Component Guide

Planning an Ensemble Technology System – North America
2 © 2020 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 8, 2020
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:
• Enphase 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.
• Enphase 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 mode.
• Enphase Wireless communication kit enables direct communication between Encharge, Enpower, and the
Envoy using 2.4 GHz frequency. The kit is connected to one of the USB ports on the Envoy.
• An Enphase Mobile Connect™ cellular modem is required unless already present to ensure the best
performance of your system. The cellular modem connects to a USB port on the Envoy.
• For new or retrofit systems with IQ-Series solar microinverters:
o 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.
o IQ Envoy™, a communications gateway that can communicate with M-Series inverters, Encharge
batteries, and the Enpower smart switch. It collects system performance information and transmits
that information over the internet to Enphase’s Enlighten cloud. An IQ Envoy is required for Ensemble
systems with IQ-Series microinverters. Note the IQ Envoy is included in an Enphase IQ Combiner.
For retrofit sites, an IQ Envoy may already be present.
o 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. It includes the Enphase IQ Envoy. Install the new communication kit in any IQ Combiner
to enable wireless communication with Encharge and Enpower.
• For retrofit systems with M-Series solar microinverters:
o Enphase M-Series microinverters and accessories. Ensemble technology is compatible with
Enphase M215 and M250 microinverters and makes retrofit upgrades simple.
Note: The Ensemble upgrade is only compatible with M215 and M250 series microinverters. Other
legacy microinverters are not supported.
o An Envoy-S Metered is required. It is a communications gateway that can communicate with M-
Series inverters, Encharge batteries and the Enpower smart switch. It collects system performance
information and transmits that information over the internet to Enphase’s Enlighten cloud. An Envoy-
S Metered is required for every Ensemble system with M-Series microinverters.
Note: Legacy Envoy/EMU SKUs (ENV-120-01 or ENV-120-02, IEMU-03 or IEMU-01 or IEMU02) will
not work with an Ensemble system. You must replace these legacy SKUs with an Envoy-S Metered
during the Ensemble installation.
Note: This guide describes an Ensemble system with IQ-Series or M-Series microinverters. Please pay particular
attention to the equipment requirement for each type of microinverter.