Enphase Energy Launches IQ EV Chargers in the United States and Canada

Enphase Energy is a company that provides innovative solutions for solar power generation, storage, and management. Enphase Energy produces micro-inverters, which are devices that convert direct current (DC) from solar panels into alternating current (AC) that can be used by appliances or fed into the grid. Enphase Energy also offers battery energy storage systems, which can store excess solar power for later use or provide backup power in case of grid outages. Enphase Energy also develops web-based monitoring and control platforms, which allow users to track their energy production, consumption, and savings. Enphase Energy aims to make solar energy more accessible, reliable, and affordable for residential and commercial customers123.

After a great deal of research, it was the Enphase Microinverter that I decided to use, when Installing my Solar Panels. A bit more costly (Slightly) initially, but advantageous in two ways that attracted me. Their product allows each panel to operate independently, thereby giving production advantages from shade and when the Sun is not reflecting on all the Solar Panels. Also, having a two-story home, inverting the Power to AC, from DC, has transmission advantages and the System should have less power loss from traveling through the Wires!

The Enphase IQ EV Charger will enable the following new features:

  • Control and monitor EV charging from the Enphase App. The new Wi-Fi-enabled charger allows homeowners to conveniently access their EV charger directly from their phone or personal device.
  • Charge an EV directly from solar energy generated at home. Homeowners with Enphase Energy Systems can direct the renewable solar energy they generate on their roof or store in their battery to charge their EV.
  • Customized scheduling to maximize energy cost savings. Pre-set an EV to charge from the grid when electricity rates are cheapest.

“As more and more consumers make the switch to electric vehicles, they’re looking for smart solutions to reliably charge their vehicles at home without increasing their energy bills,” said Dale Rolph, director of business development at Pacific Sun Tech. “Enphase is pushing the envelope on total home energy management with the introduction of the IQ EV Charger, which gives homeowners more control over when and how their vehicles are charged to provide maximum cost savings.”

Enphase Energy delivers a safety-certified and all-weather lineup of EV chargers, including hardwired or plug-in options with a wide range of power configurations. The Wi-Fi-enabled IQ EV Chargers come in multiple power levels ranging from 32 amperes to 64 amperes and are equipped with a J1772 connector for universal compatibility. Fast charging options are available, providing up to 31 and 61 miles of range per hour and resulting in a full charge for EVs overnight. The impact-resistant design and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 4-rated enclosure make them reliable for daily use in most weather conditions. All of Enphase’s EV charging solutions are safety certified by ETL and include an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty along with 24/7 customer support from Enphase.

“As a solar contractor that has installed Enphase microinverters for my customers since 2009, I’m glad to see the IQ EV Chargers join Enphase's product ecosystem,” said Louis Woofenden, owner and engineering director, Net Zero Solar. “I was excited to try out this improved smart charger on the Enphase platform with ClipperCreek heritage. It’s so helpful to be able to easily schedule charge times, manually start and stop charging my EV, and monitor my EV energy use – all from the Enphase App on my phone. My customers will love it.”

“The IQ EV Charger is a versatile product that offers our customers a wide range of options for power configurations and charging speeds to suit their individual needs – all with the unparalleled durability and reliability they have come to expect from Enphase products,” said Matt Young, CEO at Revolution Solar. “In addition, the integration with the Enphase App gives homeowners the flexibility to control how their homes and vehicles are powered 24/7 and helps ensure peace of mind their vehicles will be fully charged when needed.”

“We are excited to further our total home energy management offering with the new IQ EV Charger and offer a one-stop-shop for installers and homeowners,” said Jayant Somani, vice president and general manager, digital business unit at Enphase Energy. “Installing an EV charger with a solar and battery system simply makes sense and can reduce overall installation costs. By choosing Enphase, homeowners will know they’re getting some of the highest-quality and innovative products in the market to help meet their energy needs.”

Installers and distributors in North America can order the new IQ EV Charger immediately, with production shipments expected later in the month. North American consumers can now buy the Enphase IQ EV Charger directly from the Enphase Store.

As a person with both a Solar Generation System and Electric Vehicle, it is exciting to see the Technology Advancements. It seems clear that soon Electric Vehicles will outweigh their gas and diesel counterparts. Adaptations and advancements only make ownership of an EV and Solar Generator more convenient.

References:
1. enphase.com2. en.wikipedia.org3. enlighten.enphaseenergy.com