pair of shorts that in a year or so you can change your mind about easy ) equipment and it maxed out on the spec sheets at 200A 240v-sp and my and my suburban area has 400A maids so about half's it/makes installation $$$ and a pain
Thanks for another very informative video. I enjoy your videos very much. I live in Western Canada in a province called Alberta. We get alot of sunshine in winter, even though it is cold outside. I'm planning to install solar (hopefully with battery backup) in the near future. At this time we use natural gas for heat and hot water. I've thought about installing a heat pump, would still require backup heat. Do heat pump compressors have the same power surge as air conditioning compressors?
Are these systems blown away by some of the server rack batteries now available? Gyll, for example, can store about 5 kw hours (about half what one of these can store) and only cost about $1500 each and you can get several and get much more capacity for a small fraction of the cost of these two option? Maybe I am missing something?
I’m thinking a hybrid solution might be best. One Enphase or SolarEdge battery, then connect rack storage batteries as you can afford as if a solar generator.
I'm not sure about the specifics of the Enphase and SolarEdge batteries but Ive seen general specs showing LFP batteries have almost double the possible recharge cycles of NMC. The published battery warranty for both companies seems to be 10 years but I wonder if in actuality the Enphase batteries may have a longer usable life?
Your videos are the BEST. Very accurate and fair. So now I'll take a few pokes. I have an Enphase system. I charge my EV just fine off grid with it. Obviously it depends how much solar we are making and the rate of charge is slower than on grid. Solar Edge has a cute outlet in the inverter but it does just the same thing. I know my generator (which has to be a pad based fixed backup generator not a portable) can charge the battery and run essential house loads at the same time while also receiving solar. Can the SE generator do the same and can any generator be used? Correct me if I'm wrong. If you use 20kWh of battery storage (which is really what you need to get through a whole sunless evening), the SE still only has 5kW of power whereas the Enphase IQ10 x 2 =20 kWh has a power output of 7.6 continuous. please correct me if the SE goes up to 10kW of power continuous. In CA with possible power outages the power companies will fill the Enphase battery to capacity (hopefully before they have to pull the plug). That rate of charging is 7kW/h. Does the SE do that? Enphase and SE are working together on software to allow a SE grid tied inverter to work in a microgrid situation. I presently also have a SE system using the HDWave grid tied inverter and I like it very much. Keep up the great work. Thank you
Joe should have talked about the stacking a bit. With enphase, when you add an IQ battery you get twice the battery capacity and twice the power output (continuous and surge). This is because each enphase IQ 'battery' is really a battery and an inverter (or a bunch of little inverters). With the SolarEdge battery system, adding more batteries only gets you more storage - not any more power or surge capability. To do that, you'd need to also add an additional Energy Hub inverter, rather than hook all the batteries to just one. So that makes for a bit more complicated install (and higher cost) - when you consider which one of these systems is better when sizing appropriately for real needs. If you need more than one battery for your loads or desired backup time, the enphase approach is a bit better in simplicity and cost.
@@billjohnson3344 Thanks for the explanation. The redundancy of Enphase is another added feature. If you lose one IQ8 microinverter on the battery you still the eleven more on the IQ 10. Solar Edge also has redundancy on the roof with the optimizers but just one inverter.
It would be an interesting segment to see the Apps for the various systems... The Tesla App is pretty killer, and from what I've been able to clean, it doesn't have any serious rivals. I'm not talking about their product availability, or customer service, both of which I understand leave much to be desired.
I have a Tesla system with 2 Powerwalls It's great, I have had no issues, it got me through the 44hr Houston blackout during the freeze and the power company owes me money every month. The app is cool and lets you customize how the system works for your needs.
Did I miss something, my EnPhase system works fine in off-grid charging batteries and running house. We had an AC setup with central inverter that would NOT do that. I can add additional panels now because I've increased my "total output" on panel grid allotment without adding additional wiring, thus increasing my output. I have a backup generator as well and although it can't charge the batteries, I can monitor battery usage, switch to generator and then back to solar once they are supplying power, and so on. More "work" on my part, but gives me an option. I have 6 IQ batteries (banks of 3 ea) and I can't sustain power for days with cloud cover, that's why I kept my generator, plus live in a canyon with lots of trees! One thing for sure, technology seems to outdo themselves and thanks to Joe for explaining a lot of the likes/dislikes of systems. He helped make my decision.
I have a PV solar system with IQ7+ micro inverters and enphase ensemble batteries. Can you advise on how you added a backup generator and if its a portable to whole home generator? Tk U
@@robdgonz4569 I have two panels in my garage that control the system. One is for "non backup load" and the other is "backup load". My main 200A meter comes to the non-backup panel and then to the EnPhase system, then goes to the non-backup panel, which has two 100A breakers for each of my two sub panels supplying the house. Inside the non-backup panel it is connected by a On/Off generator master breaker for both subs and the generator (portable) is wired to work once they have been disconnected. The non-backup panel has "grid only" circuits that are high amperage and not necessary to run the house. This way, I can run the house on my generator without any connection to the outside world including the solar setup. I did this to conserve minimal battery reserve (at least 10%) in case of an outage and then connect my generator to provide house power. Once I get sunlight and panels can create power, I can disconnect the generator and use solar to charge batteries and run the house. Biggest hurdle is getting the generator out and connected. 😒
Are you able to run your A.C system with your enphase system? I'm thinking of getting a 4ton variable speed unit with a 10kw enphase battery backup system.
Can you discuss battery degradation overtime for these and other battery systems? My understanding is that lithium iron phosphate batteries should be better in this regard. What should we expect for a lifespan for these products?
a small shipping/dead wight penalty for LIFP doesn't matter as much as a car ( as a less power density and heavyweight passenger car 🚘combos reduce the potential accelerating/handling and mpg/ranges and potentials ect. ) as it's bolted down to the floor of the garage and doesn't ever move after installation/use so safety and longevity is more important and lower cost of ownership/ROI, as for peak power yes inverter matters so add more to make up for the difference between the two chemistry types
My understanding is LiFePo batts have the longest life, keep their voltage better and have the most recharges out of all battery types. There is very little downside (if any) compared to most batt types. I've seen 10-15yr warranties.
I have just added 13KWH of Enphase batteries to my 7 KWH Enphase / LG Solar system and the system works very seamlessly. I do notice that the system now uses about 2 KWH/day maintaining the batteries and this seems like too much power drain. I am unable to get a good answer from anyone at Enphase. I would really like to hear from other users if their Enphase batteries show this much power used from their power company each day. I see from your video that for a 2.7kwh use (discharge) of the battery, you show a 5.1 kwh recharge. If this is a daily regular use then using the battery to offset peak rates is not cost effective due to the large cost to recharge the battery the following day. Seeing your example shows me that my system is probably running correctly and the cost of adding Enphase batteries is like reducing my solar system by 1 or 2 solar panels. I look forward to comments from other enphase system owners. Do other backup systems use this much power just to standby?
For some reason I think I read that with the Solar Edge you can only parallel 2 batteries, where the Enphase will allow you 3 parallel batteries, like some other company. If you live on a well why don't you have a battery (tank) for your water system, realistically that battery should carry your house for at least 5 days, and why oh why don't you have a separate solar system for the well pump?
The trend to closed systems is BAD. I cannot understand why SolarEdge hasn't gone with LFP (Lithium Iron Po4) battery tech - given this is the future. So Can I use an Enphase battery with a SolarEdge Energy hub?
Again, another very informative and well done presentation. If I were to invest in solar energy I would definitely contact your company. I would also recommend others considering solar installation to view your videos. Is there any talk about using other forms of metal such as iron vs lithium for storage? Is there any talk about using solar energy to produce hydrogen for energy storage in fuel cells? From what I understand, using iron based batteries or fuel cells allow for greater energy storage density than lithium. Also, iron and hydrogen(from electrolysis of water) are cheaper than lithium because they are more abundant and environmentally friendly than lithium. To me, I think using solar energy to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is the best way to go. Charging cars with fuel cells is much quicker than than charging cars with lithium batteries.
I recommend solar edge. Keep everything under one brand and one warranty. I have seen lots of problems in the past with solar edge and LG blaming each other for system malfunctions.
What other states have a 1 for 1 credit for NEM ? Also has Virginia changed the size of the maximum system to 20Khw before stand by chargers? Thank you for the help.
Hi and thanks for writing in. Virginia has raised the limit to 15kW AC before incurring standby charges. There are many other states that offer 1-for-1 net metering, including NC, SC, MD, FL, and NJ.
@@SolarSurge You got me excited. Also are these states limited to the size of the system before stand by chargers? Who allows the biggest system without stand by fees? BTW thank you for the fast response and help!! 👍👍
Are you able to run your A.C system with your enphase system? I'm thinking of getting a 4ton variable speed unit with a 10kw enphase battery backup "full energy independence system"
Hey Travis and thank you for writing in. That is a very good question. I would say Enphase is more vulnerable to an EMP, but most likely both systems would fail given a direct hit. You should consider adding EMP shield to your solar system regardless of which brand you choose.
I have a question. I live in the Southern California Edison are. Time of day rates would be a priority and air conditioning is not. We have no special heavy starting loads. Is it more important to size the solar to charge the battery or to size it to support the house. It seems like the battery is more critical as a source than the solar. Thoughts?
Hi Mark and thank you for writing in. It really depends on what your priorities are. If we are going for 100% electric bill coverage, then we size the system based on your historical electrical consumption. If this is a back up system only, then we can size the system based on your emergency power needs only.
Is SolarEdge looking at integrating load management into their hardware like Enphase does. I do release that SolarEdge can use a Span panel...but doesn't that come at a significant cost increase vs. the Enphase architecture? My best, Ray
Hi Ray and thanks for writing in. Great questions here. I would expect SolarEdge to announce its own load management system this year. SolarEdge also does have the "backup interface," which allows for whole-house backup.
@@SolarSurgeso solar edge doesn't use a critical loads panel? How does it prioritize which circuit are live during a grid down scenario? Thanks Joe, My best, Ray
Loving my Encharge 10 and 6.12 kW solar panels. On city water and natural gas I am a whole home backup with only limited to not run electric dryer and stove when in outage situation.
Hi Mike and thanks for writing in. Yes for someone in your situation being on city utilities, the Encharge is a great fit.
Do you have central air? Does it run on back up?
@@Chispaluz yes and yes. Added a soft start to the compressor to take care of the startup spike.
I would be interested in seeing how the SPAN panel works with each of these.
For enphase, last ive checked, still not compatible.
Seems like the enphase system duplicates the functionality of the Span panel. So it wouldn’t make sense to have both.
@@warmon6 it's close span is working on a RS485 feedback loop to signal the state of the mid. This will let the Span know when to perform in offgrid mode
@@JasonAndrade427 thanks for the heads up! will certainly have to keep an ear out for when there is compatibility.
@@ericlaskey4320 one of the biggest problems that i have with span is it's a new/unknown ( and that can be a good thing or a mixed bag or junkyard but on a 5plus year upgrade that adds complexity to a project but using 1910's-70's~ hardware is opslolete and can be dangerous ect. as this isn't a new car or a pair of shorts that in a year or so you can change your mind about easy ) equipment and it maxed out on the spec sheets at 200A 240v-sp and my and my suburban area has 400A maids so about half's it/makes installation $$$ and a pain
Excellent video Joe, the education is outstanding.
Thanks for another very informative video. I enjoy your videos very much. I live in Western Canada in a province called Alberta. We get alot of sunshine in winter, even though it is cold outside. I'm planning to install solar (hopefully with battery backup) in the near future. At this time we use natural gas for heat and hot water. I've thought about installing a heat pump, would still require backup heat. Do heat pump compressors have the same power surge as air conditioning compressors?
Yes
Are these systems blown away by some of the server rack batteries now available? Gyll, for example, can store about 5 kw hours (about half what one of these can store) and only cost about $1500 each and you can get several and get much more capacity for a small fraction of the cost of these two option? Maybe I am missing something?
I’m thinking a hybrid solution might be best. One Enphase or SolarEdge battery, then connect rack storage batteries as you can afford as if a solar generator.
I'm also wondering this....
yes you guys are rite it would be more of a smart choice to get these racks installed with a generator that charges directly
We r
100%
Another great video, well presented and understandable. Good job, thanks.
I'm not sure about the specifics of the Enphase and SolarEdge batteries but Ive seen general specs showing LFP batteries have almost double the possible recharge cycles of NMC. The published battery warranty for both companies seems to be 10 years but I wonder if in actuality the Enphase batteries may have a longer usable life?
Your videos are the BEST. Very accurate and fair. So now I'll take a few pokes. I have an Enphase system. I charge my EV just fine off grid with it. Obviously it depends how much solar we are making and the rate of charge is slower than on grid. Solar Edge has a cute outlet in the inverter but it does just the same thing.
I know my generator (which has to be a pad based fixed backup generator not a portable) can charge the battery and run essential house loads at the same time while also receiving solar. Can the SE generator do the same and can any generator be used?
Correct me if I'm wrong. If you use 20kWh of battery storage (which is really what you need to get through a whole sunless evening), the SE still only has 5kW of power whereas the Enphase IQ10 x 2 =20 kWh has a power output of 7.6 continuous. please correct me if the SE goes up to 10kW of power continuous.
In CA with possible power outages the power companies will fill the Enphase battery to capacity (hopefully before they have to pull the plug). That rate of charging is 7kW/h. Does the SE do that?
Enphase and SE are working together on software to allow a SE grid tied inverter to work in a microgrid situation. I presently also have a SE system using the HDWave grid tied inverter and I like it very much.
Keep up the great work. Thank you
Joe should have talked about the stacking a bit. With enphase, when you add an IQ battery you get twice the battery capacity and twice the power output (continuous and surge). This is because each enphase IQ 'battery' is really a battery and an inverter (or a bunch of little inverters). With the SolarEdge battery system, adding more batteries only gets you more storage - not any more power or surge capability. To do that, you'd need to also add an additional Energy Hub inverter, rather than hook all the batteries to just one. So that makes for a bit more complicated install (and higher cost) - when you consider which one of these systems is better when sizing appropriately for real needs. If you need more than one battery for your loads or desired backup time, the enphase approach is a bit better in simplicity and cost.
@@billjohnson3344 Thanks for the explanation. The redundancy of Enphase is another added feature. If you lose one IQ8 microinverter on the battery you still the eleven more on the IQ 10. Solar Edge also has redundancy on the roof with the optimizers but just one inverter.
It would be an interesting segment to see the Apps for the various systems... The Tesla App is pretty killer, and from what I've been able to clean, it doesn't have any serious rivals. I'm not talking about their product availability, or customer service, both of which I understand leave much to be desired.
Tesla Battery is all looks. Not that great.
I have a Tesla system with 2 Powerwalls
It's great, I have had no issues, it got me through the 44hr Houston blackout during the freeze and the power company owes me money every month.
The app is cool and lets you customize how the system works for your needs.
Did I miss something, my EnPhase system works fine in off-grid charging batteries and running house. We had an AC setup with central inverter that would NOT do that. I can add additional panels now because I've increased my "total output" on panel grid allotment without adding additional wiring, thus increasing my output. I have a backup generator as well and although it can't charge the batteries, I can monitor battery usage, switch to generator and then back to solar once they are supplying power, and so on. More "work" on my part, but gives me an option. I have 6 IQ batteries (banks of 3 ea) and I can't sustain power for days with cloud cover, that's why I kept my generator, plus live in a canyon with lots of trees!
One thing for sure, technology seems to outdo themselves and thanks to Joe for explaining a lot of the likes/dislikes of systems. He helped make my decision.
I have a PV solar system with IQ7+ micro inverters and enphase ensemble batteries. Can you advise on how you added a backup generator and if its a portable to whole home generator? Tk U
@@robdgonz4569 I have two panels in my garage that control the system. One is for "non backup load" and the other is "backup load". My main 200A meter comes to the non-backup panel and then to the EnPhase system, then goes to the non-backup panel, which has two 100A breakers for each of my two sub panels supplying the house. Inside the non-backup panel it is connected by a On/Off generator master breaker for both subs and the generator (portable) is wired to work once they have been disconnected. The non-backup panel has "grid only" circuits that are high amperage and not necessary to run the house. This way, I can run the house on my generator without any connection to the outside world including the solar setup. I did this to conserve minimal battery reserve (at least 10%) in case of an outage and then connect my generator to provide house power. Once I get sunlight and panels can create power, I can disconnect the generator and use solar to charge batteries and run the house. Biggest hurdle is getting the generator out and connected. 😒
Are you able to run your A.C system with your enphase system? I'm thinking of getting a 4ton variable speed unit with a 10kw enphase battery backup system.
Can you discuss battery degradation overtime for these and other battery systems? My understanding is that lithium iron phosphate batteries should be better in this regard. What should we expect for a lifespan for these products?
a small shipping/dead wight penalty for LIFP doesn't matter as much as a car ( as a less power density and heavyweight passenger car 🚘combos reduce the potential accelerating/handling and mpg/ranges and potentials ect. ) as it's bolted down to the floor of the garage and doesn't ever move after installation/use so safety and longevity is more important and lower cost of ownership/ROI, as for peak power yes inverter matters so add more to make up for the difference between the two chemistry types
My understanding is LiFePo batts have the longest life, keep their voltage better and have the most recharges out of all battery types. There is very little downside (if any) compared to most batt types. I've seen 10-15yr warranties.
Very helpful, I'm in the process of choosing between these two systems.
OK great. We are here to help if you need some comparison quotes.
How many cycles of charging will the solar edge batteries accomplish? Say down to 20% and charging up to 80%!
I have just added 13KWH of Enphase batteries to my 7 KWH Enphase / LG Solar system and the system works very seamlessly.
I do notice that the system now uses about 2 KWH/day maintaining the batteries and this seems like too much power drain. I am unable to get a good answer from anyone at Enphase. I would really like to hear from other users if their Enphase batteries show this much power used from their power company each day.
I see from your video that for a 2.7kwh use (discharge) of the battery, you show a 5.1 kwh recharge. If this is a daily regular use then using the battery to offset peak rates is not cost effective due to the large cost to recharge the battery the following day.
Seeing your example shows me that my system is probably running correctly and the cost of adding Enphase batteries is like reducing my solar system by 1 or 2 solar panels.
I look forward to comments from other enphase system owners. Do other backup systems use this much power just to standby?
Can you do a video on lifepo4 big batteries vs?
Love your station. Is there a way to charge Tesla PW's with a backup generator?
Hi Al and thanks for writing in. No, Tesla does not support battery recharge from a generator at this time.
For some reason I think I read that with the Solar Edge you can only parallel 2 batteries, where the Enphase will allow you 3 parallel batteries, like some other company.
If you live on a well why don't you have a battery (tank) for your water system, realistically that battery should carry your house for at least 5 days, and why oh why don't you have a separate solar system for the well pump?
You can parallel 2 SolarEdge batteries per inverter. Then you can have up to three inverters per home system. So Max six SolarEdge batteries per home.
Meek, the Enphase can parallel 4 batteries for up to 40kwh
The trend to closed systems is BAD. I cannot understand why SolarEdge hasn't gone with LFP (Lithium Iron Po4) battery tech - given this is the future. So Can I use an Enphase battery with a SolarEdge Energy hub?
A question,
Kan you combine Solaredge inverter with Enphase battery?
Thanks
No
Great content. Thanks
Good information.
Great video! 👍
Again, another very informative and well done presentation. If I were to invest in solar energy I would definitely contact your company. I would also recommend others considering solar installation to view your videos.
Is there any talk about using other forms of metal such as iron vs lithium for storage? Is there any talk about using solar energy to produce hydrogen for energy storage in fuel cells? From what I understand, using iron based batteries or fuel cells allow for greater energy storage density than lithium. Also, iron and hydrogen(from electrolysis of water) are cheaper than lithium because they are more abundant and environmentally friendly than lithium. To me, I think using solar energy to produce hydrogen for fuel cells is the best way to go. Charging cars with fuel cells is much quicker than than charging cars with lithium batteries.
Which battery can you stack the most
The Enphase is most stackable. Up to 40kWh (4x 10 units).
This guy is someone who is quite educated in solar.
It seems to me that the Enphase slightly edges this out due to the smarts of the battery?.
For customers looking at SolarEdge inverters do you recommend the SolarEdge battery vs the LG Resu Prime?
I recommend solar edge. Keep everything under one brand and one warranty. I have seen lots of problems in the past with solar edge and LG blaming each other for system malfunctions.
@@SolarSurge Thanks. I get the benefits of a single vendor. What about features and value differences between the two?
What other states have a 1 for 1 credit for NEM ? Also has Virginia changed the size of the maximum system to 20Khw before stand by chargers? Thank you for the help.
Hi and thanks for writing in. Virginia has raised the limit to 15kW AC before incurring standby charges. There are many other states that offer 1-for-1 net metering, including NC, SC, MD, FL, and NJ.
@@SolarSurge You got me excited. Also are these states limited to the size of the system before stand by chargers? Who allows the biggest system without stand by fees? BTW thank you for the fast response and help!! 👍👍
Are you able to run your A.C system with your enphase system? I'm thinking of getting a 4ton variable speed unit with a 10kw enphase battery backup "full energy independence system"
how about availability? Both seem to be on backorder for quite a while
SolarEdge is the most available at the moment if you're looking for a fast install.
Joe, what is the max as far as batterys go on the enphase ensemble system 4 IQ 10's for 40 kwh or can you add more like 5 or 6 batterys?
The e phase has a smaller inverter. LFP works way better than your Opinion
Another Great Video!!!👍
Thank You🙏
Any Advantage on either system when it comes to Solar Flares or EMP?
Travis
Semper Fi
Hey Travis and thank you for writing in. That is a very good question. I would say Enphase is more vulnerable to an EMP, but most likely both systems would fail given a direct hit. You should consider adding EMP shield to your solar system regardless of which brand you choose.
I have a question. I live in the Southern California Edison are. Time of day rates would be a priority and air conditioning is not. We have no special heavy starting loads. Is it more important to size the solar to charge the battery or to size it to support the house. It seems like the battery is more critical as a source than the solar. Thoughts?
Hi Mark and thank you for writing in. It really depends on what your priorities are. If we are going for 100% electric bill coverage, then we size the system based on your historical electrical consumption. If this is a back up system only, then we can size the system based on your emergency power needs only.
6. how reliable is each system.
I would say it's too soon to tell. We'll know more in about a year with real numbers.
@@SolarSurge Thanks Joe as always an honest answer
Can a solar edge inverter be used without a service from the cloud provider, as a dumb grid tie inverter? How about with a battery?
Yes you can use the SolarEdge inverter disconnected from the cloud.
@@SolarSurge - what if you buy one used, and can not commission it?
@@SolarSurge - how about purchases used, formerly commissioned, but purchased used / recycled?
Is SolarEdge looking at integrating load management into their hardware like Enphase does.
I do release that SolarEdge can use a Span panel...but doesn't that come at a significant cost increase vs. the Enphase architecture?
My best,
Ray
Hi Ray and thanks for writing in. Great questions here. I would expect SolarEdge to announce its own load management system this year. SolarEdge also does have the "backup interface," which allows for whole-house backup.
@@SolarSurgeso solar edge doesn't use a critical loads panel? How does it prioritize which circuit are live during a grid down scenario?
Thanks Joe,
My best,
Ray
Wait Joe. Someone in the comment section of another one of your video says that you serve Florida now?
Yes we have all of Florida covered!
Enphase really needs to get up to speed with EV being part of the solution.
Is there an Enphase app? Anybody?
4% difference in capacity would not be close to a 3 vs a 4. Make them both a 3 or both a 4.
I don’t want a cheap SolarEdge product that has a central point of failure. Its worth spending the nominal difference in price.
The EV industry including Tesla is switching to LFP
ENPH battery Asia made cheap stuff
please consider publishing also on Odysee
. i'm deemphasizing RUclips because of its complicity in fomenting violence against LGBTQIA individuals