Enphase Energy is a trusted brand in the solar industry and is best known for its microinverters. Microinverters make a solar array into an AC solar array. They invert the DC power produced by a solar array into AC power at each panel. As such Enphase’s IQ series of battery backup systems are AC energy storage systems.
The company offers three lines of batteries in 2024, the IQ Battery 3, IQ Battery 5, and IQ Battery 10. Each is named for the amount of kilowatt hours it can hold. The IQ 3 and IQ 10 are also offered in thinner, lower profile versions IQ 3T and IQ 10T.
The IQ 5P was introduced in 2023. It uses a different battery and isn’t compatible with the IQ 3 and IQ 10 lines.
How Does the Enphase IQ Battery Work?
The Enphase IQ battery storage systems work with or without a solar array. Although usually used with a solar array, homeowners can charge the battery with power from the grid and use it whenever they want. The IQ batteries are configurable to provide power without the electric grid as well.
The batteries use Enphase mircoinverters to convert AC electricity from Enphase microinverter solar panels or the electric grid to DC power. When the power is needed by the home, the electricity is converted back into AC power for use.
How are Enphase IQ Batteries Configured?
Depending on how the system is set up the battery can provide electricity to the electric grid in net-metering systems. It can also provide energy on demand for the home to provide power at night or when electric prices are high. The microgrid system enabled by Enphase microinverters can also isolate itself from the electric grid with a proper cutoff switch when the grid is out to provide power to the home and its appliances and equipment.
Can Multiple Enphase Batteries Work Together?
The batteries are modular, meaning you can add more energy storage if needed. The IQ Battery 3/3T and IQ Battery 10/10T are compatible with each other so you can add an IQ Battery 3 to expand your IQ Battery 10 system. The IQ Battery 5P is only compatible with other 5P batteries.
How Much Energy Does the Enphase IQ Battery Hold?
The IQ Battery 3/3T hold 3.36 kWh each. The IQ Battery 10 models have a usable storage capacity of 10.08 kWh. The IQ Battery 5P stores 4.96 kWh.
What is Enphase’s Battery Warranty?
Enphase offers some of the longest warranties on home energy storage batteries available. The Enphase IQ Battery 3 and IQ Battery 10 models come with a 10-year warranty. The warranties are extendable up to a total of 15 years. The Enphase IQ 5P battery comes with a 15 year warranty.
