Designing with Enphase

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.

Selecting the Right Microinverter

To determine the compatibility of specific PV modules with Enphase Microinverters, use our Module Compatibility 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 7kW AC system using the IQ 7+ Micro, divide 7,000 by 295 to arrive at 25 microinverters. (7,000 / 295 = 23.73 or 24 microinverters)

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 (240V) microinverters that can be installed on a 20A circuit is 13. This means that you'll need two branch circuits for this 7kW AC sample system. (24 / 13 = 1.85 or 2 branch circuits)

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 IQ Envoy and Q Accessories. The IQ System is not compatible with our previous microinverter systems.

Download the IQ System Component List here to learn more.

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 best practice 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, or use of a combiner from the IQ Combiner series. The Enphase IQ Combiner is the most cost-effective way to get the most from the Envoy. The IQ Combiner will help to cut installation time, and consolidate interconnection and communications equipment costs by 20%. Use of either an IQ Combiner or a dedicated Envoy circuit will 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 IQ Envoy ships with a production CT for sites requiring revenue grade metering. You can also design each system for consumption monitoring (required for Encharge energy management technology installations). Consumption CTs are ordered separately.

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