How to detail an Enphase IQ6 combiner with an Enphase MC-200 meter-mounted backup initiation device using PCS
The following article will walk you through the detail for an Enphase system utilizing the IQ6 Combiner and the MC-200 meter-mounted BID, employing Power Control Systems (PCS) at the main panel to avoid a main panel upgrade.
✅ Step 1: Detail the BID
The Enphase MC-200-011-V01 is a meter-mounted BID that support whole home backup for qualifying projects. It is often paired with the Enphase IQ6 Combiner panel to offer PCS in the Busbar Control flavor, complying with NEC 705.13, avoiding main panel upgrades. See this article for more information on the different flavors of PCS.
✅ Step 2: Detail the main service panel as busbar #1.
A. Identify the Busbar that requires a PCS method for Interconnection
- It's typically the main panel. See your design resources for notes form your design team regarding the use of PCS.
- A man lug only panel does not have a single service disconnecting OCPD. Check site conditions for the appropriate main panel configuration.
- The main panel will be subject to backfeed for this project.
✅ Step 3: Detail the IQ6 combiner as busbar #2
A. You don't have any loads in the IQ6....
- Detail the IQ6 as a "New Combiner Panel"
- No loads relocated, combine PV and ESS as detailed in your design. Since the combiner panel has no loads, the point of interconnection is the place where it first meets house loads, at the main service panel.
- Ensure that Inverters and ESS have the same point of interconnection, Main Service Panel.
B. My IQ6 has backup loads....
- Detail the IQ6 as a "New backup loads Panel"
- If loads are relocated to the IQ6, and in backup, detail the IQ6 as a backup loads panel interconnecting on subpanel feeders.
- This interconnection is typically a "breaker sandwich" on subpanel feeders. You will want to ensure that your Inverter and ESS also interconnect at the subpanel feeders.
- Learn more about detailing the breaker sandwich interconnection, here.
- Clicking the attestation for adequate ESS capacity covers the IQ6 load management function.
✅ Step 4: PCS ampacity and access settings.
The purpose of PCS in the busbar control configuration is to have the greatest amount of renewable energy flow though a panelboard without exceeding it's maximum rating. Equipment using busbar control relies on sensors at the top and bottom of the main service busbar to monitor currents and ensure that the combination of utility feed and renewable sources do es not exceed that rating of the busbar. Busbars are capable of supporting up to 80% of their ampacity ratings for continuous duty sources, such as a solar and storage system.
🛠️ Step 5: If you are still having trouble with this detail
Consider signing up for SolarAPP+ Assist for 1-on-1 support with a technician.
You can learn more about it here: