Are Enphase Micro Converters still energized during a power outage?

[Vich]

My question: Is the power cut-off done at the Enphase IQ8 MicroInverter during a power outage?

Background: We have a fairly standard residential solar installation for California. 21 Panisonic panels with roof mounted EnPhase IQ8 microinverters, arranged in 3 arrays of 7 panels each to the $700 combiner with no batteries. We're on a California NEM 2.0 agreement.

We didn't install a cut-off switch for battery use but even if one of the arrays could energize a single non-grid-connected outlet I'd be happy. We have 5KWh of portable EcoFlow batteries that'll power the essentials for 24 hours, but I'd really like the option to charge them using the panels if a failure lasts beyond that.

We're in the well off and densely populated city of Newport Beach, so extended outages are highly unlikely, but a large section of Irvine (just next door) did have a 4 day outage a few years ago due to a major fire at a relay station. So it could happen, intended (terrorism caused) or otherwise. The Irvine one was deemed as unintended.

2 years ago the installer wanted a whopping $7K to add the cut-off switch, even without a battery. The Fed would have paid 30%, but it was still too steep for something we're not likely to ever need more than once or twice. So I spent $2K on portable batteries instead.

So now, 2 year later and with a Solar industry on the cusp of desperation, I'm wondering if solutions have evolved? Is there room to get inventive (without risking our 20 year NEM 2.0 agreement). I think if a power outage simply tells the MicroInverters to stop producing, then game over. If doing a homeowner's hack to bypass this could risk our NEM 2.0 contract, then game over.

Suggestions? Our townhouse doesn't have room to just buy a gas generator. Is using our existing panels without disturbing it's normal use in any way possible, or are we looking at buying new "emergency use" panels?

[organic farmer]

My question: Is the power cut-off done at the Enphase IQ8 MicroInverter during a power outage?

I do not know.

In accordance with your California NEM 2.0 agreement you would be required to install a cut-off switch.

... Is there room to get inventive (without risking our 20 year NEM 2.0 agreement)

No. There is no room for inventiveness.

[solardreamer]

Unfortunately, the iQ8's require an Enphase System Controller (i.e. your so called cut-off switch) to isolate from the grid in case of an outage before they would generate power in off-grid mode (aka Sunlight Only Backup). Otherwise, they will turn off like typical grid-tied inverters. There is no cheap workaround.

[Liam]

My question: Is the power cut-off done at the Enphase IQ8 MicroInverter during a power outage?

Background: We have a fairly standard residential solar installation for California. 21 Panisonic panels with roof mounted EnPhase IQ8 microinverters, arranged in 3 arrays of 7 panels each to the $700 combiner with no batteries. We're on a California NEM 2.0 agreement.

We didn't install a cut-off switch for battery use but even if one of the arrays could energize a single non-grid-connected outlet I'd be happy. We have 5KWh of portable EcoFlow batteries that'll power the essentials for 24 hours, but I'd really like the option to charge them using the panels if a failure lasts beyond that.

We're in the well off and densely populated city of Newport Beach, so extended outages are highly unlikely, but a large section of Irvine (just next door) did have a 4 day outage a few years ago due to a major fire at a relay station. So it could happen, intended (terrorism caused) or otherwise. The Irvine one was deemed as unintended.

2 years ago the installer wanted a whopping $7K to add the cut-off switch, even without a battery. The Fed would have paid 30%, but it was still too steep for something we're not likely to ever need more than once or twice. So I spent $2K on portable batteries instead.

So now, 2 year later and with a Solar industry on the cusp of desperation, I'm wondering if solutions have evolved? Is there room to get inventive (without risking our 20 year NEM 2.0 agreement). I think if a power outage simply tells the MicroInverters to stop producing, then game over. If doing a homeowner's hack to bypass this could risk our NEM 2.0 contract, then game over.

Suggestions? Our townhouse doesn't have room to just buy a gas generator. Is using our existing panels without disturbing it's normal use in any way possible, or are we looking at buying new "emergency use" panels?

Based on your situation, the most realistic, compliant, and non-intrusive solution that doesn't affect NEM2.0 might be to purchase two independent solar panels to directly charge your portable battery. This is because it doesn't require modifying your existing grid connection system, so it won't violate regulations. During a power outage, simply move the solar panels to your balcony or yard and connect them to the DC input of an ECOFLOWE charger to charge the battery, perfectly solving your charging needs for power outages exceeding one day. I also believe this approach would be relatively cost-effective.

[Vich]

Based on your situation, the most realistic, compliant, and non-intrusive solution that doesn't affect NEM2.0 might be to purchase two independent solar panels to directly charge your portable battery. This is because it doesn't require modifying your existing grid connection system, so it won't violate regulations. During a power outage, simply move the solar panels to your balcony or yard and connect them to the DC input of an ECOFLOWE charger to charge the battery, perfectly solving your charging needs for power outages exceeding one day. I also believe this approach would be relatively cost-effective.

Thanks! Today I got a used Bluetti 350W portable panel ($150) for exactly that solution. There's no space for a large hard panel, at least none that are South facing. We're in a townhouse in a strict HOA with lots of tree cover, for just for a few afternoons I could lay out an eyesore during an outage.

I may find a 2nd. It's about 20 lbs and it's 4 panels collapse into a very easy to carry & store bundle about the size of a suitcase but just 2" thick. Easy to store in a closet or garage. If I get another, then I'll need to explore stringing them together. At maybe 250W each at peak, for 3-6 hours per day, that might just cover us. So, 1500 - 3000 Wh per day between 2 of them. My 4KWh battery (2Kwh EcoFlow Delta 2 Pro + 2Kwh Extender) would get a nice top-off. Yeah, this beats messing with our Grid connected array.

[Liam]

Thanks! Today I got a used Bluetti 350W portable panel ($150) for exactly that solution. There's no space for a large hard panel, at least none that are South facing. We're in a townhouse in a strict HOA with lots of tree cover, for just for a few afternoons I could lay out an eyesore during an outage.

I may find a 2nd. It's about 20 lbs and it's 4 panels collapse into a very easy to carry & store bundle about the size of a suitcase but just 2" thick. Easy to store in a closet or garage. If I get another, then I'll need to explore stringing them together. At maybe 250W each at peak, for 3-6 hours per day, that might just cover us. So, 1500 - 3000 Wh per day between 2 of them. My 4KWh battery (2Kwh EcoFlow Delta 2 Pro + 2Kwh Extender) would get a nice top-off. Yeah, this beats messing with our Grid connected array.

This setup really makes sense, especially with a strict HOA and a lot of tree cover. In outages, portable panels honestly end up being more useful than grid-tied systems. On my end, I’m running 16KWh solar battery, not to replace the grid, just as a buffer when the power goes out. If I can get 4–6 hours of decent sun a day, even a few hundred watts coming in goes a long way toward keeping the critical loads alive.

If it helps, this is the type of battery I’m using, sharing for reference only, https://cmxbattery.com/product/16kwh...nergy-storage/ . That “battery + portable solar” combo is super flexible for townhouse living, and it avoids a lot of the HOA and interconnection headaches altogether.