Expert Guide: Enphase Energy Review and Ratings
Enphase Energy offers a variety of energy storage solutions for households across Australia. The California-headquartered solar power company has built a reputation for quality solar products, with performance and reliability as the blueprint.
The business can help customers find solar batteries, micro inverters, management software, complete energy storage packages and other systems that save money on household energy expenses. In this article, Canstar Blue investigates whether Enphase’s products as good as they are promised to be and if Enphase is right for you.
Enphase solar batteries
Enphase helps reduce electricity bills through supplying and installing solar batteries that store daytime energy for night-time use. The company’s solar storage product range is designed for homes with existing panels. Enphase claims its battery has a long cycle lifespan, no single point of failure, and all relevant safety certifications from TUV Rheinland.
Unlike some competitors, Enphase’s battery architecture has AC wiring that requires lower voltage than DC batteries. The company also delivers microinverters, accessories, monitoring software and other energy solutions.
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Enphase IQ Battery 5P specs
The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is touted to be an ‘incredibly powerful’ storage unit designed for households with ‘hungry’ energy usage needs. Boasting a capacity of 5kWh, the battery is sleek, compact and can be easily installed or retrofitted on a wall bracket.
| Capacity | 5kWh |
| DC roundtrip cell efficiency | 96% |
| AC roundtrip cell efficiency | 90% |
| Peak output power | 7.68 kVA |
| Weight | 78.9kg (installed) |
| Dimensions (without bracket) | 550mm (W) x 980mm (H) x 188mm (W) |
| Ambient temperature range | -20°C to 55°C |
| Cell technology | Lithium Iron Phosphate |
| Warranty | 15 years at >60% capacity or 6,000 cycles |
| Time of use application | Multiple time of use cases supported |
| Communication | Wired Control Communication for stable and fast connection |
| Monitoring | Enphase Installer Platform and Enphase App monitoring options; API integration |
| Installation | Wall mounted |
Source: Enphase website
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What is the Enphase Enlighten?
Enphase Enlighten is a mobile app that allows customers to check on their solar battery system. As the name suggests, the Enphase Enlighten app gives system owners a simplified interface that displays system health, performance, historical data and energy production by month, day or hour. The app is downloadable via the App Store or on the Google Play Store.
Enphase microinverters
Microinverters sit beneath each solar panel which convert power for storage and household use. According to Enphase, its microinverters are simple to install and provide greater reliability as each microinverter operate individually, meaning if one panel isn’t operating, others won’t be affected. Microinverters come with a 10-year warranty and are said to meet stringent safety requirements. Enphase also offer cables to connect pre-installed microinverters.
Enphase prices
Enphase claims its solar battery is ‘more affordable than other storage options’, but how much can you actually expect to pay for it? Well, the Enphase IQ Battery 5P is retailing online from around $4,871, excluding installation costs. In comparison to other solar batteries in Australia, Enphase offers one of the cheapest products on the market.
The Enphase Home Energy Solution is a complete package, including the battery, microinverters and monitoring software. However, customers will need to have solar panels already installed at the property, or choose a supplier who offers panels with Enphase’s products. Prices will be subject to personal circumstances, such as the size of solar system installed, how many panels, its positioning at the residence, along with installation fees. The easiest way to find out specific pricing details is to get in contact with a licenced Enphase installer who can tailor a quote around your needs.
Should I invest in an Enphase battery?
Given the low upfront costs of purchasing and installing an Enphase battery or storage system, the brand could be a great option for customers venturing into solar energy for the first time, provided they already have panels. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is aesthetically pleasing and lighter than other batteries. It comes with a life expectancy of 15 years.
For homes with lower energy consumption needs, Enphase may provide a suitable energy storage solution. Enphase states that the battery is compatible with most solar systems, which is great for customers not looking to spend any more money on upgrades. With its in-built monitoring options for smarter communication between the battery and software, Enphase allows homeowners to track and view data on multiple smart devices, including smartphones.
An Enphase solar battery system could offer some great value over time, especially with its lower upfront costs and streamlined installation process. That being said, households with higher energy usage may wish to look elsewhere as the peak capacity of an Enphase battery might not cut it. For those about to invest in a solar battery or upgrade their system, check out Canstar Blue’s review of solar energy providers. You can also click the link below to compare electricity prices in your area.
