When it comes to protecting your home from power outages, the topic of battery backup vs. generator will come up at some point. Most homeowners experience some confusion or uncertainty about which solution is best for them. Fortunately, you may not have to make that choice with the Enphase IQ.
The following article explores the difference between the two backup systems and all you need to know about Enphase storage.
Battery Backup Vs. Generator
The battery backup stores energy harvested from the solar panels or energy pulled from the electric grid. The system offers seamless backup power in case of an outage and has an extremely low maintenance cost. Solar batteries operate on non-renewable energy, and you experience no noise when using them. The main disadvantage of using the batteries is the high buying price and the extra cost incurred in installation.
A power generator generates its electricity by burning fossil fuels like propane, diesel, and natural gas. Most generators of them have a sensor that detects an outage and automatically switches itself on. The generators are less expensive when compared to the batteries. They also come in sizes from small portable to whole-home standby. Given a steady supply of fuel, the machines can operate daily. However, they produce a higher carbon footprint and some are very noisy when operating. Besides the fuel cost, they also require high maintenance.
What Are the Benefits of Using Enphase Storage Solution?
Enphase energy has developed the Enphase storage solution, which offers many of the same capabilities you’ll find in other battery storage solutions, but with the key advantage of being able to integrate with generators. The new storage system is flexible and expandable and has a simple upgrade path for current Enphase users.
The solar panels’ excess electricity can now be stored in the Enphase storage system for later usage rather than sending it back to the grid. Enphase energy grid-forming micro inverters keep the premises powered in case of an outage and saves money when the grid is up.
This storage system comes with unique features, which include;
Storm Guard Technology; This feature enables your Enphase Storage System to prepare itself for a possible power outage automatically. By enabling autopilot mode in this feature, the system can intelligently prepare for a grid outage.
Power Start; The storage system has unique abilities to provide surge current for short-term needs like starting a refrigerator.
Generator integration; The Enphase Storage System has been made to integrate with generators, extending off-grid mode.
Which Enphase Model Is Right for You?
The Enphase IQ storage batteries come in two sizes and two different power and usable capacities. The first model is IQ3, with a power of 1.28 kW and a usable capacity of 3.36 kWh.
The second model is IQ 10t with 12 IQ 8 Microinverters with a power of 3.84 kW and a usable capacity of 10.08 kWh. If in case one micro-inverter fails, the remaining micro inverters keep the power running. Both models have a built-in generator integration meaning that users can now easily connect their solar system with the generators.
For safety, the storage batteries’ cell chemistry is composed of cobalt-free Lithium Iron Phosphate. They have less voltage electricity and are listed as the first microinverter storage system to receive the UL’S 9540A fire safety certification.
Home Energy Solutions at Solar Optimum
Solar Optimum provides a variety of battery storage solutions for both businesses and homeowners. To learn more about the Enphase IQ (for home) or any of the other products we carry, contact us today and we can arrange for you to speak with one of our Energy Coordinators.
