[RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ7 versus IQ8

[Mark Frye]

Do you need the additional switch if you use the Enphase battery?

From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> On Behalf Of Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2022 11:38 AM
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: Jason Szumlanski <jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Enphase IQ7 versus IQ8

I am trying to figure out why it is a good idea we use the IQ8 in anything other than a solar only backup scenario. If there are Enphase batteries involved, wouldn't the IQ7 do the same job on the roof? In a straight grid tied scenario, again the IQ7 would do the exact same thing. You would not have an upgrade path to solar only backup, of course.

I'm just having a hard time understanding the value proposition of the IQ8 in most of the situations I encounter. They cost significantly more, and you need an additional rapid shutdown switch when using batteries that can be quite a pain in some scenarios.

Am I missing something about the switching speed, energy harvest capability, or the way they interact with batteries that makes them better?

P.S. I am aware of the very small power output differences by model number and I am referring exclusively to 240 volt applications. I understand the 208 volt advantages of the IQ8.

Jason Szumlanski
Florida Solar Design Group
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