Although not a Solar Panel Manufacturer - Enphase promises wide compatibility
Enphase Energy Profile
Founded: 2006, in California.
Headquarters: Fremont, CA, USA.
Business Focus: Microinverter-based solar and battery systems.
Product Offerings: Solar power generation, battery storage, energy management systems.
Global Reach: Systems deployed in over 130 countries.
Innovation Milestones:
2008: First microinverter-based solar system introduced.
2016: 6th-generation IQ technology introduced.
2021: Started shipping IQ8 Series Microinverters in North America.
Compatibility with Solar Panels
Compatibility Tool: Module Compatibility Calculator available on Enphase website.
Key Parameters for Compatibility:
Maximum power current
Short circuit current
Temperature coefficients of Isc and Voc.
Integrated Ground Requirement: Modules paired with integrated ground microinverters must use compliant PV wire/cable.
Bifacial PV Module Compatibility: Yes, under certain conditions related to electrical parameters.
Microinverter Series:
IQ 6
IQ 7
IQ 7+
IQ 7X.
Enphase Microinverters: Technical Specifications
Overview of Enphase Microinverters
Enphase microinverters, known for their efficiency and reliability, offer a range of features that make them compatible with various high-powered photovoltaic (PV) modules. Their design includes lightweight, compact construction with plug-and-play connectors for easier installation. They also incorporate power line communication (PLC) between components and have a simple two-wire cabling system to expedite the installation process.
Key Specifications
Here's a comparison of two models from the Enphase IQ series:
Specification | IQ8X Microinverter | IQ8+ Microinverter |
Peak Output Power | 384 VA @ 240 Vac | 300 VA |
366 VA @ 208 Vac | ||
Input Power Range | 320 – 540 W | 235 – 440 W |
Maximum Continuous Output | 380 VA @ 240 Vac | 290 VA |
360 VA @ 208 Vac | ||
Operating Voltage Range | 25 – 79.5 V | 16 – 58 V |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 212 x 175 x 30.2 mm | 212 x 175 x 30.2 mm |
Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg approx.) | 1.1 kg |
Additional Features
Both models are designed for faster and easier installation, emphasizing user convenience.
They can produce power even during grid downtimes under specific conditions.
These microinverters comply with advanced grid support requirements and can be updated remotely for the latest grid requirements.
Both are configurable to support a wide range of grid profiles and meet CA Rule 21 and IEEE 1547:2018 standards.
Warranty and Reliability
Enphase microinverters are backed by rigorous testing, with over one million cumulative hours of power-on testing, which speaks to their reliability. This testing enables Enphase to offer an industry-leading limited warranty of up to 25 years for these products.
Important Note
It's crucial to note that IQ8 Series Microinverters cannot be mixed with previous generations (like IQ7 or IQ6 Series) in the same solar power system.
This table provides a detailed comparison of the technical specifications of two Enphase microinverter models, illustrating the advanced features and capabilities that make them suitable for diverse solar energy applications.
Compatibility of Solar Panels with Enphase Microinverters
Enphase Microinverter Compatibility Overview
Compatibility Range: Enphase microinverters are designed to be broadly compatible with most solar panels.
Specific Models: The compatibility extends to various models, including the popular IQ series microinverters.
Compatibility Determination Factors
Voltage and Current Specifications:
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): Voltage reading when the module is not connected to any load.
Voltage at Maximum Power (Vmp): Voltage when the module produces maximum power.
Short Circuit Current (Isc): Maximum current the PV module can source.
Temperature Coefficients:
Temperature Coefficient of Voc: Determines the effect of temperature on a PV module's open circuit voltage.
Temperature Range: The lowest daytime temperature and the highest average temperature when sunlight is on the array.
Enphase Microinverters and PV Modules Compatibility
Supported Cell Counts: The microinverter family is compatible with 60 cell / 120 half cell, 72 cell / 144 half cell, and 96 cell PV modules.
PV Module Pairing Warning: The microinverter should not be connected to a module deemed incompatible by Enphase's calculator, as it may void the warranty.
Bifacial PV Modules: Enphase IQ Microinverters are also compatible with bifacial PV modules, considering specific electrical parameters and bifacial gain.
Top 5 Paired Solar Panels with Enphase Microinverters
Enphase microinverters are known for their compatibility with a wide range of solar panels. While specific "most often paired" panels are not explicitly listed, several solar panel brands and models are frequently used with Enphase microinverters. These include:
Q.Cells:
Particularly the Q.PEAK XL bi-facial modules, which are designed for high power generation and efficiency.
Hyundai:
The Hyundai 400 All-Black Bifacial panels are another option that pairs well with Enphase microinverters, offering a good balance of aesthetics and performance.
Sonali:
Known for their all-black panels, like the Sonali 440, which are often used in residential installations for their sleek appearance.
Mission Solar:
Their 430 All-Black XL-size modules are made in the USA and provide a robust and efficient solar solution.
REC Solar:
Panels like the REC Alpha Pure-R 410 Bi-facial all-black are also compatible, known for their high efficiency and durability.
Silfab:
The Silfab 400 All-Black panels, offering a combination of performance and aesthetics.
Solaria:
Known for their high-quality panels like the PowerXT-400R-PM, which are made in the USA and are often used with Enphase microinverters.
These panels are chosen for various reasons, including their efficiency, aesthetic appeal, and the specific requirements of different solar projects. Enphase microinverters are designed to be versatile and work with a wide array of solar panels, allowing for flexible system design and optimization.
Important Considerations
Warranty Considerations: Compatibility is crucial for warranty validity.
Performance Optimization: Incompatible pairings might lead to power clipping, affecting maximum rated AC output power of the microinverter.
Temperature Influence: The impact of local temperature on the performance and compatibility of the solar module should be considered.
Enphase Microinverters: Integrated Ground Requirements
Overview of Integrated Ground in Enphase Microinverters
Integrated Ground Detection: Enphase microinverters with integrated ground (IG) detect ground faults in the DC conductors of the PV module.
Safety and Compliance: These microinverters continuously check insulation resistance before exporting power, enhancing safety and meeting compliance standards.
Key Features and Requirements
Ground Fault Protection (GFP): Built into Enphase Microinverters to meet or exceed compliance requirements.
System Grounding: Older models without IG technology require equipment grounding.
Ungrounded PV Systems: Enphase Microinverters with IG are suitable for ungrounded PV systems as they provide the necessary isolation and insulation from ground.
Equipment Ground Conductor (EGC): In systems with IG microinverters, the ground conductor in the Engage Cable acts as the EGC, simplifying installation.
Installation and Compatibility
PV Wire or Cable Compliance: PV modules paired with IG microinverters must use PV wire or cable compliant with NEC 690.35(D) for ungrounded systems.
Compatibility Check: It's essential not to connect IG microinverters to incompatible modules as indicated by Enphase's compatibility calculator, to maintain warranty and system integrity.