Full Energy Independence
Full Energy Independence with IQ8 Series Microinverters provides homeowners with power for running appliances during a grid outage. This configuration is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to install a new microinverter system or don’t want to be constrained by any ratio between the PV and battery arrays.
Overview
In this configuration, the Enphase Energy System provides all-day backup using IQ8 Series Microinverters and IQ Batteries. The system must have at least 10 kWh of IQ Batteries installed. Depending on the IQ Battery sizing, the system will be able to sustain off-grid operation for extended periods of time. This use case supports backing up all the loads in the home. Note that the batteries must be sized correctly to supply the loads. Two IQ Load Controllers can be installed to enable fine-grained control of backed-up loads.
Components
All the important parts you’ll need for the IQ8 Series Full Energy Independence configuration.
IQ8 Series Microinverter
Our newest microinverters are the industry’s first grid-forming microinverters with split-phase power conversion capability to convert DC power to AC power efficiently.
IQ Battery
The Enphase IQ Battery all-in-one AC-coupled storage system is reliable, smart, simple, and safe. It has a total usable energy capacity of up to 10.08 kWh and multiple embedded grid-forming microinverters with a 3.84 kW power rating. With two different sizes, installers can quickly design the right system size to meet the needs of their solar customers.
IQ System Controller 2
The Enphase IQ System Controller 2 connects the home to grid power, IQ Batteries, and solar panels.
IQ Combiner 4/4C
The IQ Combiner consolidates interconnection equipment into a single enclosure, streamlining solar and storage installations by providing a consistent, pre-wired solution for residential applications. The IQ Combiner 4C has an integrated 4G LTE CAT M1 cellular modem while IQ Combiner 4 does not. The IQ Combiner 4/4C is IQ8-ready for Solar Only as well as backup-capable systems.
IQ Load Controller
While off-grid, the IQ Load Controller helps power your critical loads longer by shedding nonessential loads. It can also help ensure the right solar-to-storage ratio for an off-grid system.
System Shutdown Switch
The System Shutdown Switch provides rapid shutdown capability, as required by NEC standard, for IQ8 Series Microinverters when used with IQ System Controller 2. This switch and IQ System Controller 2 are certified to the UL1741 PVRSE requirement. The component also contains necessary labels that are required as per the NEC to identify a rapid shutdown initiator.
Eaton Type BR circuit breaker hold-down screw kit
The Eaton Type BR circuit breaker hold-down screw kit is designed to secure a double-pole circuit breaker to the main load center in back-feed main applications.
Eaton hold-down kit for PV breakers in IQ Combiner
Eaton hold-down kit for IQ PV breakers in IQ Combiners. Includes retainer and 2 screws. Supports two breakers per kit.
Communications Kit
The Communications Kit enables direct communication between the IQ Battery, the IQ System Controller, and the IQ Gateway or IQ Combiner box. It uses 2.4 GHz and 915 MHz frequencies in parallel for maximum reliability.
System diagram
Review the high-level summary of the wiring for the IQ8 Series Full Energy Independence configuration. For more detail, refer to the installation guide.
Important tips
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Systems with IQ8 Series Microinverters require an IQ Gateway software version of 7 or later. If an update is needed, it will be automatically applied during the commissioning process.
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IQ Gateways with software version 7.0.85 or later can be managed only with version 3.24 or later of the Enphase Installer App (formerly known as Installer Toolkit). Be sure to update your Enphase Installer App in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before installation.
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Systems with IQ8 Series Microinverters must contain only IQ8 Series Microinverters as they are incompatible with older generations of Enphase microinverters, including IQ6 and IQ7 Series Microinverters. This applies for all system configurations, with and without storage.
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IQ Combiner 4 and IQ Combiner 4C support hold-down kits on four circuits. Backup systems with IQ8 Series Microinverters require hold-down kits on all PV circuits.
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Full Energy Independence backup systems support granular control of up to four load circuits. This requires the installation of two IQ Load Controllers to control all four load circuits.
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Full Energy Independence backup systems with IQ8 Series Microinverters require the use of an IQ System Controller 2. IQ System Controller (formerly known as Enpower) is incompatible.
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Full Energy Independence backup systems require the use of the Enphase System Shutdown Switch. The System Shutdown Switch is sold separately and available from your Enphase distributor.
Documentation
Download every data sheet, installation guide, and tech brief for all Enphase products.
Frequently asked questions
Review our IQ8 Series FAQ for a complete list of common questions and answers to help you plan and install this system.
