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Designing with Enphase

Designing an Enphase System is easy, and this section covers everything you need to know about how to do it successfully.
Enphase Microinverter Icon

PV Generation with Microinverters

Microinverters are installed behind each solar module and convert the DC power from solar modules to grid compliant AC power right at the module. Use our data sheets and design resources below to help you design your system. For more information about Enphase Microinverters, visit the Microinverter Family page of our website.

Introduction to Enphase IQ System Design
Introduction to Enphase IQ System Design
Watch this pre-recorded webcast to learn best practice, tips and tricks for designing with the new Enphase IQ System
Selecting the Right Microinverter

To determine the compatibility of specific PV modules with Enphase Microinverters, use our Module Compatibility Calculator.

To ensure that voltage rise stays within acceptable levels, use our most recent voltage rise calculator.

Review specifications and design resources for each of our Microinverters below.

Array Sizing

To determine how many microinverters you'll need simply divide the desired AC system size by the VA rating of the compatible microinverter. For example, if you're designing a 7.25kW AC system using the IQ 7+ Micro, divide 7,250 by 290 to arrive at 25 microinverters. (7,250/ 290 = 25)

AC Branch Circuits

The maximum number of microinverters that can be installed on each AC branch circuit can be found in the microinverter's datasheet. Continuing the example from above, the maximum number of IQ 7+ single-phase (230VAC) microinverters that can be installed on a 20A circuit is 13. This means that you'll need two branch circuits for this 7.25kW sample system. (25 / 13 = 1.92 or 2)

System Compatibility

The IQ System uses the 2-wire Q-Cable and a new line-to-line power line communications protocol. When using the IQ Micros take care to use only the Envoy-S, Envoy-S Metered and Q Cable as the S-Series Engage Cable is not compatible with the IQ System. The IQ System is, however, compatible with the S-Series IF you have Envoy-S or Envoy-S Metered installed at the site instead of a Envoy-R.

Microinverter Resources
IQ Systems
6th and 7th generation microinverters supporting 60-cell, 72-cell and high-powered modules
M-Series Systems
Legacy microinverter optimized for 60- and 72-cell modules of 210W to 310W
Enphase Envoy Icon

Communications and Control with Envoy

The Envoy is the monitoring and control appliance for the system, and it communicates with system components over the AC power lines at the site. If the Envoy is unable to communicate with system components, operations may be impaired.

Follow respective best practice guides for placement design and installation of the Envoy to ensure reliable system monitoring and control. Design plans should call for the installation of the Envoy on its own circuit at the PV sub-panel. Use a dedicated Envoy circuit to minimize the distance between the array branch circuits and the Envoy and will improve communications by isolating the Envoy from other loads in the home.

The Envoy-S Metered ships with a production CT for sites requiring revenue grade metering. You can also design each system for consumption monitoring (required for full system production and consumption monitoring capabilities). Consumption CTs are ordered separately.

Review specifications and design resources for the different types of control component installations.

Communications and Control Resources
Envoy-S/Envoy-S Metered
Compatible with our 6th and 7th generation IQ 6+/IQ 7/IQ 7+ Micros
Envoy-R
Compatible with our legacy 5th generation M250 Micros
Metering CTs
Hardwired CTs are required to give a system consumption monitoring