Enphase micro-inverters are among the most popular micro-inverters available on the market to date, and respectively, one of the suggested solar companies to invest in for solar stocks.
In recent news, Enphase has released its newest micro-inverter, the IQ8-series. The IQ7 was the most popular micro-inverter on the market for the last few years, and now you have access to the next level of micro-inverter technology.
Higher Panel Capacity
Enphase IQ8 can now handle larger capacity panels. This may not be a necessary feature for all solar installations, but certainly provides a way to make use of fewer panels and get more power!
Off-Grid Friendly
The IQ8 gives homeowners the ability to go off the grid. This feature may or may not be available in your state for installation. Speak with one of our experts to see if your home can use the off-grid capabilities of the IQ8. The IQ7 has a primary focus of on-grid only.
No Battery Size Limits
The IQ8 gives homeowners the ability to go off the grid. This feature may or may not be available in your state for installation. Speak with one of our experts to see if your home can use the off-grid capabilities of the IQ8. The IQ7 has a primary focus of on-grid only.
Compare IQ7 to IQ8 Micro-Inverters
A Side-by-Side Comparrison of IQ7 Micro-Inverters to IQ8 Micro-Inverters.
| Feature/Specification | IQ8 Series Microinverters | IQ7 Series Microinverters |
|---|---|---|
| Grid-Forming Capability | Split-phase, grid-forming capability | Primarily grid-tied, without grid-forming capability |
| Power Handling | Designed for DC modules up to 530 W | Optimized for lower power modules, typically up to 350 W |
| Technology | Advanced 55 nm technology | Earlier generation technology |
| Operational Modes | Grid-tied and off-grid modes | Primarily designed for grid-tied operation |
| Energy Capture in Low-Light | Burst Mode technology | Standard energy capture |
| Battery Sizing Flexibility | Eliminates battery sizing restrictions | Standard battery sizing |
| Scalability and Expansion | Easily scalable with additional components | Scalable within series capabilities |
| Module Operation | Independent operation per solar panel | Independent operation, lower power per module |
| Safety Features | Low-voltage AC, rapid shutdown, NEMA 6 certified | Low-voltage AC, rapid shutdown |
| Installation | Plug-and-play technology | Plug-and-play installation |
| Durability and Warranty | NEMA 6 certified, 25-year warranty | Standard durability, 25-year warranty |
| Overall Efficiency and Performance | Higher efficiency and performance | Efficient, less adaptable to changing conditions |
What a Micro-Inverter Does for your Solar Panels
Inverters come in 3 main forms, these are: Central Inverters, String Inverters, and Micro-Inverters. Central inverters can be considered like a single closed loop circuit, single run system; whereas the string inverters are more akin to multiple closed loop circuits. Micro-Inverters are like dedicated circuits, that only affect themselves instead of everything in the system. Below is a more comprehensive guide to understanding the different types of inverters.
Central Inverters
These are like having one manager overseeing the entire team. If one worker stops, the whole thing comes to a grinding halt. That is to say that if one solar panel goes out, the entire system stops producing, period. It can be stopped by something as simple as a passing cloud.
String Inverters
Imagine a few supervisors, each responsible for a small group of workers. If one worker in a group faces issues, it can affect the whole group’s output. Similar to central inverters, if one panel stops, the group of panels stop working. The group is called a string, because the solar panels that are grouped are typically lined up horizontally.
Micro-Inverters
Here, every worker has their personal supervisor. Each panel works independently, ensuring maximum efficiency and reducing the impact of one panel’s issues on the entire system. Unlike string or central inverters that depend on one for many, the Micro-Inverters rely on one for one. If one or more panels start to under-perform or not produce at all, the remaining active panels will continue to produce electricity, uninterrupted.
