I was contemplating setting up a very small on-grid system using Enphase’s IQ7 microinverters and was wondering if anyone knew if the IQ Envoy module is a required component of the system. After looking over the manual for setting up the microinverters and IQ Envoy, it looks like the IQ Envoy monitors (passively) the microinverters and, while that information is important in order to monitor performance of the microinverters (especially if you have several strings of panels), it does not appear that it in any way controls the microinverters. I also remember someone posting a thread on here and mentioning about putting in the Enphase components and buying the IQ Envoy later (sorry I can’t seem to find it again).
If I go this route, I have only two panels right now with the intention of seeing how it goes and then upgrading next year, with more panels and maybe the Ensemble outfit with battery backup. I noted that the Ensemble’s literature does not mention the IQ Envoy at all and it appears that the Smart Switch takes over the monitoring in addition to being a transfer switch. So, my thought is that since I’m starting very small I don’t want to dump $500+ into the IQ Envoy now if (1) it’s not really necessary, especially for only 2 panels, and (2) I decide to go with the Smart Switch later on, in which case the IQ Envoy is no longer needed. Again, this is if I’m understanding everything correctly.
I already have the two panels (to be ground mounted) and was originally going to go another route but right now I’m planning on just going with 2 IQ7+’s (already used Enphase’s online selector for my specific panels), their IQ connector cable, a junction box with lightning arrestor, running line through conduit to my house meter (but not connecting to it), installing a disconnect switch adjacent to the meter (required by my utility company) and then having an electrician tie in the lines to my house’s breaker box via an appropriately sized breaker. With the exception of the additional disconnect, this is basically what the IQ7 manual shows as far as the basic hookup, except, of course, for the IQ Envoy which is connected separately to the breaker box with its own breaker. Thanks in advance for any help.
If I go this route, I have only two panels right now with the intention of seeing how it goes and then upgrading next year, with more panels and maybe the Ensemble outfit with battery backup. I noted that the Ensemble’s literature does not mention the IQ Envoy at all and it appears that the Smart Switch takes over the monitoring in addition to being a transfer switch. So, my thought is that since I’m starting very small I don’t want to dump $500+ into the IQ Envoy now if (1) it’s not really necessary, especially for only 2 panels, and (2) I decide to go with the Smart Switch later on, in which case the IQ Envoy is no longer needed. Again, this is if I’m understanding everything correctly.
I already have the two panels (to be ground mounted) and was originally going to go another route but right now I’m planning on just going with 2 IQ7+’s (already used Enphase’s online selector for my specific panels), their IQ connector cable, a junction box with lightning arrestor, running line through conduit to my house meter (but not connecting to it), installing a disconnect switch adjacent to the meter (required by my utility company) and then having an electrician tie in the lines to my house’s breaker box via an appropriately sized breaker. With the exception of the additional disconnect, this is basically what the IQ7 manual shows as far as the basic hookup, except, of course, for the IQ Envoy which is connected separately to the breaker box with its own breaker. Thanks in advance for any help.