Enphase Microinverters
Playing Chess while other inverters are playing Checkers.
How an Enphase Microinverter works
In an Enphase solar system, a microinverter is mounted beneath each solar panel to convert the harvested sunshine into usable electricity for the home. Because each panel/microinverter combination works independently of each other, the efficiency of one doesn’t affect the output of the others.
To paint a picture, think of all solar systems as 100km/h highways. A microinverter system has four lanes of traffic all doing 100km/h, and each lane has one car in it. The flow of traffic is decentralized across four lanes and each car can drive at top speed and if one car gets a flat tyre, the other three cars are not affected because they’re in their own lane. A string inverter solar system has four cars right behind each other in one lane. If anything happens to the speed of the first car, the other three slow down to match it. This would be catastrophic if the first car got a flat tyre.
This is the art of decentralization.
Safety first
The Enphase IQ Microinverter design is the safest choice for solar. Unlike systems with a central inverter, Enphase solar never contains high-voltage direct current (DC) power, eliminating the risk of DC arc fault fires.
Designed for rain, hail, or shine
All IQ Microinverters are all-weather with an IP67 certification. A double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymer housing means they’re rated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can throw at them.
Always learning
Get over-the-air software updates that bring innovative new features to your solar system and the Enphase App. These updates keep your solar system compliant with the ever-changing landscape of Australia’s electricity grid.
Power in the palm of your hand
See how much power you’re producing, storing, and consuming in real time. View powerful reports on solar performance. Change your system settings and get important service messages—all from a single user interface.
Responsive and responsible
Enphase Energy Systems include built-in system shutdown so that, in the event of any emergency, your solar power can be turned off instantly and easily, keeping utility workers and first responders safe.
A bright idea, even in low light
If shadows or clouds pass overhead, Enphase IQ Microinverters use breakthrough Burst Mode technology to capture more energy in low-light conditions.
Infinitely Expandable
Enphase Microinverters are modular by design so you can easily expand the system if your energy needs grow. Having this level of solar power flexibility is crucial to ensure your solar investment is future-proof.
Limited warranty
Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters are covered by an industry-leading 15-year limited warranty, extendable to 20 and 25 years.
And the end result?
With Enphase, you’ll never get shocked by your bills or your solar system. You’ve successfully removed all dangerous high-voltage DC out of your family home. Congratulations, you’ve just purchased peace of mind.
What are microinverters, and how do they work?
Microinverters are small single-phase inverters mounted underneath each solar panel. They convert DC electricity harvested from sunshine into AC electricity for the home to use.
If you’re interested in a deeper dive into microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Do Microinverter Systems Work?
How are microinverters different from central inverters?
Central inverters connect all panels in a series or a “string” (sometimes called a string inverter for this reason). String inverters work like Christmas lights: when one light drops in performance, it affects all the others. Microinverters allow each panel to work independently with its own small single-phase inverter, maximising overall efficiency.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters compare to string inverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Microinverters vs. String Inverters: A Transparent Comparison.
What are the key features of Enphase microinverters?
They offer high efficiency, safety features, real-time monitoring, and scalability for adding panels later.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Myths & Misconceptions About Solar Microinverters.
How easy is it to install Enphase microinverters?
Installing Enphase microinverters is a snap for a licensed professional. Microinverters require professional installation, mounted under each panel, and connected directly to the system’s wiring.
If you’re interested in learning more about replacing microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Is It Hard to Replace Enphase Microinverters?
How do Enphase microinverters compare in cost to string inverters?
They cost more upfront but offer better performance long term, especially with shading or varying panel orientations, making them a good long-term investment. They also last beyond their warranted 25 year lifespan.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters compare to string inverters from a cost point of view, you might want to check out the following article titled, Cost of Microinverters vs. Cost of String Systems.
How do I maintain Enphase microinverters?
Minimal maintenance is needed. Monitor performance through the app and contact Penrith Solar Centre’s service department if energy production drops unusually.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the importance of a good installer for your solar (the most important component of any system, seriously), you might want to check out the following article titled, In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is Better?
What’s the warranty and support like for Enphase microinverters?
They come with up to a 25 year warranty, backed by customer support in Australia and assistance from Penrith Solar Centre, your installer.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the warranties for the products we install, you might want to check out the following article titled, A Complete Guide to Solar Warranties.
Are Enphase microinverters right for me?
They are ideal if you need reliable performance, especially with shading, and enjoy tracking energy use, despite higher initial costs.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how microinverters enhance a solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, What Are the Benefits of an Enphase Microinverter Solar System?
