While researching hardware for solar panels I scanned the web for possible hardware and saw that Enphase is supposed to have good inverters needed create AC. I am looking for hardware that does not need to be connected to the internet for all the obvious reasons like security, privacy, continuity, stability, resale value, etc.

So I asked myself the question; can Enphase hardware run without interaction with the Enphase company. Someone in their forum already asked this question:

https://support.enphase.com/s/question/0D53m00008IDVYmCAP/ca...

Looks like independent usage of the hardware is no longer the case because of a mandatory firmware update and people are "unimpressed":

https://support.enphase.com/s/question/0D53m00006ySLuRCAW/un...

What I understand is that people are forced now to periodically get a token with limited lifespan from the Enphase website to access the API of their hardware in stead of open local access. This seems to upset people with 20.000$ setups.

I am curious if I am reading this correctly, because this looks a bit like a "Bait and Switch" in the legal sense (not a lawyer btw) if this is true. It seems that Enphase removed a well known and coveted feature (independent local api connectivity) after the sale for the benefit of themselves. I am wondering if people have experience with this hardware and the situation, because I might be wrong and don't want to wrongfully suggest an issue. Hardware looks nice, but if this is true and does not get reverted, it would be a deal breaker for me.