Enphase Ensemble Technology System Planning Tech Brief

Planning an Ensemble Technology System – North America
11 © 2019 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 17, 2019
Key Planning Considerations
To ensure best wireless and power line communication between Ensemble system products and cleanest installation,
consider the following:
1. Identify a suitable environment, for temperature and enclosure ratings, and wall area, for secure mounting of
the weight, of the required number of Encharge storage system and Enpower smart switch.
2. For wireless communications between the IQ Envoy, Encharge storage system, and Enpower smart switch,
the best practice is to have a line-of-sight between them.
3. For power line communications, best practice is to have the IQ Envoy located closest to PV branch circuit
collection, for example in an IQ combiner.
4. Determine the electrical interconnection points and required breakers for Enpower smart switch, Encharge
storage system circuit, PV combiner branch circuits, and the IQ Envoy.
5. Ensure that the IQ Envoy with both production and consumption CTs can be installed at the site.
6. Size conductors properly for ampacity and voltage regulation given conductor lengths.
7. Identify the location the PV system disconnect for rapid shutdown initiation and labeling.
The following sections detail each of these considerations:
Physical Installation Considerations
1) For all products always follow the instructions in the Enphase installation manuals.
2) Following local standards, choose a well-ventilated location where the ambient temperature and humidity are
within equipment specifications, preferably out of direct sunlight. The Encharge storage system battery does not
require additional ventilation as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry used in battery cells does not off-gas.
3) Ensure that the mounting location can sustain the weight of the equipment, mounting equipment, and accessory
equipment.
4) Plan the mounting location:
a) Indoors: at least 15 cm (6 inches) off the ground and 15 cm (6 inches) from the ceiling.
b) Outdoors: at least 15 cm (6 inches) off the ground.
5) Ensure that there are no pipes or electrical wires where you plan to drill.
6) Plan to maintain at least 90 cm (three feet) of clearance in front of Ensemble technology equipment working
space.
7) Consider the dimensions of the Ensemble equipment, easy access, height, and length of system conductors and
conduit requirements between products and the system interconnection location when selecting the location of
equipment. Conduit options are as follows:
a) Enpower smart switch – Main supply conductors may enter Enpower smart switch from the bottom or from
the bottom-left side. Backup load conductors may enter Enpower smart switch from the bottom or bottom-
right side. Encharge storage system, PV combiner and generator conductors may enter from the bottom,
bottom-left or bottom-right sides.
b) Encharge storage system – Conduit may enter from the top right or top left of the Encharge storage system
at the pre-defined knockout locations.
c) IQ Combiner series – Conduit may enter at the bottom and sides or rear entry below the busbar assembly.
8) Do not block vents.
Temperature Considerations
Unlike other battery chemistries, an Encharge storage system does not require ventilation for off-gassing and does
not require active cooling. Encharge storage system batteries perform best when not subjected to extreme hot or cold
temperatures and remain within the optimal temperature range of 0º C to 30º C (32º F to 86º F). Temperature may be
affected by location, exposure, and ventilation. Consider factors, which may result in undesirable temperature swings
outside optimal temperature range. For example, in enclosed unconditioned spaces such as garages or utility closets
the temperature may be higher than the outdoor ambient.
Electrical Installation Requirements
For full installation instructions, always refer to the Enphase Installation Manuals, including the following documents:
• Quick Install Guide – Install the Enphase Encharge Storage System
• Quick Install Guide – Install the Enphase Enpower Smart Switch