Overview of Enphase Energy Batteries
Enphase Energy, renowned for its leadership in solar microinverters, has greatly expanded its product offerings over the years. In 2020, the company ventured into the energy storage market with the launch of the Enphase IQ battery series in North America. This series initially included the IQ 3 and IQ 10, with the recent addition of the IQ 5P, further enhancing their portfolio. These batteries are designed to complement Enphase’s solar solutions, providing homeowners with efficient energy storage options that work seamlessly with their solar systems, improving energy independence and reliability.
Quick Facts about Enphase IQ Batteries:
- Three models: IQ 3, IQ 10, and IQ 5P
- The latest IQ 5P has superior power and comes with an unparalleled 15-year warranty.
- Estimated installation costs for an IQ 10 battery range from $13,000 to $15,000 pre-incentives.
- Although Tesla’s Powerwall has greater storage capacity, Enphase’s modular approach offers more customization.
The Enphase Battery: A Complete Energy Storage System
An Enphase IQ battery purchase involves more than just a battery; it’s a holistic energy storage solution. The setup includes:
- The IQ Battery for energy storage.
- The IQ Combiner Box for wiring, interconnection, and energy metrics.
- The IQ System Controller for grid communication.
This end-to-end solution allows convenient storage and utilization of excess solar energy.
Additional expenses may include a backup loads sub-panel, costing around $1,000 to $2,000, to power essential appliances during a power outage.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Enphase IQ Batteries
| Model | IQ 3T | IQ 10T | IQ 5P |
| Capacity | 3.36 kWh | 10.28 kWh | 5 kWh |
| Continuous power output | 1.28 kW | 3.84 kW | 3.84 kW |
| Round-trip AC efficiency | 89% | 89% | 90% |
| Dimensions | 16.9 in x 30.5 in x 7.4 in | 50.5 in x 30.5 in x 7.4 in | 38.6 in x 21.7 in x 7.4 in |
| Weight | 107.6 lbs | 316.5 lbs | 174 lbs |
| Warranty3.36 kWh | 70% capacity @ 10 years or 4,000 cycles* | 70% capacity @ 10 years or 4,000 cycles* | 60% capacity @ 15 years or 6,000 cycles |
Pros
- Reputable and reliable brand
- Scalable design for tailored storage needs
- Robust warranty terms, especially for the latest model
- Compatibility with gas generators for extra backup
- Lithium iron phosphate chemistry for increased safety and longevity
- Versatile operating modes, including a new mode for California’s NEM 3.0 billing
Cons
- Lower individual power output compared to some competitors
- Frequent firmware updates indicate ongoing refinements
- Incompatibility between IQ 5P and older models
- Aesthetic appeal falls short of competitors
Costs and Incentives
The total installation cost for a single IQ 10 battery is expected to be between $13,000 and $15,000. While costs can vary, this is generally in line with industry standards.
Federal clean energy tax credits can offset 30% of the installation costs, and various local incentives may also apply.
Tesla Powerwall vs. Enphase IQ Batteries
Performance
A single Tesla Powerwall outperforms any individual Enphase IQ model in storage capacity and continuous power output. However, Enphase offers more customization options for scaling your system. Read our Tesla Powerwall review for more information.
Cost
The Tesla Powerwall is priced at $8,700 before installation through Powerwall Direct, Tesla’s exclusive platform for battery purchases. After installation, the total cost typically ranges from $13,000 to $14,000, depending on the service provider and installation specifics. This price is comparable to the Enphase IQ 10 kWh battery, though the Powerwall offers higher energy storage capacity and greater power output.
On a per kWh basis, the Powerwall provides slightly better value compared to the Enphase IQ battery. If you’re seeking a single battery solution, the Powerwall offers strong value for money, especially for those needing more storage and power. For homeowners considering a more customized setup with multiple batteries, Enphase’s system might be a more suitable option, offering flexibility and scalability.
We recommend gathering multiple quotes for your battery installation to ensure you find the best fit for your needs. Reach out to both Tesla and Enphase providers for estimates and compare them based on factors such as system size, power requirements, and long-term performance.
Warranty
Most modern batteries, including the Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ 10 and IQ 3, come with a warranty guaranteeing 70% of their original capacity after ten years of use or a set number of cycles, whichever occurs first. The Powerwall has a slight edge with its infinite cycle warranty, provided certain battery usage conditions are maintained, giving it a unique long-term advantage.
In contrast, the Enphase IQ 5P offers one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry, guaranteeing 60% capacity after 15 years or 6,000 cycles—coverage that surpasses most other options on the market.
Whether you opt for the Powerwall or an Enphase IQ battery, both offer warranties, ensuring peace of mind and long-term reliability for your energy storage needs.
Additional Considerations
Choosing the right battery goes beyond just performance indicators. There are additional factors to consider when weighing the Powerwall against the Enphase IQ.
Consider the aesthetic appeal of the battery. If it’s positioned in a conspicuous location, you’d prefer it to be visually appealing. The Powerwall boasts a superior design for household batteries – it’s streamlined and compact, ensuring it doesn’t intrude if placed in your garage or along your house’s exterior. While the second-generation Enphase IQ models received a design boost, they don’t quite match the polished appearance of the Powerwall.
However, in various other aspects, the Enphase IQ outshines the Powerwall. A crucial one is customer support. Enphase is renowned for its excellent customer service, a reputation not shared by Tesla. Considering batteries last over a decade, reliable post-purchase service is essential, and Tesla’s history in this area is somewhat patchy.
Obtaining a Powerwall can be challenging. In some regions, prospective buyers have waited over a year. Contrastingly, the Enphase IQ was the preferred battery for solar installers as per our Solar Industry Survey. 58% of these installers offered the Enphase IQ, whereas a mere 27% provided the Tesla Powerwall. But with Tesla’s introduction of the Powerwall Direct initiative, their battery availability might see improvement.
Another point is Enphase’s incorporation of microinverter technology in their IQ batteries. Unlike traditional battery systems, which depend on a single inverter to process energy storage and release (rendering the battery non-functional if this inverter fails), Enphase IQ batteries incorporate multiple microinverters. This means that if one fails, others continue functioning, ensuring your entire storage system remains operational. While the likelihood of such a failure is minimal, it’s an aspect worth noting.
Is Enphase Right For Your Home
If you still can’t decide if Enphase makes the most sense for your home, contact our team of experts at 8MSolar.
