[RE-wrenches] Adding battery backup to Enphase

Chris Worcester chris at solarwindworks.com
Mon Oct 26 11:53:48 PDT 2015


Hi all, 

We are scheduling our next Enphase system now using the new Envoy-S and S280
micro’s. Reminds me of the Tesla S for some reason, like the data sheets on
the Envoy-S “ Envoy-S is the platform for total energy management and
integrates with the Enphase AC Battery.”  The Enphase S280 also eludes to
this “The S280 is compatible with storage systems, including battery
management systems.

Our primary reason for the S280 is more output with 310 watt LG NeON2
modules, not the potential with the battery interface, although this didn’t
go unnoticed! We didn’t attend the shows, and now you have me wondering what
is around the corner, as our client is also wanting to head into a battery
based system one day.

 

Chris Worcester

Solar Wind Works

NABCEP Certified PV Installer

Office 530-582-4503

Cell 530-448-9692

Fax 530-582-4603

www.solarwindworks.com

chris at solarwindworks.com

 

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Drake
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2015 10:39 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Adding battery backup to Enphase

 

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. 

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 Â
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
<mailto: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. 

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

 

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