Enphase IQ 80 EV Charger

[sparta]

Has anyone considered using the Enphase IQ 80 EV Charger to keep your truck topped up during grid outages? Seems like combined with a critical loads panel and the 240V outlet in the Lightning it would be a cheaper alternative to HIS for sustained backup power, especially if you've already got an Enphase solar system on your house. The cost of the charger isn't even significantly more than what I'd expect to pay for a standard 80amp L2 unit without solar integration.

Seriously considering selling my FCSP that I've yet to install to offset the purchase of this unit.

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[LightningMcqueen]

I am waiting on the bidirectional charger.

 

[invertedspear]

I have an Enphase Solar system. When grid power goes down, so does my house. I don't think it would supply anything to the car charger during an outage without you making some warranty voiding modifications.

The biggest advantage of this charger is that it ties into the solar computer, and ensures that I'm only charging with power that's in excess of what the rest of the home is using. Valuable, but not worth the cost. For comparison, my power company sold me a JuiceBox JB40 for $350, the 40a Enphase is $800, I don't think it's power management is worth that expense compared to me just setting good charge windows.

 

[sparta]

I have an Enphase Solar system. When grid power goes down, so does my house. I don't think it would supply anything to the car charger during an outage without you making some warranty voiding modifications.

I wonder if this is an updated version? Their main product page specifically calls out keeping your EV charged when the grid is down.

 

[sparta]

I wonder if this is an updated version? Their main product page specifically calls out keeping your EV charged when the grid is down.

Corrected link and screenshot.

 

[invertedspear]

That tile is the only place that's mentioned and it's in the section "Complete Home Energy" So I'm willing to bet it only applies when you also have a home battery and a complete off-grid capable system.

This is one area I'd love to be wrong, as this would be great for my setup and probably worth a couple grand to add to my system.

 

[sparta]

Good point, didn't consider that it would require a battery. If it does, that kinda kills the whole idea.

 

[v2h8484]

It's technically possible to charge and run other loads without a battery if you have a iQ8 Sunlight backup system. Not sure it's practical to charge a Lightning though.

 

[Blochead21]

If you are line tied with solar you would need the system controller so it can disconnect from the grid and be able to charge a battery or EV. The system controller will also be required for the bi-directional charger.

 

[sparta]

It's technically possible to charge and run other loads without a battery if you have a iQ8 Sunlight backup system. Not sure it's practical to charge a Lightning though.

This is exactly what I was looking for, thank you! I realize the system wouldn't be able to fully charge the lightning in a day (~8kW system here), but was thinking it could help slow the depletion (or even maintain the charge level) of the battery as it is used for powering a critical loads panel in the event of a multi day outage.

Unfortunately I sit here with IQ7s and a Combiner 3, so I'm SOL either way, with no chance I could ever justify the cost of that upgrade.

 

[Bigbuckhunter71]

I install an 8kw solar system myself as a home owner (electrian by trade) and have come to the conclusion that the ford system(HIS) is the best all around system, even though it only has a 4 kw inverter (now for sale to the home owner),it's still the best system for going off grid and charging.
I was going to install the newest Iq8 sunlight micro inverters also but you still need a enphase transfer switch which has more enphase micro inverters in that unit.
My only consideration to both system is that sunrun is the contractor in our area who will program the ford complete HIS,where as enphase you can do it yourself or hire any electrical contractor.
FYI I was only dreaming that my lightning would be considered a battery backup system when hooked up so we should get 30% back from cost of the battery/truck from the Feds.

 

[kendotelie]

As someone else mentioned. I too am waiting for the bidirectional charging. I already purchased a level 2 charger so I'm not gonna spend money on another..it's not transformational enough to warrant the cost but bidirectional will be.

I have a 14.5kw system 44 iq7 panels

 

[weekdaysailor]

I have an Enphase Solar system. When grid power goes down, so does my house.

Not if you have an AC-coupled inverter/battery combo (Enphase or Tesla) even my M250 inverters will work.

 

[weekdaysailor]

It's technically possible to charge and run other loads without a battery if you have a iQ8 Sunlight backup system. Not sure it's practical to charge a Lightning though.

You'd need a massive array to pump out 80amps. I asked my solar guy about these once, and his reply "How would you feel about your power going out every time a cloud passes?"

 

[weekdaysailor]

Has anyone considered using the Enphase IQ 80 EV Charger to keep your truck topped up during grid outages? Seems like combined with a critical loads panel and the 240V outlet in the Lightning it would be a cheaper alternative to HIS for sustained backup power, especially if you've already got an Enphase solar system on your house. The cost of the charger isn't even significantly more than what I'd expect to pay for a standard 80amp L2 unit without solar integration.

Seriously considering selling my FCSP that I've yet to install to offset the purchase of this unit.

It's the other bits.. "Enphase Energy System" - they mean a battery

I am waiting for the first brave soul who will test whether Enphase inverters (m250/IQ) will sync off the ProPower inverter - has anyone checked the frequency/stability of the on-board inverter? If it worked...basically plug into a generator outlet, plug in your (32amp..) charger to soak up any PV production and that should protect the inverter from any inrush, but I know just enough to be dangerous...

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