Welcome to this concise summary of the Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverter Installation and Operation Manual. Please note that this document is intended to provide an overview and should not be used as a substitute for the complete manual. For detailed, updated, correct and complete instructions, specifications, and safety guidelines, always refer to the Official Enphase IQ8, IQ8+, IQ8M, IQ8A, and IQ8H Microinverters Manual. Any actions taken based on this summary are at the reader’s discretion, and GC Framing disclaims any liability arising from the use of this summary in lieu of the full manual.

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Important Safety Information

Microinverter Safety Instructions

• Ensure the terminator cap or cable connections are not exposed to directed, pressurized liquid.
• Avoid continuous tension on the terminator or cable.
• Use only the provided connectors and ensure they are free from contamination or debris.
• The terminator should not come into contact with open flames.
• Only use the terminator cap to seal the conductor end of the Enphase IQ Cable.

PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE)

• The product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment and adheres to NEC-2014, NEC-2017, NEC-2020, and C22.1-2018 Rule 64-218.
• Microinverters and all DC connections must be installed inside the array boundary.
• The rapid shutdown system must have an initiating device or status indicator accessible to first responders.
• A placard or label indicating “PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN” must be prominently displayed near the initiator device.

The Enphase IQ System

Components of the Enphase IQ System

• IQ Series Microinverters:
  • Converts the DC output of the PV module into grid-compliant AC power.
• Enphase IQ Gateway:
  • Provides network access to the PV array, collecting data from the microinverters and transmitting it to Enphase.
• Enphase Installer platform:
  • Web-based software for monitoring and managing PV systems.
• Enphase Installer App:
  • Allows installers to configure the system onsite using iOS and Android devices.
• Enphase IQ Battery:
  • Provides energy storage solutions.
• Enphase Field Wireable connectors:
  • Facilitates connections from any IQ Cable or open Field Wireable connector.

Functionality of the Enphase IQ Series Microinverters

• Uses a sophisticated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm to maximize energy production.
• Each microinverter connects individually to a PV module, ensuring optimal performance for each module.
• The distributed nature of the system ensures no single point of failure.
• Designed to operate at full power even at high ambient temperatures.
• Simplifies the design and installation process, eliminating the need for string calculations or traditional inverters.

System Monitoring

• After installing the Enphase IQ Gateway and connecting to the internet, the microinverters begin reporting to the Enphase Installer Platform.
• The platform provides insights into current and historical system performance and system status.

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Planning for Microinverter Installation

Compatibility

• The IQ8 Microinverter is compatible with 60-cell PV modules, while the IQ8+, IQ8M, IQ8A, and IQ8H support PV modules with 54-, 60-, 66-, or 72-cells.
• The microinverter housing is designed for outdoor installation and complies with the NEMA 250, type 6 environmental enclosure rating standard.
• The Enphase IQ Cable is available with connector spacing options for both portrait and landscape PV module orientations.

Grounding Considerations

• Enphase Microinverters do not require grounding electrode conductors (GEC), equipment grounding conductors (EGC), or grounded conductor (neutral).
• The microinverter has a Class II double-insulated rating, which includes ground fault protection (GFP).

Utility Service Requirements

• The microinverters work with single-phase service.
• Ensure AC line voltages are within the specified ranges for 240 Volt AC and 208 Volt AC.

Wire Lengths and Voltage Rise

• Select the appropriate AC conductor size to minimize voltage rise.
• Enphase provides guidance on choosing wire size and calculating voltage rise.

Lightning and Surge Suppression

• Enphase Microinverters have built-in surge protection.
• It’s recommended to protect the system with a lightning and/or surge suppression device.

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Installation Process

Parts and Tools Required

• Enphase Equipment:
  • Enphase IQ Gateway:
    • Essential for monitoring production.
  • Enphase Installer App:
    • Useful for tracking system installation progress.
  • Tie wraps or IQ Cable Clips.
  • Enphase Sealing Caps:
    • For any unused drops on the Enphase IQ Cable.
  • Enphase Terminator:
    • Generally two needed per branch circuit.
  • Enphase Disconnect Tool.
  • Enphase Field Wireable Connectors.
  • Enphase IQ Cable:
    • Available in various models and connector spacings.
• Other Items:
  • AC junction box.
  • Number 2 and 3 screwdrivers.
  • Wire cutters, voltmeter.
  • Torque wrench, sockets, wrenches for mounting hardware.

Enphase Microinverter Installation

• Step 1: Position the Enphase IQ Cable:
  • Plan each cable segment to align with each PV module. Mark the centers of each PV module on the PV racking.
• Step 2: Position the Junction Box:
  • Ensure AC voltage at the site is within range. Install a junction box at a suitable location.
• Step 3: Mount the Microinverters:
  • Mount them horizontally or vertically under the PV module, ensuring protection from direct exposure to harmful weather events.
• Step 4: Create an Installation Map:
  • Use the Enphase Installation Map to record the physical location of each microinverter.
• Step 5: Manage the Cabling:
  • Attach the cable to the racking using cable clips or tie wraps.
• Step 6: Connect the Microinverters:
  • Connect them and cover any unused connector with Enphase Sealing Caps.
• Step 7: Terminate the Unused End of the Cable:
  • Use the terminator to seal the unused end.
• Step 8: Complete Installation of the Junction Box:
  • Connect the Enphase IQ Cable into the junction box.
• Step 9: Connect the PV Modules:
  • Attach the Enphase DC bulkhead adaptors if required and connect the DC leads of each PV module to the corresponding microinverter.
• Step 10: Energize the System:
  • After approval by your local building department or similar, turn ON the AC disconnect or circuit breaker for the branch circuit and then turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker.

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Enphase Energy System Configurations

• PV Solar Grid Tied:
  • Direct connection to the grid.
• PV Solar Grid Agnostic:
  • Operates independently of the grid.
• PV Solar + Storage:
  • Incorporates energy storage solutions.
• PV Solar + Generator:
  • Utilizes a generator for additional power.
• PV Solar + Storage + Generator:
  • Combines solar, storage, and generator capabilities.

Enphase IQ System Controller R2

• Consolidates interconnection equipment into a single enclosure.
• Streamlines grid-independent capabilities of PV and storage installations.
• Contains a neutral-forming transformer (NFT) for 120/240 V operation in backup mode.
• Enphase Wireless communication kit enables direct communication between IQ Battery, IQ System Controller, and the Gateway.

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Troubleshooting

Status LED Indications and Error Reporting

• Flashing green:
  • Normal operation with AC grid function and communication with the IQ Gateway.
• Flashing orange:
  • AC grid is normal, but no communication with the IQ Gateway.
• Flashing Red:
  • AC grid is either not present or not within specification.
• Solid Red:
  • Active DC Resistance Low, Power Off Condition.

DC Resistance Low Power Off Condition

• The insulation resistance (IR) sensor in the microinverter measures resistance between the positive and negative PV inputs to ground. If resistance drops below a threshold, the microinverter stops power production.
• This condition may indicate defective module insulation, wiring, moisture ingress, or similar issues.
• The condition persists until manually reset with an IQ Gateway.

Troubleshoot an Inoperable Microinverter

1. Ensure AC breakers and disconnects are closed.
2. Check the connection to the utility grid and verify utility voltage is within allowable ranges.
3. Disconnect the AC cable for the microinverter in question from the Enphase IQ Cable.
4. Verify utility power is present at the microinverter.
5. Check that the AC branch circuit connections are properly seated and undamaged.
6. Ensure upstream AC disconnects and circuit breakers are functioning and closed.
7. Disconnect and re-connect the DC PV module connectors.
8. Attach an ammeter clamp to one conductor of the DC cables from the PV module to measure microinverter current.
9. Verify the PV module DC voltage is within the allowable range.
10. Swap DC leads with a known good, adjacent PV module.
11. Check the DC connections between the microinverter and the PV module.
12. Verify with your utility that line frequency is within range.
13. If the problem persists, contact Enphase Customer Support.

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Disconnecting a Microinverter

• Ensure safety measures are followed.
• Always de-energize the AC branch circuit before servicing.
• Never disconnect the DC connectors under load.
• The Enphase Microinverters are powered by DC power from the PV modules. Ensure you disconnect the DC connections and reconnect DC power.
• Check Enphase Installer Platform periodically for any issues.
• If problems persist, contact Enphase Customer Support.

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Replacement and Cabling

Replacing a Microinverter

• If issues persist after troubleshooting, contact Enphase for support.
• If a replacement is authorized, follow the steps in the manual to ensure safety and proper disconnection.
• Always de-energize the AC branch circuit before servicing.
• After replacing, use the Enphase Installer App to update the microinverter serial number in the Enphase IQ Gateway database.
• Ship the old microinverter back to Enphase using the provided return-shipping label.

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Ordering Replacement Parts and Cabling

• Replacement adaptors for microinverters with MC-4 DC connectors are available.
• The Enphase IQ Cable is a continuous length of 12 AWG, outdoor-rated cable with integrated connectors for microinverters.
• The cable is compatible with various PV racking systems and is available in different connector spacing options.
• Accessories for the Enphase IQ Cable include field wireable connectors, cable clips, disconnect tools, sealing caps, and terminators.

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Technical Data and Considerations

Bifacial Modules

• Enphase Microinverters are compatible with bifacial PV modules, which produce power from both sides, increasing total energy generation.
• The power gained from the rear side (bifacial gain) can vary between 0% to 30% of the module’s nominal rating.
• Pairing the bifacial module with the right microinverter depends on the module’s electrical characteristics.

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Microinverter Specifications

IQ8-60-2-US Microinverter Specifications

• DC Parameters:
  • Peak power tracking voltage: 27V
  • Operating Voltage Range: 16-37V
  • Maximum Input DC Voltage: 48V
  • Max. continuous input DC current: 10A
  • Max. input DC short-circuit current: 20A
• AC Parameters:
  • Maximum continuous AC output power: 240VA
  • Peak output power: 245VA
  • Grid-tied power factor (adjustable): 0.85 leading to 0.85 lagging
  • Nominal AC output voltage range: 211-264Vrms
  • Max continuous output current: 1.0A
  • Nominal frequency: 60Hz
  • Extended frequency range: 47-68Hz

IQ8A-72-2-US Microinverter Specifications

• DC Parameters:
  • Commonly used modules for pairing: 295W – 5W
  • Peak power tracking voltage: 32V – 45V
  • Operating Voltage Range: 16V – 58V
  • Maximum Input DC Voltage: 60V
  • Max. continuous input DC current: 12A
  • Max. input DC short-circuit current: 25A
  • Max. module Isc: 20A
• AC Parameters:
  • Maximum continuous AC output power: 349VA
  • Peak output power: 366VA
  • Power factor (adjustable): 0.85 leading – 0.85 lagging
  • Nominal AC output voltage range: 211V – 264V (240 VAC single phase)
  • Max continuous output current: 1.45A
  • Nominal frequency: 60Hz
  • Extended frequency range: 47Hz – 68Hz
  • Maximum AC output over current protection device: 20A
  • AC short circuit fault current over 3 cycles: 5.8Arms
• Miscellaneous Parameters:
  • CEC weighted efficiency (240 VAC single phase): 97%
  • Total harmonic distortion: <5%
  • Ambient temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
  • Night-time power consumption: <60mW

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Features and Specifications

• Compatibility: Suitable for 54-cell/108 half-cell, 60-cell/120 half-cell, 66-cell, and 72-cell/144 half-cell.
• Dimensions: 212 mm (8.3″) x 175 mm (6.9″) x 30.2 mm (1.2″)
• Connector Type: Enphase IQ Connector
• Weight: 1.08 kg (2.38 lbs)
• Environmental Category/ UV exposure rating: NEMA Type 6 / outdoor
• Relative Humidity range: 4% to 100% (condensing)
• Cooling: Natural convection – No fans

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IQ8H-208-72-2-US Microinverter Specifications

DC Parameters

• Commonly used modules for pairing: 295W – 5W
• Peak power tracking voltage: 36V – 45V
• Operating Voltage Range: 16V – 58V
• Maximum Input DC Voltage: 60V
• Max. continuous input DC current: 12A
• Max. input DC short-circuit current: 25A
• Max. module Isc: 20A

AC Parameters

• Maximum continuous AC output power: 360VA
• Peak output power: 366VA
• Power factor (adjustable): 0.85 leading – 0.85 lagging
• Nominal AC output voltage range: 208 VAC
• Max continuous output current: 1.73A
• Nominal frequency: 60Hz
• Extended frequency range: 47Hz – 68Hz
• Maximum AC output over current protection device: 20A

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IQ Cable Specifications

• Voltage Rating: 6V
• Voltage withstand test: AC 3.0
• Max DC conductor resistance (20°C): 5.433 Ω/km
• Insulation resistance (20°C): 20M Ω/Km
• System temperature range (ambient): -40°C to +65°C
• Cable temperature rating: 90°C Dry / 90°C Wet
• Cable rating: DG
• Conductor size: 12 AWG
• Maximum loop size: 12 cm (4.75″)
• Flat cable dimensions: 6 mm x 9.5 mm
• Sealing cap dimensions: 38.6 mm x 20 mm
• Cable connector dimensions: 20 mm x 1.1 mm x 6.5 mm

Enphase Installation Map

• A detailed installation map is provided to ensure proper setup and connection of the microinverters and related components.

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Wiring and Grounding Considerations

• Enphase Microinverters come with built-in grounding and double insulation, eliminating the need for grounding electrode conductors (GEC) or equipment grounding conductors (EGC).
• The DC circuit is designed to be isolated and insulated from the ground, adhering to the requirements of the NEC.

Sample Wiring Diagram

A sample wiring diagram is provided in the manual for the IQ8, IQ8+, IQ8M, IQ8A, and IQ8H Micro Installation and Operation, dated December 2022. This diagram offers a visual representation of the connections and components for a typical installation.

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