[RE-wrenches] Adding battery backup to Enphase

[Rebekah Hren]

>From my discussions with Enphase at Intersolar/SPI I do not believe their
first gen battery will be capable of or designed for battery backup, it was
designed for "energy management" as mentioned. Sounded like it would be
another year at least before they staart selling it for battery backup
systems. But...we will see.

I also think the Outback GSLC175-AC-120/240 is a good choice for
integration with Enphase. But since their ROCB is basically a blackout
relay the system isn't likely to ever 3 stage charge lead acid batteries
when the grid is down, so if this guy really thinks the grid is going down
forever you might not want to mention that to him. This is much better
design for grid-tied battery backup systems with lead acid which wouldn't
be damaged  just hitting bulk voltage and not going through absorb the few
times a year the grid is likely to be down.
Rebekah


On Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 9:51 AM, Drake <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org
> wrote:

> Hello Dan,
>
> We are preparing to install a similar system. Enphase now allows AC
> coupling. We have specified the Radian. The batteries will be Concorde AGM,
> either 305 or 405 AH. Concorde AGMs are useful because they can take a very
> fast charge rate. With over 6 kW available to charge batteries, the charge
> rate would exceed C/5 for an L-16 battery, which the Concorde L-16 (405 AH)
> can easily handle with one string. The Concorde 305 AH can handle it also.
> The Radian 8048 can AC couple 6kW.
>
> The Radian GSLC175-AC-120/240 load center is set up for AC coupling.
>
> Drake
>
> Drake Chamberlin
>
>
>
>
>
> *Athens Electric LLC OH License 44810 CO License 3773 NABCEP Certified
> Solar PV 740-448-7328 *http://athens-electric.com/
>
> At 06:32 PM 10/25/2015, you wrote:
>
> Esteemed wrenches;
> I have a new client who has convinced himself the world as we know it will
> be ending in the next few months. He has ~6kW of Enphase and wants to add
> battery backup for critical loads.....quite a few of them. I recommended he
> buy some Kill-a-Watt units and start to monitor kWh usage.Â
> My first thought was the new Enphase "AC Battery system." Is this even
> available for purchase yet, and if so has anyone here tried it? I'm
> thinking ease if compatibility, tech support, warranty......
> Otherwise will likely AC couple a new inverter.  I was thinking an
> Outback Radian, and lithium batteries (looking at Iron Edison) as my
> prediction is they will be mostly sitting idle for the next 10 years at
> least. Any pitfalls, horror stories, and no-nos anyone is willing to share?
> Crossed off NiFe; my house runs on them and they are fairly
> high-maintenance, as I predict this client will be.
>
> Dan Fink
> Adjunct Professor, Ecotech Institute
> IREC Certified Instructor™ for:Â
> ~ PV Installation Professional
> ~ Small Wind Installer
> Executive Director, Buckville Energy
> NABCEP / IREC / ISPQ Accredited Continuing Education Providers™
> 970.672.4342
>
> Â
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-- 
Tel: 336.266.8800
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