As residential solar adoption surges in 2025, energy storage is no longer a nice-to-have it’s essential. From grid outages to time-of-use pricing, today’s homeowners want energy resilience, lower bills, and seamless EV charging.
Enter the new Enphase IQ Battery 10C, a fully integrated AC-coupled battery system that promises just that—and then some.
In this deep dive, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the IQ Battery 10C: performance, tech specs, installation, use cases, and how it compares to other solar batteries on the market.
✅ Want to see how it stacks up against Tesla, LG, and more? Check our full battery rankings here
Quick Overview: What Is the Enphase IQ Battery 10C?
The IQ Battery 10C is Enphase’s latest 10.0 kWh home energy storage system, launched in 2025. Designed for AC-coupled systems, it pairs perfectly with Enphase microinverters, including the new IQ8 series, and supports both grid-tied and backup modes.
Key Features at a Glance:
- 10.0 kWh usable capacity
- 7.08 kVA continuous output with 14.16 kVA peak power
- Four IQ8B microinverters built-in
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry for safety and longevity
- Passive cooling with no fans or moving parts
- Wall or pedestal mount
- 15-year or 6,000-cycle warranty
Performance Breakdown: Power, Efficiency, and Output
Let’s look under the hood.
⚡ Output Power
- Rated continuous output: 7.08 kVA
- Peak output (3 seconds): 56 A
- Power Start support: Up to 90 A LRA (Locked Rotor Amps), making it ideal for powering large appliances like HVAC systems during blackoutsdsh-00565-2.0-en-us-iq-…
This makes the IQ Battery 10C one of the highest-performing AC batteries on the market nearly double the power of Tesla Powerwall’s continuous output (5 kW) and far exceeding typical LFP units.
🔁 Efficiency
- AC Round-Trip Efficiency: 90%
- DC Round-Trip Efficiency: 96%dsh-00565-2.0-en-us-iq-…
Thanks to the Enphase IQ8 microinverters embedded inside, the AC-to-AC cycle loses minimal energy. That’s excellent for homes in time-of-use markets or with variable-rate electricity plans.
What Makes It Different from Other Batteries?
Unlike traditional batteries that rely on central inverters, the IQ 10C leverages microinverter architecture a core Enphase innovation. Each 5.0 kWh unit (two per battery) contains its own IQ8BL or IQ8BN microinverter.
Advantages:
- Redundancy: If one microinverter fails, the system keeps running
- Grid-forming: Enables seamless backup when paired with an IQ System Controller
- No single point of failure: Compared to string inverter setups
This architecture is especially important in multi-load homes, where different zones (e.g., essential circuits and EVs) require independent control.
Battery Chemistry: Why LFP Matters in 2025
The IQ Battery 10C uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is widely regarded as the safest and longest-lasting lithium variant.
Benefits of LFP:
- Non-combustible: Better thermal stability
- Longer lifespan: 6,000+ cycles expected
- Lower degradation: Better performance in high-heat states like California and Texas
This puts it on par with other LFP-based systems like the Tesla Powerwall 3, while offering better surge and start-up capabilities.
Installation: What to Expect
Size & Weight:
- Dimensions: 24.5″ x 28″ x 14.4″
- Weight: 317 lbs total (two units + cover)
- Mounting: Wall or pedestal mount (sold separately)
Enphase supplies drill templates, mounting brackets, and internal cable kits in the box. This makes the system surprisingly installer-friendly, despite its high power rating.
Additionally, the battery connects via wired communication, a huge improvement over Wi-Fi-dependent systems, which are often buggy in backup mode.
Use Cases: When Is the IQ Battery 10C a Smart Fit?
The Enphase IQ 10C is ideal for:
✅ Homeowners with existing Enphase systems
✅ Those planning full-home backup
✅ Properties with HVAC or pump loads needing high surge output
✅ Time-of-use customers who want to optimize bill savings
✅ EV owners with smart-charging setups
It pairs seamlessly with the IQ Meter Collar and IQ Combiner 6C, enabling fast interconnection and complete backup functionality even during utility blackouts.
Safety Certifications
Battery safety is mission-critical and Enphase gets this right.
Certified For:
- UL 9540 (Energy Storage System Safety)
- UL 9540A (Thermal Runaway Test)
- UL 1973 (Battery Modules)
- UL 991 and UL 1998 (Control Systems)
- NEMA 3R enclosure for outdoor usedsh-00565-2.0-en-us-iq-…
This makes the IQ 10C not only code-compliant nationwide but also suitable for multi-unit housing, wildland zones, and garages where space and fire safety matter.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High power output (7.08 kVA continuous) | Heavier than most competitors |
| Microinverter redundancy | More expensive than DIY solutions |
| Superior LFP chemistry | Requires Enphase ecosystem for full features |
| Field-replaceable components | Not yet compatible with non-Enphase inverters |
| 15-year warranty |
Final Verdict: Is the IQ Battery 10C Worth It?
If you’re looking for the most powerful, safest, and most Enphase-integrated battery available in 2025, the IQ Battery 10C delivers in every category:
- 🔋 Massive output
- ⚡ Incredible surge capacity
- 📲 Smart control via Enphase App
- 🛠️ Easy serviceability
- 🔒 Industry-leading safety
Yes, it’s more of a premium-priced option, but if you’re already in the Enphase ecosystem or planning whole-home backup, it’s the best battery you can buy right now.
Bonus: What’s in the Box?
Each system includes:
- Two 5.0 kWh battery units
- Microinverters (IQ8BL/IQ8BN) embedded
- Mounting brackets and seismic screws
- Internal wiring kits and raceway adapters
- Cover kit and conduit covers
- Control connector, interconnect cables
- Quick Install Guide
Final Takeaway
The IQ Battery 10C is a bold evolution of Enphase’s battery line, one that aligns with the energy needs of 2025’s smarter, more electrified homes.
Have questions? NRG Clean Power’s experts are here to help you design a future-proof solar and storage system, optimized for your utility, your needs, and your goals.
