r/enphase

I have 50 panels with Enphase IQ8+ microinverters, an IQ Combiner 4C, and 1:1 net metering. A 14 kW propane Generac backs up one of my two 200-amp panels, covering our first-floor essentials. The attached diagram shows the existing setup and proposed additions. All electric, two-story home in southern USA (zone 8A) for a family of three (we rarely use the upstairs).

My goal is affordable backup if the generator fails or propane becomes unavailable, not whole-house battery storage. I’ve purchased an IQ System Controller 2, two IQ Load Controllers, an Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2, and a C1000 Gen 2.

The plan is to add a small critical-load subpanel with dedicated Sunlight Backup outlets. These would power limited daytime loads and recharge the portable batteries. Without generator power, the C2000 would support the refrigerator, while the C1000 would support lights, communications, and small devices during periods without sufficient sunlight.

Appliances would plug directly into the batteries—no battery connection back into the household panels or additional transfer switch. The existing Generac arrangement stays unchanged. I’m comfortable managing charging rates and moving appliance plugs manually.

Does this seem reasonable? Any reliability issues or simple improvements? Would you install both load controllers or keep one as a spare?

Thanks in advance!