The Enphase Microinverter shifts DC to AC conversion from a large, centralized inverter to a compact unit attached directly to each solar module in the power system. Distributing the conversion process to each module makes the entire solar power system more productive, reliable, and smarter than traditional inverter systems.

Solar Power Challenges

Solar power production is affected by various factors such as module mis-match, obstruction shading, inter-row shading, and obstacles such as dust or debris. In addition, non-uniform changes in temperature, irradiance, and shading create complex current-voltage curves, further affecting energy harvest. This is due to the fact that in traditional systems the performance of the entire system is dictated by the performance of the weakest module.

The Enphase Solution

The Enphase Energy Microinverter System solves solar power challenges by performing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) at each solar module. MPPT is an algorithm used to calculate and respond to temperature and light changes detected on a solar power system, and to determine how much power to draw from the module. In contrast, centralized inverter’s MPPT algorithm sees the entire solar power system as a single module, and responds to the lowest production numbers it detects.

Increased Productivity

The Enphase MPPT algorithm works at each solar module in an installation and achieves greater than 99.6% accuracy which enables it to maximize energy harvest at all times, even during variable light conditions. Tests show systems using Enphase Microinverters increase energy harvest by as much as 25% over systems using traditional inverters. Enphase Microinverters are resistant to dust, debris and shading.

More Reliable

Traditional centralized inverters implementations create a single point of failure for solar power systems. If the inverter fails, the entire system is disabled. Enphase Microinverters convert power independently at each solar module. If one microinverter fails, the rest continue to operate as usual. Also, if a microinverter is damaged or fails, it can be replaced during routine maintenance or when convenient, further reducing maintenance costs. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 331 years! System availability greater than 99.8%!

Reduced Operational Costs

With the Enphase Microinverter System, installers are no longer limited by string design, marginal designs, co-planarity, and matched modules. The space, heat, and noise associated with a large inverter are eliminated. Enphase Microinverter Systems improve mechanical integration, reduce wiring time, and remove the need for DC switching points.

Flexibility

Another benefit of the distributed microinverter design is the potential for installations to be expanded over time. An initial set of solar modules can be installed and additional modules added as needs and budgets grow without requiring the replacement of a large centralized inverter.

Monitoring

The Enphase System includes the microinverter, the Envoy Communications Gateway, and the web-based Enlighten monitoring and analysis website, for 24/7 monitoring and analysis.

Compliance and Reliability

The Enphase Microinverter is CSA Listed per UL1741 and can withstand surges of up to 6kV. Enphase Microinverter Systems undergo rigorous testing including HALT and HASS, ensuring reliability. Independent testing by Relex – a leading third party reliability expert – has shown an estimated Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 331 years for Enphase Microinverters.

The Enphase Microinverter works in conjunction with the Envoy communications gateway and the Enlighten website.

The Enphase Microinverter works with most 60- and 72-cell PV modules.

Specifications

Input Data (DC)
Recommended input power (STC)______230 Watts
Maximum input DC voltage____________54 Volts
Peak power tracking voltage___________22-40 Volts
Max. DC short circuit current___________12 Amps
Max. input current___________________10 Amps

Output Data (AC)
Maximum output power______________190 Watt
Nominal output current______________920 Miliamps
Nominal voltage/range______________208 Volts/183-229 Volts
Extended voltage/range_____________240 Volts/179-232 Volts
Nominal frequency/range____________60.0/59.3-60.5
Extended frequency/range___________60.0/59.2-60.6
Power factor______________________>0.95
Maximum units per branch___________21

Efficiency

Peak inverter efficiency_____________95.5%
CEC weighted efficiency____________95.0%
Nominal MPP tracking______________99.6%

Mechanical Data

Operating temperature range_______-40ºC to +65ºC
Night time power consumption______30 Miliwatts
Dimensions (WxHxD)______________8" x 5.25" x 1.25"
Weight_________________________4.4 lbs.
Cooling________________________Natural Convection - No Fans
Enclosure environmental rating______Outdoor - NEMA 6

Features

Communication___________________Powerline
Warranty________________________15 Years
Compliance______________________UL1741/IEEE1547, FCC Part 15 Class B

Special Note:

These inverters are currently on backorder from the manufacturer. Please contact us prior to ordering for status.

Please contact us if you have a questions, or if there is no shipping weight noted for a shipping cost quote. Prices in catalog and online subject to change without notice due to vendor price increases. Online prices supersede catalog prices. We will contact you if current price is more than the online price prior to processing the order.