Enphase Ensemble Technology System Planning Tech Brief

Planning an Ensemble Technology System – North America

Overview

This document provides site surveyors and design engineers with the information required to evaluate a site and plan

the installation of the Enphase Ensemble™ energy management technology system. The information provided in this

document supplements the information in the data sheets, quick install guides, and product manuals. Diagrams and

information in this document are illustrative of example system configurations and installations. However, they may

not include all requirements from additional local codes and standards and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)

applicable to a site.

Ensemble Technology System Overview

With Ensemble™ technology homeowners have power when the grid goes down and can save money when the grid

is up. Ensemble technology systems include the following Enphase products:

• Encharge™ storage system is an all-in-one AC coupled storage system that includes embedded grid-

forming multimode microinverters. You can connect multiple Encharge storage systems to maximize

potential backup for homes. The Encharge 3 storage system provides flexibility to customers to start small

and add capacity incrementally.

• Enpower™ smart switch connects the home to grid power, the Encharge storage system and PV. It

provides microgrid interconnect device (MID) functionality by automatically detecting and seamlessly

transitioning the system from grid power to backup power in the event of a grid failure. It allows Encharge

storage systems to form an intentional island (per IEEE 1547.4 definition) and contains a neutral-forming

transformer (NFT) to enable 120/240 V operation in backup.

• Wireless communication kit enables direct communication between Encharge, Enpower, and IQ Envoy™.

It uses 2.4 GHz and 915 MHz frequencies in parallel for maximum reliability. The kit is connected to one of

the USB ports on the IQ Envoy.

• Enphase Mobile Connect™ cellular modem is required unless already present in the IQ™ combiner. This

ensures the best performance of your system.

• IQ™ combiner series consolidates interconnection equipment into a single enclosure and streamlines PV

and storage installations by providing a consistent, pre-wired solution for residential applications. Install the

new communication kit in any IQ combiner to enable wireless communication with Encharge and Enpower.

• Consumption CTs. Enphase consumption CTs enable home energy consumption monitoring and are

required for Ensemble to operate correctly.

• IQ 6™ / IQ 7™ series microinverters and accessories. Ensemble technology is fully compatible with IQ 7

and IQ 6 series microinverters and makes retrofit upgrades as simple as new installations.

Ensemble Technology Systems Common Configurations

Regulatory Background – National Electrical Code

Grid-tied only PV inverters are required to shut down in the event of a utility grid power outage. They cannot form an

un-intentional island and their anti-islanding technology prevents the formation un-intentional islands. Ensemble

technology systems could provide backup to some or all of the load circuits in a home by forming an intentional island

according to 2017 NEC sections 690 and 705. The Enpower smart switch with MID function in conjunction with the

multimode inverters in the Encharge energy storage system comprise a microgrid system that forms an intentional

island entirely within the bounds of the local electric power system (EPS). Figure 1 below shows a drawing of an AC

coupled multimode system based on 2017 NEC section 690 and 705.