Overview of Enphase Energy – Company History
Enphase’s micro inverters, renowned for their design in the USA, are manufactured across various global locations, including China, India, Mexico, and Romania. The Australian operations of Enphase are headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, further solidifying their presence in the global renewable energy sector.
A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters
A solar system’s inverter is the point at which the DC electricity produced by solar panels is turned into grid-compatible AC electricity. There are four types of solar inverters, these being string inverters, hybrid inverters, microinverters, and power optimisers.
How Do Microinverters Work?
Conventional systems have only 1 centralised inverter for the entire solar panel array, microinverter systems couple a microinverter with each solar panel. Systems that use microinverters have a number of potential advantages over conventional systems in terms of system design flexibility, ease of installation, installation costs, and system power yields. Accordingly, such systems are growing in popularity, numbers, and affordability.
Some of the general advantages of a microinverter system over a conventional system include:
-Greater system power yields, especially in cases of partial shading of the solar panel array compared to conventional systems that have ‘strings’ of solar panels
The microinverter advantage in partially shaded conditions. (Image via Enphase Energy.)
-Remove potentially more dangerous outgoing high-voltage DC electricity associated with conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
-Individual solar panel power production can be monitored in detail–greater peace of mind for system owners and greater ease in troubleshooting in the event of a problem
Microinverters can also be integrated into solar panels themselves instead of attached to mounting (a “detached” arrangement). Installation of systems that are comprised of these “AC solar modules” are considerably more straight-forward than the panel + microinverter set-up.
What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) with support from DNV GL has been independently testing Solar Panel reliability since 2014, and for the first time in 2019 have tested solar inverters. It is a voluntary test which manufacturers have to pay to be a part of. The solar panel testing is considered internationally as an excellent indication of solar panel quality. It’s expected that the inverter testing will have the same recognition. To read the full PVEL scorecard click here.
Enphase did not rank in any of these tests.
Enphase Inverters – Points of Difference
Enphase stands out in the solar energy market as a leading and highly respected manufacturer, especially renowned for their micro inverters. Their reputation for premium quality places them at the top of the inverter industry. What sets Enphase micro inverters apart are several distinctive features:
- Compatibility with Various Solar Panels: Enphase micro inverters boast remarkable versatility. They are designed to work seamlessly with a wide array of solar panel brands and models. This compatibility ensures that solar system designers have the flexibility to pair Enphase micro inverters with almost any solar panel on the market, optimizing system design and efficiency.
- Advanced Monitoring Capabilities: One of the most significant advantages of Enphase micro inverters is their enhanced monitoring solution. Unlike traditional systems that only monitor the overall output, Enphase systems allow for the monitoring of individual solar panels. This granular level of detail aids in quickly identifying and addressing any faults, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the solar system.
- Extended Warranty with IQ8: The introduction of Enphase’s IQ8 product marks a significant leap in their commitment to quality and reliability. The IQ8 comes with an industry-leading standard warranty of 15 years in Australia, which is extendable up to 25 years for an additional cost. This extended warranty reflects Enphase’s confidence in the enhanced quality and durability of their latest generation model.
Enphase’s focus on compatibility, advanced monitoring, and extended warranty offerings position their micro inverters as a premium choice for solar system installations, reflecting their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the renewable energy sector.
Enphase Envoy & Enlighten
Envoy is Enphase’s home energy solution; this is the software that connects the user to their solar system. It provides bi-direction communication between the microinverters and the internet.
Enphase Enlighten enables the user to monitor their system’s health and microinverter performance at an individual solar module level, through a website platform and mobile application.
Enphase Micro Inverter Technologies
Enphase currently has 9 micro inverters approved by the Clean Energy Council in Australia under the name “Enphase Energy Australia Pty Ltd”. This is a requirement to be eligible for the federal STC solar rebate.
Enphase currently only offers their IQ 7 series micro inverters for residential and commercial solutions in the Australian market. However, the IQ 8 series is currently only available in some countries, and it is anticipated that this latest product will soon be introduced to the Australian market.
IQ 7 Series
The Enphase IQ 7 Series is the 7th generation of the product series to be released in the past 10 years. This high-quality range of micro inverters has a low failure rate along with a EU Efficiency of 96.5% which is excellent for a micro inverter solution.
The Enphase IQ 7 Series Micro Inverters were shown to produce 1% to 3.1% more energy than string inverters in an independent study conducted by PV Evolution Labs.
The IQ 7 series consists of several sub-series, each with slightly different specifications:
- IQ 7: This is the standard model of the IQ 7 series and can handle solar panels with up to 350 watts of power.
- IQ 7+ : This sub-series has all the features of the IQ 7 model, but with the ability to handle solar panels with up to 440 watts of power.
- IQ 7X: This sub-series is designed for high-power solar panels, with a maximum output power of 320 watts and the ability to handle solar panels with up to 460 watts of power.
- IQ 7A: This sub-series is designed for use in regions with frequent grid instability and can operate in both grid-connected and off-grid modes. It can handle solar panels with up to 425 watts of power.
IQ 8 Series
The Enphase IQ8 micro inverter series is the latest and most advanced line of micro inverters. Enphase has stepped up the warranty on these micro inverters to 15 years as standard with the optional paid extension to 25 years.
The IQ8AC model has an output rating of either 360W or 380W, meaning they are suited to being paired with solar panels rated from 350W to 505W. This is well-suited for residential solar panels, but some commercial solar panels are now reaching 550W and above.
The IQ8 series is designed to be paired with Enphase’s battery solution and can work in grid-tied and off-grid scenarios, meaning it can now provide back-up power during a blackout. The new models also feature grid-forming capability which is newly emerging and can help restart the grid during a black out. This could mean in the future they may be able to participate in a Virtual Power Plant or scheme which could generate additional savings for system owners.
Enphase Inverter Costs
Indicative pricing
| Enphase IQ Series Micros IQ7+ 290VA Microinverter | $140 to $160 |
| Enphase IQ Series Micros IQ7 240VA Microinverter | $120 to $140 |
Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system, so often it is worth investing in a high-quality inverter given this will have a large impact on the efficiency and performance of your Solar Power project.
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
Enphase Microinverter Battery Compatibility
The only significant limitation of Enphase Microinverters is in regard to battery storage. Microinverters aren’t compatible with the majority of solar batteries as they are DC coupled, this is because of microinverters output AC power.
However, Enphase Microinverters are able to be utilised with the popular AC batteries, the Tesla Powerwall 2, and the sonnenBatterie hybrid 9.53. Enphase also offers a CEC approved battery, the AC Battery is unique in the Australian market in that it is very small and completely modular: A single unit (weighing 23kg) stores 1.2kWh of usable energy.
The AC Battery is definitely a battery for grid-connected solar systems: it is not capable of providing backup power in the event of a blackout and is not appropriate for off-grid solar systems.
Enphase’s Warranty Offer for Australian Customers
In Australia, all CEC approved IQ 7 series Enphase micro inverters come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is longer than most inverters on the market. Customers have the option of purchasing an extendable warranty of up to 15, 20, or 25 years. The new IQ 8 series comes with a standard 15-year warranty that can also be extended to 20 or 25 years.
Enphase also has an office in 88 Market Street, South Melbourne with local support staff, which can be helpful in the event that a customer needs to make a warranty claim or receive technical support.
In the case of product failure, customers can also reach out to Enphase’s customer support via the contact details provided on their website or simply below:
https://enphase.com/en-au/support +61 1800 006 374 (Australia)We consider this to be one of the best inverter warranties available on the Australian market.
Click for more details about Australian Enphase’s Warranty Documentation.
Enphase MicroInverters Pros and Cons
Pros
- Individual panel level monitoring and fault detection
- Improves systems resilience to shading and can improve system performance by 1-3.1% according to PV Evolution Labs
- Australian office in Melbourne with local support staff
Cons
- One of the most expensive inverter solutions on the market
- Not ability to connect to a DC battery without an additional inverter
Enphase Microinverter Specifications
| Enphase IQ 7A | Enphase IQ 7+ | Enphase IQ 7X | |
| Peak Output Power | 366VA | 295VA | 320VA |
| Maximum Continuous Output Current | 349VA | 290VA | 315VA |
| Maximum DC Voltage | 58V | 60V | 79.5V |
| EU Weighted Inverter Efficiency | 96.5% | 96.5% | 96.5% |
| Dimensions with Safety Switch/Connection Unit | 212 x 175 x 30.2 mm | 212 x 175 x 30.2 mm | 212 x 175 x 30.2 mm |
| Weight | 1.08kg | 1.08kg | 1.08kg |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°C to 60°C | -40°C to 65°C | -40°C to 60°C |
| Made in | North America/Asia | North America/Asia | North America/Asia |
So, Should I Buy Enphase Micro Inverters?
If you have shading impacts on your roof, then the additional cost of Enphase micro inverters compared to standard string inverters will likely pay for itself in the first couple of years. In these circumstances we would definitely recommend Enphase or a power optimised solution like SolarEdge.
Additionally if you are willing to pay a bit more to get a premium solution then Enphase is also a great option as one of the highest quality and most reliable solutions on the market. The micro inverters will offer a slight performance improvement and are also backed by a very comprehensive warranty policy which is supported by their Australian office.
One consideration is Enphase’s compatibility with batteries. Enphase micro inverters can’t be connected to most DC batteries without the installation of an additional inverter. Enphase do sell their own batteries but installing Enphase may limit your options if you are saving the battery purchase til later down the track.
Example of an Enphase Commercial Solar Project
Enphase Energy played a crucial role in a notable commercial solar project at the Richmond Football Club’s headquarters, the ME Bank Centre, located in Melbourne. Metro Solar, a prominent solar solutions provider, undertook this ambitious project, installing a substantial 100kW solar system. The choice of technology was pivotal for the success of this installation:
- Enphase M215 Microinverters: The use of Enphase M215 Microinverters was a strategic decision. These microinverters are known for their efficiency and reliability, crucial for a project of this scale. Their ability to optimize the performance of each solar module individually contributed significantly to the system’s overall efficiency.
- Yingli 250W Solar Modules: The system incorporated Yingli 250W Solar Modules, which are known for their high quality and performance. The combination of these modules with Enphase’s microinverters ensured a powerful and efficient solar setup.
- Maximized Energy Harvest: Metro Solar, leveraging Enphase’s technology, designed the system specifically to capture maximum solar harvest. This was particularly important for the facility, which has a large baseload, predominantly consumed during daylight hours.
- Increased Performance and Savings: The Enphase microinverters enabled the system to generate additional power during low-light conditions, such as early mornings and dusk. This extended generation time significantly increased overall savings for the Richmond Football Club, demonstrating the effectiveness of Enphase’s technology in optimizing solar energy utilization.
This project is a testament to how Enphase’s microinverter technology can enhance the performance and financial benefits of solar installations, especially in commercial settings with significant energy requirements.
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Reviews from Australians who have installed Enphase Inverters
The Enphase App is very detailed and makes managing self-consumption very easy.
Enphase Inverter’s integrated into the battery a great solution with high output.
Review left 3 years after system installed
The app/support appears to be working fine now. Had previous problems with our other PV system's Enphase inverter. The app data was totally wacky a couple of years ago. Customer Support not very helpful on a recent problem experienced 10 months ago. Basically told me that customers have just seven (7) calendar days to report an issue or otherwise the "back-end data" disappears. That is not acceptable. Fortunately, this problem has not occurred for 10 months now.
Dont know enough to give an opinion. Had to give a rating as the box had to be marked. That is the problem with buying many things. One relies on the salesperson’s accounts, and I was happy with what they told me.
Review left 2 years after system installed
The microinverters make monitoring panels easy wit the Enphase Enlighten app. Came with the SunPower system.
Enphase inverters on every panel mean better individual control on every panel and no fire risk as the system is AC.
Love the App, enables us to see optimal time to charge the car and use other appliances.
Review left 4 years after system installed
Very happy with the system and its functionality and reporting system. Brand was chosen on advice of the installer and my own research
Microinverter technology chosen to mitigate uneven light / charge concerns. Initial issue connecting to the management software was rectified next business day and has not given any problems since. App is excellent for monitoring output real time and longitudinally and helps guide responsible energy use.
Review left 7 years after system installed
Happy until this point now that I have a fault and are having trouble finding a repairer
Review left 5 years after system installed
App is fantastic - easy to use , nots of info, easy to read and understand
Review left 7 years after system installed
The inverters are still performing well, the Enphase app is still better than others I have seen.
Review left 4 years after system installed
I love the Enphase app where I can see how each individual panel or the whole array are performing, and can see imports and exports of electricity and the charge level of my battery.
Extremely pleased with the performance of the 22 x Enphase IQ8AC microinverters, which form a good photovoltaic package with the Trina solar panels.
Review left 3 years after system installed
Seems to be still good after 2 1/2 years
Review left 5 years after system installed
Micro inverters installed enabling future increases in capacity if needed
Review left 5 years after system installed
The system is reliable . Given the size we are 30% independent of the grid and have saved 15.6 tonnes of CO2. This is since 2018 to December 2023 according to the enphase app which is very useful to see the peaks and troughs to work out the best times to use appliances etc.
Review left 3 years after system installed
Amazing I only wish I had installed batteries I don't think I would have paid more than $10 in electrical bills since installation but Enphase did not have their batteries rolled out yet.
As having Enphase before I have found their product to be very reliable and great warranty backup.
Our purchase of this brand was influenced by discussion with three different solar sales teams.
