I need your help to understand the compatibility with Enphase.
Currently, I have 17 IQ7 for 5.3kWhp in production. I have ordered a Multiplus II 48/8000, a Cerbo GX, a Touch Screen 50, dongle, and wire.
I need to know how the existing Enphase installation will be interpreted by the Multiplus. I think I need
consumption CT
production CT
same place of enphase CTs. Can you confirm this? if right, provide me with the material references?
If not, what I missing to ensure everything works properly?
Hello. It will depend on how you have the micros connected. If they are connected to the AC out of the Multi then you will want an energy meter such as the Victron VM-3P75CT. You will configure the VM-3P75CT to act as a meter for a PV inverter and tell the system it is used on the AC output of the Mutli. This is how I use Hoymiles micros to backfeed my Multi’s AC output. I hope this helps.
Any experiences with enphase IQ7/IQ8 micros? Enphase proposes their own system of current Transformers, „GX“-communication controllers and so on. I actually want a Victron Energy ESS and the micro inverters just delivering the energy - no second system ending potentially in conflict with the VE ESS system.
What made you choose the Hoymiles instead of enphase or other micro inverter?
Full disclosure: I sell Victron, Hoymiles, and a few other brands. I am not unbiased
Most of the work we do doesn’t require grid interactivity, which is why I named our business Off-Grid Power Systems. Not very clever, but it is descriptive. We occasionally do grid-interactive projects but since Victron doesn’t support grid interactivity (i.e. ESS) in North America, I have to use other product lines. For residential customers who want to sell back to the utility we will use Hoymiles or Pointguard solutions. I have been told by a very senior Victron person that ESS is coming to the USA. I’ll leave it at that.
Until that happens, I had to decide what offerings I wanted to sell that are high quality, provide good value to our customers, and don’t require proprietary system components. Enphase and Solar Edge in particular want to lock you into their batteries, their controllers, etc. They are much more expensive than other solutions and not nearly as flexible as the Victron ecosystem.
I chose Hoymiles primarily for their microinverters, which are very well made and priced very well. Enphase is the king of microinverters and I think from a quality perspective they are just fine. I just don’t buy into their ecosystem. And frankly, there are plenty of residential solar installers in my area who already sell Enphase and Solar Edge.
I’m not an expert in Enphase since I’ve chosen not to sell them. But, I would think using Enphase micros would be just fine. But I can tell you with certainty that Hoymiles micros are high quality and integrate very easily with Victron, especially if you install them on the AC output of Victron. You will need the energy monitor I mentioned configured as a PV inverter. If you use ESS, you don’t even need to install the PV Inverter assistant in the Multis/Quattros. Just remember your Victron inverters have to be AT LEAST as large in VA as the max output of your micros on the AC output side. See here: AC-coupling and the Factor 1.0 rule
Thank you very much for your detailed answer. I will definetly look into Hoymiles micros!
I build my system in southern germany - not exactly your key market.
Hah, no. But that’s no problem. I’ve said on this community a number of times that people should work with their local distributor if they have one. Good luck with your project!
