Is it worth it to pay $250 to have the Installer License account for Enphase IQ Envoy

[Lvb]

I just had PV system installed with Enphase IQ7X microinverter, and the installer used Enphase IQ Combiner with IQ Envoy for the monitoring service. As a user/homeowner, I only get basic access to view how much the whole PV is generating through out the day. My installer said that if I want the service account access, I have to pay a 1 time license fee to Enphase of $250 to get all access to my system (kind of like admin access with IQ Envoy, in which you can view the performance of individual panel/micro-inverter, turn the system on/off remotely, etc...).

So I'm wondering if it's really worth it to pay $250 for that. Have anyone has any experience with it? Should I pay for that account service of not?

[Epiphany2000]

I have the same question. One of the reasons I decided to buy microinverters was for panel level monitoring. I like the My Enphase interface (for the most part), but it just provides overall production data. I don't get a lot of shade on my panels, and the system is supposed to self-report problems. Thus, I'm not sure how useful panel level monitoring would be. Maybe it'd just satisfy geeky inclination to delve into technical details. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Lvb]

I have the same question. One of the reasons I decided to buy microinverters was for panel level monitoring. I like the My Enphase interface (for the most part), but it just provides overall production data. I don't get a lot of shade on my panels, and the system is supposed to self-report problems. Thus, I'm not sure how useful panel level monitoring would be. Maybe it'd just satisfy geeky inclination to delve into technical details. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

So i went to my installer's office today to clarify about the account. They told me, even if we pay $250, it's only access to Enlighten Manager (not the Installer Toolkit access, they said only if you have a Solar Installer License, then you can get the license to access the Installer Toolkit). Enlighten Manager basically give you detail energy production report per Panel/Microinverter, not really full access to the whole system. I tried to call Enphase customer support again today to confirm but they are closed for the weekend. Have to check again with them next Monday to see if that's really the case.

Anyway, i'm curious, are you using cell modem for connectivity? or Wifi/Ethernet? I just ran a Cat 5e cable directly to my IQ combiner, (it was using the cell modem before).

[Epiphany2000]

Anyway, i'm curious, are you using cell modem for connectivity? or Wifi/Ethernet? I just ran a Cat 5e cable directly to my IQ combiner, (it was using the cell modem before).

I'm using WiFi. however, there's something amiss today. All the indicator lights are good and the system is connected to the internet (as verified by the router). My Enphase page indicates that it is receiving updates, but shows no production. I looked at the meter earlier, and it was spinning backwards, so I'm definitely getting production. I also rebooted the router and the combiner. It might be a problem with Enphase's servers. I talked to my installer and we agreed that we should just wait and see if the issues clears itself up. Monday is a holiday, so Enphase customer service might be closed. If it's still down on Tuesday, I'll see what I can do and get the installer involved if need be.

It would be easy for me to run Ethernet, and I might consider doing so in the future. Nonetheless, I have good WiFi on the property and the router is in pretty close proximity to the combiner, so there might not be much benefit in doing so.

They told me, even if we pay $250, it's only access to Enlighten Manager (not the Installer Toolkit access, they said only if you have a Solar Installer License, then you can get the license to access the Installer Toolkit). Enlighten Manager basically give you detail energy production report per Panel/Microinverter, not really full access to the whole system..

Thanks for the information. That's good to know. My installer said that panel level data probably isn't worth the price, and I tend to agree, although it would still be interesting to see. He also said that he can see panel level information on his side, and he would send me a screenshot upon request.

I'm a newbie to solar (had my system installed last month), so I'm still learning the ins and outs. Thanks again for the information.

[Lvb]

I'm using WiFi. however, there's something amiss today. All the indicator lights are good and the system is connected to the internet (as verified by the router). My Enphase page indicates that it is receiving updates, but shows no production. I looked at the meter earlier, and it was spinning backwards, so I'm definitely getting production. I also rebooted the router and the combiner. It might be a problem with Enphase's servers. I talked to my installer and we agreed that we should just wait and see if the issues clears itself up. Monday is a holiday, so Enphase customer service might be closed. If it's still down on Tuesday, I'll see what I can do and get the installer involved if need be.

It would be easy for me to run Ethernet, and I might consider doing so in the future. Nonetheless, I have good WiFi on the property and the router is in pretty close proximity to the combiner, so there might not be much benefit in doing so.



Thanks for the information. That's good to know. My installer said that panel level data probably isn't worth the price, and I tend to agree, although it would still be interesting to see. He also said that he can see panel level information on his side, and he would send me a screenshot upon request.

I'm a newbie to solar (had my system installed last month), so I'm still learning the ins and outs. Thanks again for the information.

Phew... i thought something was wrong with my IQ combiner too. All lights were solid green but no production update since 9am this morning. Funny thing is, i just ran the Cat 5e into the combiner and turned off the cell modem, so i thought i screwed something off.

also, for about 3 hours (between 3pm to 5:30pm earlier today, my Enlighten App gave me access to Envoy Manager. Dont know if they had a glitch during their site maintenance or not, but i was able to use Envoy manager for a brief time to see what's functions it provides. I think it's not worth $250, does have much beside wifi setup, each panel detailed info and envoy serial and software info.

i just had my PV installed 3 weeks ago too. Just curious, who was your installer? are you in OC?

[Epiphany2000]

Phew... i thought something was wrong with my IQ combiner too. All lights were solid green but no production update since 9am this morning. Funny thing is, i just ran the Cat 5e into the combiner and turned off the cell modem, so i thought i screwed something off.

Thank you for the information! That makes me feel much more at ease. The problem is therefore most likely on Enphase's side. Hopefully, it will get resolved soon. With any luck, our production data will appear retroactively.

i just had my PV installed 3 weeks ago too. Just curious, who was your installer? are you in OC?

Same here (installed about 3 weeks ago). My installer is Kingdom Solar, and they've been good so far. I'm in Contra Costa County (in the Bay Area), so I'm nowhere near you, but happy to meet your acquaintance

[Lvb]

Thank you for the information! That makes me feel much more at ease. The problem is therefore most likely on Enphase's side. Hopefully, it will get resolved soon. With any luck, our production data will appear retroactively.



Same here (installed about 3 weeks ago). My installer is Kingdom Solar, and they've been good so far. I'm in Contra Costa County (in the Bay Area), so I'm nowhere near you, but happy to meet your acquaintance

Likewise, glad to know someone with same PV configuration.

i have Panasonic 330w panels, 7.26kwH size. Which panels do you have? How much did you paid per watt?

[Epiphany2000]

i have Panasonic 330w panels, 7.26kwH size. Which panels do you have? How much did you paid per watt?

I have Panasonic 330 watt panels as well, 3.96kW system. I paid $4/watt (before tax credits). I went for a relatively small system since my usage is minimal, and credits for overproduction are chump change ($0.02 - $0.04 per kWh).

[Lvb]

I have Panasonic 330 watt panels as well, 3.96kW system. I paid $4/watt (before tax credits). I went for a relatively small system since my usage is minimal, and credits for overproduction are chump change ($0.02 - $0.04 per kWh).

Wow... that's kinda pricey, did u negotiate?. I only paid $2.9/w (i bargained from $3.7 down to $2.9) I guess cause you have a smaller size so they charge higher price.

[Epiphany2000]

Yeah, the cost of installation is a major factor. I got multiple quotes beforehand, and this was the best deal.

[Epiphany2000]

I only paid $2.9/w (i bargained from $3.7 down to $2.9).

Is the price you paid before or after tax credits?

As it were, we had our panels installed while the roof was being replaced. Thus, 30% of the entire project (roof and solar) will be taken as a tax credit.

[Lvb]

Is the price you paid before or after tax credits?

As it were, we had our panels installed while the roof was being replaced. Thus, 30% of the entire project (roof and solar) will be taken as a tax credit.

Yes, my price is before 30% tax rate. It's a non refundable tax credit. So make sure u owe tax in order to claim that. If u get a refund, you won't be able to get it. I'm planning to increase my exemption next year and claim it next year, not this year since i usually get a refund.

my installer offers the same thing if i want to do my roof, but my roof was only about 8 yrs old.

[J.P.M.]

Yes, my price is before 30% tax rate. It's a non refundable tax credit. So make sure u owe tax in order to claim that. If u get a refund, you won't be able to get it. I'm planning to increase my exemption next year and claim it next year, not this year since i usually get a refund.

my installer offers the same thing if i want to do my roof, but my roof was only about 8 yrs old.

It's not getting a refund that's the problem (if it can be called a problem). It's not owing any tax to get a credit against. Any unused federal solar tax credit from solar projects completed in one year can be carried forward to subsequent years. Stop over withholding if that's the cause of your refunds. Or convert IRA funds to ROTH IRA, etc. In any case, see a tax advisor before taking free advise from what are anonymous sources. See a tax advisor.

Also (free advice from an anonymous source), be careful about what you claim as credit for a roof. You'll probably get your tit in the ringer if you get audited and it's discovered you claimed a 30 % credit on a 2,000 ft.^2 roof and have a 300 ft.^2 array. Wholesale puppy porking is frowned upon by the IRS. Just sayin'.

[Epiphany2000]

It's not getting a refund that's the problem (if it can be called a problem). It's not owing any tax to get a credit against. Any unused federal solar tax credit from solar projects completed in one year can be carried forward to subsequent years. Stop over withholding if that's the cause of your refunds...

I don't think it works exactly this way. I believe you need to have tax liability to apply the credit against, not necessarily an amount owed. Not allowing you to take the credit simply because you don't owe taxes seems wrongheaded to me. If you overpaid your taxes by $1000 and then you applied a tax credit of $5000, I suspect that Uncle Sam's (figurative) reaction would be, "Thanks for the interest free loan. Here's a refund for $6,000"

I agree that anonymous sources are often sketchy, but I'm going to cite one now.

If you already paid taxes by withholding them from your paycheck, the federal government will apply the tax credit to a tax refund...
Example 1:

Homeowner #1 buys a $30,000 solar system, meaning they are eligible for a $9,000 tax credit (30% of system costs). Through their employment they pay the government $9,000 in taxes, but this is withheld on their W-9 so they end up paying nothing when they file. In this example, when the federal tax credit is applied to the $0 balance they pay the government, they receive a tax REFUND of $9,000... (removed language about applying the refund to a mosaic loan, since it is not relevant to the discussion). Example 2:

Homeowner #2 also buys a $30,000 solar system but they only pay the federal government $4,500 in taxes because they were on a fixed income. This customer did not withhold any money from their paychecks and pays the full $4,500 when they file. When the $9,000 tax credit is applied, they can only claim $4,500 of it because they only paid that much in taxes. In this example, the customer does not have to pay any taxes that year but they also will not receive a refund check from the IRS.

Source - https://joinmosaic.com/how-does-fede...x-credit-work/

[Epiphany2000]

All lights were solid green but no production update since 9am this morning.

Is you production still not being reflected on My Enlighten? If so, I think I'm going to start a new thread about this. Mine is still down.