Enphase IQ8 Microinverters

Solar Micro inverters & Battery Storage Systems by Enphase Energy.

Enphase's 8th-generation IQ 8 Microinverters are built using advanced 55nm technology chip. for The Enphase IQ8 Micro
inverter series are grid forming during a power outage and storage compatible.

Enphase IQ7 Microinverters

Solar Micro inverters & Battery Storage Systems by Enphase Energy.

Enphase's 7th-generation IQ 7 Microinverters are powered by a unique software-defined architecture for an even more
efficient design. The Enphase IQ7 Micro inverter series produces 4% more power, is 19% lighter and 17% smaller than
the IQ6 series microinverters.

IQ7 Micro's Q-Aggregator simplifies installation by combining 3 branch circuits to common conduit.

IQ reduces electrical component parts count

One of the challenges of conventional solar installations is efficiently managing inventory of junction boxes, watertight compression fittings, and off-the-shelf conduit and conductors needed to link up sections of a rooftop array. Any shortage of small electrical components adds significant time to the job as crew members restock at the hardware store or back at the warehouse.

The IQ System replaces numerous electrical balance of system components with the Enphase Q-Aggregator supporting up to three branch circuits and accepting the same plug-and-play connectors that connect to the microinverters, making any connector a place to feed or branch off to another part of the system.

Installers also have the option of using standard electrical components to transition branch circuits from the roof to the Enphase IQ Combiner Box with consolidated metering and networking equipment, including a preconfigured IQ Envoy communications gateway, at ground level. The IQ Combiner Box combines up to four electrical enclosures into one, eliminating the need for a separate subpanel, meter enclosure, Envoy enclosure, and AC disconnect, as well as all the hardware to connect these pieces together. Learn more about installing with Enphase.

IQ improves design flexibility

One of the inherent limitations of string inverter systems is the need to always complete a loop in the electrical design. With these DC power systems, there’s no opportunity to branch off to islanded arrays on complex rooftops or in response to on-the-fly design changes.

The field-wireable connectors in the IQ System allow for safe and simple connections from any open connector and the ability to center feed any section of cable up to a 20-amp limit allowing the system to be built as a tree with branches rather than a constricted linear design. The lighter two-wire Q Cable also makes it easier to handle wire management, whether that means fastening cable to rails or to the module frame using standard clips in a rail-less mounting system. To streamline the installation process even further, eliminating field wiring of the microinverter to the module, look for the introduction of Enphase Energized AC Modules from multiple partners at your distributor this summer.

IQ enables faster commissioning

A new generation of Line to Line power line communications made it possible to remove the neutral conductor from the Enphase cabling system and results in new Envoys and Combiners for the IQ System. This, along with new embedded software, results in a notable improvement in microinverter detection during commissioning.

All the process improvements in the IQ System build upon an industry-leading home energy solution that comes with built-in compliance for 2014 and 2017 NEC rapid shutdown requirements and advanced grid functionality that will be needed as utilities move to new standards this year. As grid conditions change, Enphase’s ability to report on each microinverter’s performance and remotely push firmware updates to the field will prevent the need for costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary truck rolls.

Enphase Microinverters have proven benefits over other technologies.

Higher production, best savings

Microinverters operate independently, so each solar panel performs to its fullest. One shaded or dirty panel won't affect the rest of the system. Burst technology lets microinverters produce more at dawn, dusk, and in low-light conditions. This allows for a longer solar day for a larger energy harvest.

More reliable

Because microinverters function independently, they are inherently more reliable. There is no single point of failure in an Enphase IQ Microinverter solar system.

If one solar panel fails, the other solar panels will continue to produce power. Enphase microinverters undergo the most rigorous product testing in the industry. Enphase stands by their products with the industry's highest warranties.

Safer than other inverter technologies

An all-AC system means no high-voltage DC power on your roof. Enphase Microinverters are commonly chosen for schools, since they meet even the strictest government safety requirements.

If a solar module is in the shade or temporarily covered with debris, the other modules will continue to provide power with an Enphase Microinverter grid-tie solar system.

• Maximizing the energy harvest of an array of solar modules.
• Having a single inverter for an entire array creates a single point of failure.
• Complex design decisions must be made in sizing DC series and parallel strings.
• Limited monitoring and analysis and no per-panel visibility.

Enphase Microinverter General FAQ

What is a Microinverter?

An inverter is a power converter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Traditionally, this has meant one, centrally-located inverter converting all of the DC current from the entire PV array. A micro-inverter is a much smaller version of the central inverter where there is one per PV module. The DC gets converted to AC at the point of the PV module. AC power then travels upstream through an ordinary branch circuit, and to the service panel.

What is a Microinverter system?

A Microinverter system is a federation of multiple microinverters all along a branch circuit, and/or within multiple branch circuits, which are all converting DC to AC, all injecting their current upstream, and reporting back to Enphase regarding their individual power-production statistics. Latest innovations allow a microinverter system to include a Lithium-Ion battery for backup power and other energy storage purposes.

How do Enphase Microinverters differ from AC solar panels?

With AC solar panels (PVAC), the inverter and module are a single unit and are sold and installed as such. In contrast, the Enphase Microinverter is architected as a standalone inverter. This modular design means they can offer the flexibility to work with most off-the-shelf solar modules.

Can Microinverters work in off-grid environments?

No. They have only been tested to work in grid-tied installations.