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IQ8 / IQ8+ / IQ8M / IQ8A / IQ8H Micro Installation and Operation 

 
 
 
 
 

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© 2022 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. 

Mar 2022

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Branch Circuit Capacity 

Plan your AC branch circuits to meet the following limits for maximum number of microinverters per branch when 
protected with a 20 amp (maximum) over current protection device (OCPD). 

Maximum* IQ8 Micros per AC 

branch circuit (240 VAC) 

Maximum* IQ8+ Micros per AC 

branch circuit (240 VAC) 

Maximum* IQ8M Micros per AC 

branch circuit (240 VAC) 

16 

13 

11 

Maximum* IQ8A Micros per AC 

branch circuit (240 VAC) 

Maximum* IQ8H-240 Micros per 

AC branch circuit (240 VAC) 

Maximum* IQ8H-208 Micros per 

AC branch circuit (208 VAC) 

11 

10 

 

NOTE

: *Limits may vary. Refer to local requirements to define the number of microinverters per 

branch in your area. 

 

Utility Service Requirements 

The Enphase IQ Series Micros work with single-phase service. Measure AC line voltages at the electrical utility 
connection to confirm that it is within the ranges shown: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE

: All 208 VAC installations using 

IQ8H-208 Micros 

require that you use the Enphase IQ Gateway to 

commission the Enphase Microinverters to propagate correct grid profile settings for 208 VAC trip points. 

 

Wire Lengths and Voltage Rise 

When planning the system, you must select the appropriate AC conductor size to minimize voltage rise. Select the 
correct wire size based on the distance from the beginning of the microinverter AC branch circuit to the breaker in 
the load center. Enphase recommends a voltage rise total of less than 2% for the sections from the microinverter AC 
branch circuit to the breaker in the load center. 

Enphase provides guidance about choosing wire size and maximum conductor lengths in the Voltage Rise 
Technical Brief a

enphase.com/support

Refer to this brief for voltage rise values in Enphase IQ Cables and on how 

to calculate voltage rise in other wire sections of the system.  

Standard guidelines for voltage rise on feeder and AC branch circuit conductors might not be sufficient for 
microinverter AC branch circuits that contain the maximum allowable microinverters. This is due to high inherent 
voltage rise on the AC branch circuit. 

Best practice

: Center-feed the branch circuit to minimize voltage rise in a fully populated branch. This 

practice greatly reduces the voltage rise as compared with an end-fed branch. To center-feed a branch, 
divide the circuit into two sub-branch circuits protected by a single OCPD.  

 
 
 

240 Volt AC, Single Phase 

L1 to L2                             

211 to 264 VAC 

L1, L2 to ground                      

106 to 132 VAC 

208 Volt AC, Single Phase

 

L1 to L2                             

183 to 229 VAC 

L1, L2 to ground                      

106 to 132 VAC 

Summary of Contents for IQ8

Page 1: ...INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL Mar 2022 2022 Enphase Energy Inc All rights reserved Enphase IQ8 IQ8 IQ8M IQ8A and IQ8H Microinverters ...

Page 2: ... antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user s authority to operate the equipment Other Informat...

Page 3: ...tility Service Requirements 12 Wire Lengths and Voltage Rise 12 Lightning and Surge Suppression 13 Parts and Tools Required 13 Enphase Equipment 13 Other Items 13 Enphase Microinverter Installation 14 Step 1 Position the Enphase IQ Cable 15 Step 2 Position the Junction Box 15 Step 3 Mount the Microinverters 15 Step 4 Create an Installation Map 16 Step 5 Manage the IQ Cabling 17 Step 6 Connect the ...

Page 4: ...ing Options 30 Cabling Options 30 Enphase Q Cable Accessories 31 Technical Data 32 Technical Considerations 32 Module requirements 32 Bifacial Modules 32 Specifications 33 IQ8 60 2 US Microinverter Specifications 33 IQ8PLUS 72 2 US Microinverter Specifications 35 IQ8M 72 2 US Microinverter Specifications 37 IQ8A 72 2 US Microinverter Specifications 39 IQ8H 240 72 2 US Microinverter Specifications ...

Page 5: ...indicates a hazardous situation which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may be a safety hazard or cause equipment malfunction Use extreme caution and follow instructions carefully WARNING This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may result in burn injury NOTE This indicates informatio...

Page 6: ...ordance with local standards Perform all electrical installations in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes such as the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 ANSI requirements and NPFA 70 NEC Microinverter Safety WARNING Risk of skin burn The chassis of the Enphase Microinverter is the heat sink Under normal operating conditions the temperature could be 20 C above ambient but under extrem...

Page 7: ...d the system may not function properly Do not leave AC connectors on the IQ Cable uncovered for an extended period You must cover any unused connector with a sealing cap Make sure protective sealing caps have been installed on all unused AC connectors Unused AC connectors are live when the system is energized WARNING Use the terminator only once If you open the terminator following installation th...

Page 8: ... and or with status indicator which must be installed in a location accessible to first responders or it must be connected to an automatic system which initiates rapid shutdown upon the activation of a system disconnect or activation of another type of emergency system The initiator shall be listed and identified as a disconnecting means that plainly indicates whether it is in the off or on positi...

Page 9: ...Q Microinverters and up to 39 Enphase IQ Batteries For details refer to Enphase IQ Gateway Installation and Operations Manual Enphase Installer platform web based monitoring and management software Installers can use Enphase Installer Platform to view detailed performance data manage multiple PV systems and remotely resolve issues that might impact system performance Find out more at enphase com e...

Page 10: ...nverters automatically begin reporting to Enphase Installer Platform Enphase Installer Platform presents current and historical system performance trends and informs you of PV system status Optimal Reliability Microinverter systems are inherently more reliable than traditional inverters The distributed nature of a microinverter system ensures that there is no single point of system failure in the ...

Page 11: ...ompatibility to verify PV module electrical compatibility To ensure mechanical compatibility be sure to order the correct connector type for both microinverter and PV module from your distributor WARNING Risk of fire The PV module DC conductors must be labeled PV Wire or PV Cable to comply with NEC for Ungrounded PV Power Systems Microinverter Model Connector Type PV Module Cell Count IQ8 60 2 US ...

Page 12: ...age Rise When planning the system you must select the appropriate AC conductor size to minimize voltage rise Select the correct wire size based on the distance from the beginning of the microinverter AC branch circuit to the breaker in the load center Enphase recommends a voltage rise total of less than 2 for the sections from the microinverter AC branch circuit to the breaker in the load center E...

Page 13: ...Enphase Equipment Enphase IQ Gateway Required to monitor production IQ Gateway model ENV IQ AM1 240 communications gateway or IQ Combiner model X IQ AM1 240 B X IQ AM1 240 2 X IQ AM1 240 3 X IQ AM1 240 3C Enphase Installer App Download the Enphase Installer app open it and log in to your Enphase Installer Platform account Use it later to scan microinverter serial numbers and connect to the IQ Gate...

Page 14: ...tailed in the following pages Step 1 Position the Enphase IQ Cable Step 2 Position the Junction Box Step 3 Mount the Microinverters Step 4 Create an Installation Map Step 5 Manage the Cabling Step 6 Connect the Microinverters Step 7 Terminate the Unused End of the Cable Step 8 Complete Installation of the Junction Box Step 9 Connect the PV Modules Step 10 Enphase Energy System Configurations Horiz...

Page 15: ...e an AC connection from the junction box back to the electricity network using equipment and practices as required by local jurisdictions Step 3 Mount the Microinverters A Mount the microinverter horizontally bracket side up or vertically Always place the microinverter under the PV module protected from direct exposure to rain sun and other harmful weather events Allow a minimum of 1 9cm 3 4 betwe...

Page 16: ... serial number labels from the microinverter mounting plates and placing the labels on the map You will also place the Enphase IQ Gateway and IQ Battery serial number on the map after installation After you have created the installation map use the Enphase Installer App mobile app to record serial numbers and configure the system For details refer to Detect the Microinverters in the help topics of...

Page 17: ...become a tripping hazard Dress the Enphase IQ Cable to minimize this potential Step 6 Connect the Microinverters A Connect the microinverter Listen for a click as the connectors engage B Cover any unused connector with Enphase Sealing Caps Listen for a click as the connectors engage WARNING Risk of electric shock Risk of fire Install sealing caps on all unused AC connectors as these connectors bec...

Page 18: ...he terminator to hold it in place and torque the nut to 7 Nm E Hold the terminator body stationary with the screwdriver and turn only the hex nut to prevent the conductors from twisting out of the separator NOTE Turn only the hex nut to prevent conductors from twisting out of the separator F Attach the terminated cable end to the PV racking with a cable clip or tie wrap so that the cable and termi...

Page 19: ...system provides flexibility to customers to start small and add capacity incrementally Enphase IQ System Controller R2 The Enphase Energy System includes the IQ System Controller smart switch with Microgrid Interconnection Device MID capability which consolidates interconnection equipment into a single enclosure and streamlines grid independent capabilities of PV and storage installations by provi...

Page 20: ...the system A Turn ON the AC disconnect or circuit breaker for the branch circuit B Turn ON the main utility grid AC circuit breaker Your system starts producing power after a five minute wait time C Check the LED on the connector side of the microinverter LED Color Indicates Flashing green Normal operation AC grid function is normal there is communication with the IQ Gateway Flashing orange The AC...

Page 21: ...shall be interconnected to the IQ System Controller on a dedicated breaker This configuration typically supports larger PV system sizes and may allow avoiding expensive utility service and or main service panel upgrades System commissioning for grid agnostic configuration should be done in presence of grid During IQ 8PV installation please ensure all relays are open from main panel and IQ System C...

Page 22: ...ration the IQ System Controller can be configured with a main breaker to act as the service disconnecting means The PV system can be interconnected to the IQ System Controller on a dedicated breaker or may be interconnected to the main load panel This configuration typically supports larger PV and storage system sizes and may allow avoiding expensive utility service and or main service panel upgra...

Page 23: ...oring Refer to the Enphase IQ Gateway Quick Install Guide to install the IQ Gateway and set up system monitoring and grid management functions This guide leads you through the following Connecting the Gateway Detect devices Connecting to Enphase Installer Platform Registering the system Building the virtual array NOTE When the utility requires a profile other than the default IEEE 1547 for example...

Page 24: ...et energized Any short red blinks after DC power is first applied to the microinverter indicate a failure during microinverter startup DC Resistance Low Power Off Condition For all IQ Series models a solid red status LED when DC power has been cycled indicates the microinverter has detected a DC Resistance Low Power Off event The LED will remain red and the fault will continue to be reported by th...

Page 25: ... issued on date and time for this microinverter and is still pending Method 2 Use Enphase Installer App to Clear the Condition On the list of detected microinverters a green dot or red square appears to the left of each microinverter serial number A green dot indicates Status OK A red square indicates an event for that microinverter Tap the to the left of the serial number to view details for a mi...

Page 26: ...ng line to line and line to ground at the Enphase IQ Cable connector G Visually check that the AC branch circuit connections Enphase IQ Cable and AC connections are properly seated Reseat if necessary Check also for damage such as rodent damage H Make sure that any upstream AC disconnects as well as the dedicated circuit breakers for each AC branch circuit are functioning properly and are closed I...

Page 27: ...he microinverter is not disconnected from the PV modules under load follow the disconnection steps in the order shown A De energize the AC branch circuit breaker B Enphase AC connectors are tool removable only To disconnect the microinverter from the Enphase IQ Cable insert the disconnect tool and remove the connector C Cover the PV module with an opaque cover D Using a clamp on meter verify there...

Page 28: ...hown Do not over torque 6 mm 1 4 mounting hardware 5 N m 45 to 50 in lbs 8 mm 5 16 mounting hardware 9 N m 80 to 85 in lbs When using UL 2703 mounting hardware use the manufacturer s recommended torque value D If you are using bonding hardware the old bonding hardware should be discarded and new bonding hardware must be used when installing the replacement microinverter E Connect the microinverter...

Page 29: ...his is not possible and you need to enable device scanning on the IQ Gateway contact Enphase Customer Support at enphase com en us support contact b Method 2 Use an IQ Gateway Press the Device Scan button on the IQ Gateway The IQ Gateway begins a 15 minute scan to identify all of the microinverters deployed at the site The Microinverter Communications LED flashes green during the scan K Log in to ...

Page 30: ...gap between connectors on the cable can be 1 3 meters 2 0 meters or 2 3 meters The 1 3 meter spacing is best suited for connecting PV modules installed in portrait orientation while the 2 0 meter and 2 3 meter spacing allows you to install 60 cell and 72 cell PV modules in landscape orientation respectively Cabling Options Ordering options include The Cabling System is flexible enough to adapt to ...

Page 31: ...m any Field Wireable female connector Field wireable connectors female Q CONN 10F Make connections from any IQ Cable open connector or Field Wireable male connector Cable clips Q CLIP 100 Used to fasten cabling to the racking or to secure looped cabling Disconnect tool Q DISC 10 Disconnect tool for IQ Cable connectors DC connectors and AC module mount IQ Cable sealing caps female Q SEAL 10 One nee...

Page 32: ... the PV cells as well as the insolation on each cell The highest PV module output voltage occurs when the temperature of the cells is the lowest and the PV module is at open circuit not operating Bifacial Modules Enphase microinverters are compatible with bifacial PV modules Bifacial solar modules produce power from both sides of a bifacial module increasing total energy generation The power gaine...

Page 33: ...dule Isc 2 A 15 Overvoltage class DC port II DC Port backfeed under single fault A 0 PV array configuration 1x1 ungrounded array No additional DC side protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 240 Peak output power VA 245 Grid tied power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range 2...

Page 34: ...ity range 4 to 100 condensing Approved for wet locations Yes Pollution degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8 60 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 2014 NEC 2017 and NE...

Page 35: ... protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 290 Peak output power VA 300 Grid tied power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range 240 VAC single phase 3 Vrms 211 264 Max continuous output current Arms 1 21 Nominal frequency Hz 60 Extended frequency range Hz 50 68 Maximum AC output...

Page 36: ...elative Humidity range 4 to 100 condensing Approved for wet locations Yes Pollution degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8Plus 72 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 201...

Page 37: ...de protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 325 Peak output power VA 330 Power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range 240 VAC single phase 3 Vrms 211 264 Max continuous output current Arms 1 35 Nominal frequency Hz 60 Extended frequency range Hz 50 68 Maximum AC output over cu...

Page 38: ... Relative Humidity range 4 to 100 condensing Approved for wet locations Yes Pollution degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8M 72 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 2014...

Page 39: ...de protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 349 Peak output power VA 366 Power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range 240 VAC single phase 3 Vrms 211 264 Max continuous output current Arms 1 45 Nominal frequency Hz 60 Extended frequency range Hz 50 68 Maximum AC output over cu...

Page 40: ...elative Humidity range 4 to 100 condensing Approved for wet locations Yes Pollution degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8A 72 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 2014 N...

Page 41: ...C side protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 380 Peak output power VA 384 Power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range2 240 VAC single phase Vrms 211 264 Max continuous output current Arms 1 58 Nominal frequency Hz 60 Extended frequency range Hz 50 68 Maximum AC output over...

Page 42: ...elative Humidity range 4 to 100 condensing Approved for wet locations Yes Pollution degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8H 240 72 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 20...

Page 43: ...ional DC side protection required AC side protection requires max 20A per branch circuit AC Parameters Maximum continuous AC output power VA 360 Peak output power VA 366 Power factor adjustable 0 85 leading 0 85 lagging Nominal AC output voltage range3 208 VAC Vrms 183 250 Max continuous output current Arms 1 73 Nominal frequency Hz 60 Extended frequency range Hz 50 68 Maximum AC output over curre...

Page 44: ... degree PD3 Standard Warranty Term http enphase com warranty Enphase IQ8H 208 72 2 US Microinverter Parameters Compliance CA Rule 21 UL 1741 SA UL 62109 1 UL1741 IEEE1547 FCC Part 15 Class B ICES 0003 Class B CAN CSA C22 2 NO 107 1 01 This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC 2014 NEC 2017 and NEC 2020 section 690 12 and C22 1 2018 Rule 64 218 Rapid Shutdown o...

Page 45: ... 60529 IP67NEMA 6 UV resistance 720h Compliance RoHS OIL RES I CE UV Resistant combined UL for Canada and United States Conductor size 12 AWG Maximum loop size 12 cm 4 75 Flat cable dimensions 6 mm x 9 5 mm 0 2 x 0 37 Sealing cap dimensions 38 6 mm x 20 mm 1 5 x 0 7 Cable connector dimensions 20 mm x 1 1 mm x 6 5 mm 0 7 x 0 04 x 0 25 Enphase Connector Ratings Enphase Connectors on the cable assemb...

Page 46: ...IQ8 IQ8 IQ8M IQ8A IQ8H Micro Installation and Operation 46 2022 Enphase Energy Inc All rights reserved Mar 2022 Enphase Installation Map ...

Page 47: ...IQ8 IQ8 IQ8M IQ8A IQ8H Micro Installation and Operation 47 2022 Enphase Energy Inc All rights reserved Mar 2022 Sample wiring diagram ...

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