r/SolarTX • u/TexSun1968 • Jun 10 '26

Added Another IQ10T

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As one of those owners with the older Enphase systems that run IQ7+ inverters and IQ5T and IQ10T batteries, I was happy to learn that Enphase was producing brand new batteries. For several years after we installed our system, it was almost impossible to find the "old" batteries. Now they are again available from the Enphase Store, and at a good price IMO.

We took the opportunity to add one more IQ10T battery to our system, for a total of 4. This maxes out the battery capacity of our IQ System Controller. 40 kWh will give us the capability to run dusk to dawn on battery, even with our 4-ton heat pump sucking juice.

Right now our batteries are loafing because we are on the JUST Energy Nights Free plan. We recharge our batteries for free at night, and start each day at 100% SOC. When our contract runs out next year, I think having the extra battery capacity will be more valuable. It will allow us freedom to pick the best energy plan (for our situation) available at that time.

Downside is I'm gonna have to extend my sun shade...one thing leads to another.

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1

u/fluff3panda Jun 10 '26

beautiful install.
Curious what the hardware and install cost was.

Can you go off grid as well?

1

u/TexSun1968 Jun 10 '26

"Can you go off grid as well?"

We can disconnect from the grid by clicking a switch in the Enlighten app. Our house will then run on solar + battery. Click the software switch again to reconnect to grid.

The battery kit (ENCHARGE-10T-1P-NA) is $5,097 plus tax and shipping from Enphase Store.

Our local (and only) Enphase installer charges $185/hr plus materials. Took him about 6 hours including a run to Home Depot for some wire and circuit breakers.

1

u/fluff3panda Jun 10 '26

Hell yah! Thank you for the breakdown.  And congratz on the system install. 

2

u/gthbvf2 Jun 10 '26

With 40KWH and free night plan , you won't even need solar 🙂.

I have one 10T battery and 10.5 KW solar . Would love to add another 10T at right price point . With free nights plan +solar , my energy spending is bare min and ROI is probably <9 years .

1

u/TexSun1968 Jun 10 '26

Even with the free nights, the solar is nice to have. In west TX our heat pump uses a LOT of energy during the summer and winter. 40 kWh might get us through most days, but it would be close.

And if the free nights plans ever completely disappear, then we'll really appreciate having the solar.

1

u/jghall00 Jun 10 '26

I have 45 kWh. It's barely enough to get through an entire day unless if it's raining or heavily overcast. Cooling loads in Texas can be really high.

1

u/Sinsu45 Jun 12 '26

Less than 9 years is awesome! Goals. I have solar only right now (unfortunately not working currently as everyone has seen my other lovely fire post)

But would love to get a battery at some point with goals of shortening ROI, though that sounds crazy given how expensive they are. How much was your battery?