Rick73 Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 59 minutes ago, fordmantpw said: Yes. But, most grid-tied systems rely on the grid to synchronize the phase as well, so you generally need a battery of some sort to store the solar energy if the grid goes down. You can't just have the solar switch over and start feeding your house. It gets expensive quick to have the option to run off-grid. We had the option when we had our system put in, but we decided it wasn't worth it. In the 11 years we've lived here, we've been without power maybe a total of 4-6 hours over that timeframe. You’d need batteries during an outage anyway in order to power anything at night when solar doesn’t work. Fortunately, as mentioned before, LFP batteries have become much more affordable where you can buy about 16 kWh capacity for around $3k. An owner may not even need that much if only wanting to power fridge and LED lights, phones, etc. A basic DIY emergency system can be built by adding solar panels and an inverter/charger (with solar charger built-in as option). Such a basic system can be connected manually just like a portable generator or can include a transfer switch. With a bit more work and knowledge one can install a small sub panel that only powers critical low-power loads in the house. I’ve seen this done for portable generators also. If using batteries with inverter/charger instead of a generator, the inverter/charter will have a built-in transfer switch that will switch automatically when power goes out. Obviously much depends on local codes and homeowner’s electrical expertise, but it’s an affordable way to power the most essential needs during an extended outage. Just my 2 cents for people who don’t need to power entire house which is much more expensive whether with generator or solar/battery. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 (edited) 7 hours ago, akirby said: Can’t you just use a lockout switch like generators? Enphase IQ8 inverters supposedly have the ability to power your house without battery backup but it is extremely limited in capability. You can imagine what happens when a big cloud suddenly shades your solar modules. You really need the batteries to provide stable power when off grid. A PHEV with PPOB provides all of that for you. But you still need to install a transfer switch and some sort of sub-panel if you want to avoid extension cords. Edited September 11 by Texasota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 11 Share Posted September 11 32 minutes ago, Texasota said: But you still need to install a transfer switch and some sort of sub-panel if you want to avoid extension cords. Definitely the right way to do it for automatic switching of essential loads. Reminds me I have a cousin who is an electrical engineer and worked his entire professional career for power company in Florida, where extended outages after hurricanes are common, and he connects portable generator directly to house after throwing the main and all 240V breakers. It’s an all-manual way to get power but for something that may only get used every few years during emergencies it’s not that inconvenient. Especially when considering the hassle of having to fuel the generator. I can connect my generator in a couple of minutes and expect Pro Power Onboard would be even easier in that I would not need to get generator out of storage and start it. The larger Ford 7.2 kW 240VAC X 30A Pro Power Onboard in particular would be great to have even if it had to be connected manually, though I’d happily settle for lower-capacity 2.4 kW PPO. And like you said before, gas can is built in. 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker16 Posted September 12 Author Share Posted September 12 22 hours ago, Rick73 said: Definitely the right way to do it for automatic switching of essential loads. Reminds me I have a cousin who is an electrical engineer and worked his entire professional career for power company in Florida, where extended outages after hurricanes are common, and he connects portable generator directly to house after throwing the main and all 240V breakers. It’s an all-manual way to get power but for something that may only get used every few years during emergencies it’s not that inconvenient. Especially when considering the hassle of having to fuel the generator. I can connect my generator in a couple of minutes and expect Pro Power Onboard would be even easier in that I would not need to get generator out of storage and start it. The larger Ford 7.2 kW 240VAC X 30A Pro Power Onboard in particular would be great to have even if it had to be connected manually, though I’d happily settle for lower-capacity 2.4 kW PPO. And like you said before, gas can is built in. 😀 Not anymore. Following Tesla's lead, Enphase has released a meter collar-based MID (Microgrid Interconnect Device), which enables the creation of an independent grid for homeowners. This no longer requires manual disconnects and other equipment, which can cost $1,000s of dollars. https://enphase.com/store/storage/gen4/iq-meter-collar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 (edited) 2 hours ago, Biker16 said: Not anymore. Following Tesla's lead, Enphase has released a meter collar-based MID (Microgrid Interconnect Device), which enables the creation of an independent grid for homeowners. This no longer requires manual disconnects and other equipment, which can cost $1,000s of dollars. https://enphase.com/store/storage/gen4/iq-meter-collar I think you are over simplifying this. I believe this collar is only a small piece of a whole house backup system. I requires an Enphase system controller and Enphase batteries. Quote Enphase IQ Meter Collar (MC-200-011-V01) Review The IQ Meter Collar from Enphase is an essential component for enabling whole-home backup in residential solar + storage systems. Acting as the microgrid interconnect device, it disconnects the home from the grid in the event of an outage—safely enabling islanding without major electrical upgrades. Its simple, non-intrusive installation makes it an ideal choice for homeowners who want full backup without replacing their main service panel. When paired with the IQ System Controller 3M and IQ Battery 5P or 10C, it provides a flexible and future-proof upgrade path for grid-tied systems. The Meter Collar is also utility-approved in select regions, including California. Edited September 12 by Texasota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 12 Share Posted September 12 For those that might be interested in using Ford's Pro Power Onboard (PPOB) to power your house this video does a fantastic job explaining PPOB. Unfortunately, PPOB is a bonded neutral generator and this fellow explains why it won't work for your house with a simple transfer switch (it is more complicated). The link below takes you to the part where he discusses powering your home. But, if you want to learn lots of good stuff about PPOB start the video from the beginning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKOSCdwxeQ&t=1972s 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 18 hours ago, Biker16 said: Not anymore. Following Tesla's lead, Enphase has released a meter collar-based MID (Microgrid Interconnect Device), which enables the creation of an independent grid for homeowners. This no longer requires manual disconnects and other equipment, which can cost $1,000s of dollars. https://enphase.com/store/storage/gen4/iq-meter-collar This is very cool but very expensive and not what I was referring to. I was talking about affordable or cheap systems, which obviously span a spectrum of options with different features. I view this back-up power issue as having numerous options largely based on cost and intended use/requirement. About the cheapest system I’m aware of is using a small portable generator which can cost as little as $500, and can be connected to a house’s panel manually. AFAIK to meet code requires a lockout switch where the main breaker has to be off before the generator can feed the panel. This is usually easy to install and relatively cheap. Unfortunately most people I know don’t even do this, instead relying on just knowing they have to turn the main breaker off. Obviously this causes concerns that generator can back-feed grid if home owner screws up and forgets to disconnect generator before turning main breaker back on. Anyway, when using a portable generator that has to be connected and started manually during extended outages, there’s little point in having an automated transfer switch, right? In my opinion a sub-panel with transfer switch is overkill for this scenario. However, if the back-up power supply is a generator that starts itself automatically, like a Generac, or a battery system which includes an inverter/charger with transfer switch, then a sub-panel makes a lot of sense in order to reduce the portion of the house’s power requirement that will automatically transfer over to inverter. The Ford Pro Power Onboard we were discussing does not have enough capacity to power an entire house, so if connected manually during emergencies (just like a portable generator would be), the home owner could limit loads manually by turning off all breakers for non essential loads. In my case with portable generator (approximately same power rating as basic PPO) I turn off all 240V circuits and leave all 120V circuits active so I have lights available in any room I walk into, and also fridge, alarm system, internet, TVs, and fans. I figure that as long as I don’t turn them on, it doesn’t hurt for everything to be connected to generator. As long as I’m controlling everything manually I can use my judgement to limit loads. Automation changes everything when trying to keep system affordable (cheap) because the house could be using far more power at time grid goes down, and an auto transfer switch could easily lead to overloading the backup power supply. That was the context of my comment about advantage of permanently wiring in a small sub panel that limits connections to only critical circuits. Below is screenshot of Generac panel used as example in video Texasota linked. There are other ways to shed non-critical loads but are more complex and expensive IMO. To be clear I’m not endorsing Generac generators or equipment, only used as example because they are popular in my area, though not as common as portable generators. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 17 hours ago, Texasota said: For those that might be interested in using Ford's Pro Power Onboard (PPOB) to power your house this video does a fantastic job explaining PPOB. Unfortunately, PPOB is a bonded neutral generator and this fellow explains why it won't work for your house with a simple transfer switch (it is more complicated). The link below takes you to the part where he discusses powering your home. But, if you want to learn lots of good stuff about PPOB start the video from the beginning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RKOSCdwxeQ&t=1972s Thanks for information. If correct, it’s interesting that some PPO are bonded and others (base unit) not according to video if I heard it correctly. Seems odd to me that Ford would not be consistent on this. For reference I just confirmed that my generator is not bonded, which may explain why it worked fine powering house for entire week. Quick search suggested Honda and Yamaha are not bonded, while others are, apparently depending on power rating according to one source. I’ll keep this information in mind should Ford ever offer Pro Power Onboard in a van in US. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 In related news the new Nissan Leaf was made available for test drives, and Electric article mentions both 1500 W interior outlets plus available adaptor providing up to 3.45 kW. https://electrek.co/2025/09/12/2026-nissan-leaf-3rd-generation-first-drive-impressions-dont-you-dare-call-it-a-hatchback/ Quote The Plat+ version features interior V2L interior outlets, which provide up to 1500W of power. You can also connect an adapter to the J1227 port and use the battery to provide electricity during power outages, or as a portable power supply to power fridges, e-bikes, and other appliances, with a max discharge of 3.45 kW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 (edited) 3 hours ago, Rick73 said: Thanks for information. If correct, it’s interesting that some PPO are bonded and others (base unit) not according to video if I heard it correctly. Seems odd to me that Ford would not be consistent on this. For reference I just confirmed that my generator is not bonded, which may explain why it worked fine powering house for entire week. Quick search suggested Honda and Yamaha are not bonded, while others are, apparently depending on power rating according to one source. I’ll keep this information in mind should Ford ever offer Pro Power Onboard in a van in US. To the best of my knowledge all of Ford's PPOB are bonded neutral and there is not a way to change that. Some people cut off the ground prong of the plug but that is not code compliant or safe. I'm not an expert on portable gas generators but I think many (most?) can be changed from bonded neutral to non-bonded and vice-versa. Owner's manual explains how. Here is another video that describes a method to make your entire main panel a sub-panel that is safe and code compliant. This allows you to pick and choose any circuits you want to operate as long as you do not exceed the power capability of your generator. I hope to pursue this approach when I get a Ranger PHEV with PPOB. 🤞 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLwr0MWOG1g Edited September 13 by Texasota 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 1 hour ago, Texasota said: To the best of my knowledge all of Ford's PPOB are bonded neutral and there is not a way to change that. Some people cut off the ground prong of the plug but that is not code compliant or safe. I'm not an expert on portable gas generators but I think many (most?) can be changed from bonded neutral to non-bonded and vice-versa. Owner's manual explains how. Here is another video that describes a method to make your entire main panel a sub-panel that is safe and code compliant. This allows you to pick and choose any circuits you want to operate as long as you do not exceed the power capability of your generator. I hope to pursue this approach when I get a Ranger PHEV with PPOB. 🤞 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLwr0MWOG1g At beginning of first video he says that the base 2.0 kW PPO on regular gas trucks is floating. He then says that both PPO, 2.4 and 7.2 kW versions, on PowerBoost hybrid trucks are bonded. Something to keep in mind is that 2.0 and 2.4 kW PPO units are only 120 Volts and can therefore only feed one leg of house panel. This is where a small sub-panel for critical loads starts to make more sense. The 7.2 kW PPO can feed both legs so makes it much easier. I’m wondering that if Ford manufacture a PHEV Ranger or Transit Custom Van (or similar) for US, whether they will make larger 7.2 kW PPO available. I would think so based on UK specs but not sure. Quote On the more powerful 6.9 kW system, there is one outlet inside the vehicle’s cabin (10 A and 2.3 kW), and two in the load box (15 A and 3.45 kW per outlet) to meet the power demands of heavier duty equipment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 30 minutes ago, Rick73 said: I’m wondering that if Ford manufacture a PHEV Ranger or Transit Custom Van (or similar) for US, whether they will make larger 7.2 kW PPO available. I would think so based on UK specs but not sure. I didn't realize the base 2.0 kW system was floating neutral. Thanks. If you are asking about the EU Ranger (6.9 kW) vs the US (7.2 kW) difference, that is due to their voltage standard. EU/AU is 230 volts resulting in 6.9 kW at 30 amps where US is 240 volts resulting in 7.2 kW at 30 amps. I would be shocked if a US Ranger PHEV does not offer the 7.2 PPO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted September 14 Share Posted September 14 15 hours ago, Texasota said: I didn't realize the base 2.0 kW system was floating neutral. Thanks. If you are asking about the EU Ranger (6.9 kW) vs the US (7.2 kW) difference, that is due to their voltage standard. EU/AU is 230 volts resulting in 6.9 kW at 30 amps where US is 240 volts resulting in 7.2 kW at 30 amps. I would be shocked if a US Ranger PHEV does not offer the 7.2 PPO. Yeah, been to Europe a couple times. 😀 By the way, if you want additional information on code, or how quickly the entire floating versus bonded neutral issue gets complicated, the following makes interesting reading. Best left to professionals, but it’s always good to know why things are done a certain way. I can see why powering houses with EV batteries isn’t cheap. https://eepower.com/technical-articles/national-electrical-code-2023-basics-grounding-and-bonding-part-9/ I was curious as to why Ford would design and build versions of PPO differently regarding bonding, and I was not able to find anything definitive, at least that I noticed. If I had to guess, it would be that since electricity is generated by an inverter that is powered from a battery, that the PowerBoost F-150 which uses a much higher voltage battery and generator must be grounded differently for added safety compared to the simpler base ICE F-150 which uses low-voltage lead-acid batteries charged by an alternator. The base ICE F-150’s PPO isn’t all that different than what is installed in many motorhomes, which are relatively safe to work with. Just a guess though because there could be many other reasons. Overall a generator with floating neutral seems desirable to me when permissible because it’s more versatile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker16 Posted September 14 Author Share Posted September 14 On 9/12/2025 at 5:33 PM, Texasota said: I think you are over simplifying this. I believe this collar is only a small piece of a whole house backup system. I requires an Enphase system controller and Enphase batteries. I believe the Enphase batteries require a system controller, and the collar allows for automatic switching from grid to Microgrid. ALSO 👀 Quote FREMONT, Calif., Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH), a global energy technology company and the world's leading supplier of microinverter-based solar and battery systems, today unveiled its new IQ® Bidirectional EV Charger architecture for vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. The charger connects to the direct current (DC) port of the electric vehicle (EV) and lets homeowners charge their EV, power their home seamlessly during outages, and share energy with the grid – all managed through the Enphase® App. The IQ Bidirectional EV Charger only needs to be paired with the IQ® Meter Collar for a simple, powerful configuration that delivers home backup and grid services. The system is designed to be cost-effective, easy to install, and compatible with most home electrical setups. Homeowners can start with just the charger and meter collar for the basic configuration and then expand over time by adding Enphase solar and batteries to build a complete energy system. Watch an overview video of the charger in action and read the white paper to learn more. Here are some of the key features of the charger: Enphase Bidirectional EV Charger | Enphase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texasota Posted September 14 Share Posted September 14 (edited) 8 hours ago, Biker16 said: I believe the Enphase batteries require a system controller, and the collar allows for automatic switching from grid to Microgrid. ALSO 👀 Fascinating. Thanks for posting. Edited September 14 by Texasota 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.