[RE-wrenches] Adding battery backup to Enphase

Drake drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org
Mon Oct 26 10:39:03 PDT 2015


A possible option, that would lend complexity to 
the system, would be to use a relay driver to 
drop banks of micro inverters and end up with one 
or two charging when the battery voltage is at 
absorb. It wouldn't be perfect, but a significant improvement.

At 11:25 AM 10/26/2015, you wrote:
> 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.Â
>
>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.Â
>Rebekah
>
>
>On Mon, Oct 26, 2015 at 9:51 AM, Drake 
><<mailto:drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org>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/>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™
>><tel:970.672.4342>970.672.4342
>>
>>Â
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