Charging from the Grid
When a driver plugs their EV into their home charging station, they typically utilize power from the electric grid to refuel their battery. Because of this, most utility companies will have a time of use, also known as times during the day when utility costs are cheaper due to lower demand. During times with higher demand, utility companies can charge more for the same amount of electricity.
Solar-Optimized EV Charging
Though not yet standardized, the introduction of solar-optimized charging stations will revolutionize residential EV charging. Solar-optimized charging technology will enable owners to primarily recharge their EV battery with surplus electricity from rooftop solar instead of relying on a public or shared power grid. Drivers will be able to optimize their charging power from an energy management app on their smartphones, including reducing charging currents during times with little sunlight or high electricity usage. This will drastically reduce costs and improve self-consumption. Additionally, a household that runs entirely on solar power can virtually eliminate most of its electric bills in the long term.
Bi-Directional Charging Capability
Bi-directional charging capability will enable EV charging stations to run both vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid applications, allowing surplus electricity to flow back into the power grid or residential solar batteries. The latter solution would allow this excess energy to be stored in solar batteries for future use. For example, bidirectional charging stations can become a backup power resource during potential grid outages. This is yet another one of Enphase’s many upcoming ambitions: Production of solar-optimized EV charging solutions with bi-directional charging capabilities, for new and existing solar owners alike.
Enphase Leads the Charge
Already the world’s leading microinverter-based solar and battery systems supplier, Enphase Energy continues to expand its leadership role in global energy technology. Through its recent acquisitions of ClipperCreek and SolarLeadFactory LLC, Enphase leads the charge in developing next-generation, bidirectional, solar-optimized EV charging solutions for homeowners and installers alike.
Click here to learn more about Enphase’s solar and energy solutions.
11850 Kemper Rd., Auburn, CA 95603
(877) 694-4194
information-auburn@enphaseenergy.com
© 2022 Enphase Energy, Inc.
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Angela,
As I read this it implies that CC/Enphase does not now have solar optimized charging. There are no links to such products only the standard products we’re familiar with.
Several years ago you were working with OpenEVSE on a “Solar Divert”. Was this product ever marketed?
I am writing an article on Zappi, a British product that’s not available in North America.
Hi Paul,
Enphase acquired ClipperCreek 6 months ago and there are many exciting things in the works.
I’ve asked the engineering and sales team about the ‘Solar Divert’ and will reply here when I get an answer about that.
I’m installing a complete 11.0 Kw Enphase iQ8 micro inverter system with 2 10T batteries whole home backup system and I would like to have a bidirectional charger as part of my system. Do you have something right now ?
Hi Herb,
Thank you for contacting us. For bi-directional charging, the EV would need to be capable of this.
AC power can technically flow through our products in either direction, however, we do not currently have information on bi-directional charging capabilities of any EV and would not be able to say if our system is compatible if it does have this. The compatibility depends on a couple of factors including if it is for AC or DC power and what communication protocol is being used as there currently is no adopted standard.
Additionally, our EVSE is a pass-through for power only so it would not be able to manage any other aspects of bi-directional charging that may be required for a system like that to function.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Hi Herb, my status is nearly identical to yours and hopefully the installer can get everything working properly. I’m hopeful Clipper Creek will soon have an EV Charger that meets our goals. My EV maker (Lucid) does not yet have their own charger for this, they say they are waiting for standards to be developed/finalized. It may be the same with Clipper Creek.