Enphase IQ 7 Series - Inverter Quick Install Guide

INTRODUCTION

To install Enphase IQ™ Series Microinverters, read and follow all warnings and instructions in this guide and in the Enphase IQ Series Microinverter Installation and Operation Manual at: enphase.com/support. Safety warnings are listed on the back page of this guide.
The Enphase Microinverter models listed in this guide do not require grounding electrode conductors (GEC), equipment grounding conductors (EGC), or grounded conductor (neutral). The microinverter has a Class II double-insulated rating, which includes ground fault protection (GFP). To support GFP, use only PV modules equipped with DC cables labeled PV Wire or PV Cable.

The Enphase IQ Series microinverters include both AC and DC connectors integrated into the bulkhead. The AC port connects to an Enphase Q Cable or Enphase Field Wireable Connector. The DC port has been evaluated by UL for intermateability with Staubli made MC4 connectors, whose cable coupler models are "PV-KST4/...-UR, PV-KBT4/...-UR, PV-KBT4-EVO2/...-UR, and PV-KST4-EVO2/...-UR".
NOTE: Installer must check the manufacturing date of the products to ensure that the installation date is within one year of the manufactured date of the products. Contact your local distributor to validate the date code.

PREPARATION

1. Download the Enphase Installer Toolkit mobile app and open it to log in to your Enlighten account. With this app, you can scan microinverter serial numbers and connect to the Enphase IQ Envoy to track system installation progress. To download, go to enphase.com/toolkit or scan the QR code at right.
   
   
2. Refer to the following table and check PV module electrical compatibility at: enphase.com/en-us/support/module-compatibility.
   You can check the intermateable cable coupler models of Staubli made MC4 connectors at: https://enphase.com/en-us/support/staubli-mc4

*Enphase IQ Series microinverters are compatible with bi-facial PV modules if the temperature adjusted electrical parameters (maximum power, voltage and current) of the modules, considering the front side electrical parameters (i.e. 0% back side gain), are within the allowable microinverter input parameters range.

3. In addition to the PV modules, racking and Enphase Microinverters you will need these Enphase items:
   • Enphase IQ Envoy (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): is required to monitor solar production.
   • Tie wraps or cable clips (Q-CLIP-100)
   • Enphase Sealing Caps (Q-SEAL-10): for any unused connectors on the Enphase Q Cable
   • Enphase Disconnect Tool (Q-DISC-10)
   • Enphase Terminator (Q-TERM-10): one needed at the end of each AC cable segment
   • Enphase Q Cable (as listed in the following table):

*Allows for 30cm of cable slack

4. Check that you have these other items:
   • Enphase Q Aggregator or AC junction box.
   • Tools: screwdrivers, wire cutter, voltmeter, torque wrench, sockets, and wrenches for mounting hardware
5. Protect your system with lightning and/or surge suppression devices. It is also important to have insurance that protects against lightning and electrical surges.
6. Plan your AC branch circuits to meet the following limits for maximum number of microinverters per branch when protected with a 20-amp over-current protection device (OCPD).

* Limits may vary. Refer to local requirements to define the number of microinverters per branch in your area.

7. Size the AC wire gauge to account for voltage rise. Select the correct wire size based on the distance from the beginning of the Enphase Q Cable to the breaker in the load center. Design for a voltage rise total of less than 2% for these sections. Refer to the Voltage Rise Technical Brief at enphase.com/support for more information.
   Best practice: Center-feed the branch circuit to minimize voltage rise in a fully-populated branch. Using the Q Aggregator is a good way to do this.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the Enphase Q Cable

1. Plan each cable segment to allow connectors on the Enphase Q Cable to align with each PV module. Allow extra length for slack, cable turns, and any obstructions.
2. Mark the approximate centers of each PV module on the PV racking.
3. Lay out the cabling along the installed racking for the AC branch circuit.
4. Cut each segment of cable to meet your planned needs.

When transitioning between rows, secure the cable to the rail to prevent cable or connector damage. Do not count on the connector to withstand tension.

2. Position the Enphase Q Aggregator or Junction Box
   1. Verify that AC voltage at the site is within range:

2. Install an Enphase Q Aggregator or junction box at a suitable location on the racking. See Enphase Q Aggregator Quick Install Guide.
3. Provide an AC connection from the Enphase Q Aggregator or junction box back to the electricity network connection using equipment and practices as required by local jurisdictions.

3. Mount the Microinverters
   1. Mount the microinverter horizontally bracket side up or vertical. Always place it under the PV module, protected from direct exposure to rain, sun, and other harmful weather events. Allow a minimum of 1.9 cm (3/4") between the roof and the microinverter. Also allow 1.3 cm (1/2") between the back of the PV module and the top of the microinverter.
      For vertical mount also maintain >30 cm (12") clearance from the edges of the PV module to protect the microinverter from direct exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful weather events.
      
      Install the microinverter under the PV module to avoid direct exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful weather events. Do not mount the microinverter upside down.
   2. Torque the mounting fasteners (1/4-inch or 5/16-inch) as follows.
      Do not over torque.

• 6 mm (1/4 inches) mounting hardware: 5 N m (45 to 50 in-lbs)
• 8 mm (5/16 inches) mounting hardware: 9 N m (80 to 85 in-lbs)
• When using UL 2703 mounting hardware, use the manufacturer's recommended torque value

Horizontal mount:

4. Create an Installation Map
   Create a paper installation map to record microinverter serial numbers and position in the array.

1. Peel the removable serial number label from each microinverter and affix it to the respective location on the paper installation map.
2. Peel the label from the IQ Envoy and affix it to the installation map.
3. Always keep a copy of the installation map for your records.
   

5. Manage the Cabling

   1. Use cable clips or tie wraps to attach the cable to the racking. The cable must be supported at least every 1.8 m (6 feet).

   2. Dress any excess cabling in loops so that it does not contact the roof. Do not form loops smaller than 12 cm (4.75 inches) in diameter.

6. Connect the Microinverters

   1. Connect the microinverter. Listen for a click as the connectors engage.
   2. Cover any unused connectors on the AC cable with Enphase Sealing Caps. Listen for a click as the sealing caps engage.
      
      
      Install sealing caps on all unused AC connectors as these connectors become live when the system is energized.
      Sealing caps are required for protection against moisture ingress.
      To remove a sealing cap or AC connector, you must use an Enphase disconnect tool.
7. Terminate the Unused End of the Cable
   1. Remove 13 mm (1/2") of the cable sheath from the conductors. Use the terminator loop to measure.
      
      
   2. Slide the hex nut onto the cable. There is a grommet inside of the terminator body that should remain in place.
   3. Insert the cable into the terminator body so that each of the two wires land on opposite sides of the internal separator.
   4. Insert a screwdriver into the slot on the top of the terminator to hold it in place, and torque the nut to 7 Nm.
   5. Hold the terminator body stationary with the screwdriver and turn only the hex nut to prevent the conductors from twisting out of the separator.
      
      
   6. Attach the terminated cable end to the PV racking with a cable clip or tie wrap so that the cable and terminator do not touch the roof.
      
      The terminator can not be re-used. If you unscrew the nut, you must discard the terminator.
      
      
8. Complete Installation of the Enphase Q Aggregator or Junction Box
   1. Connect the Enphase Q Cable into the Enphase Q Aggregator or junction box.
   2. Use the ground lug on the Q Aggregator for module, rack, and balance of system grounding, if needed.
      The Q Cable uses the following wiring color code:

      Wire Colors

      Black – L1 Red – L2

9. Connect the PV Modules
   
   Electric shock hazard. The DC conductors of this PV system are ungrounded and may be energized.
   
   1. Connect the DC leads of each PV module to the DC input connectors of the microinverter.
   2. Check the LED on the connector side of the microinverter. The LED flashes six times when DC power is applied.
   3. Mount the PV modules above the microinverters.
10. Energize the System
    1. Turn ON the AC disconnect or circuit breaker for the branch circuit.
    2. Turn ON the main utility-grid AC circuit breaker. Your system will start producing power after a five-minute wait time.
    3. Check the LED on the connector side of the microinverter:

       LED	Indicates
       Flashing green	Normal operation. AC grid function is normal and there is communication with the IQ Envoy
       Flashing orange	The AC grid is normal but there is no communication with the IQ Envoy
       Flashing red	The AC grid is either not present or not within specification
       Solid red	There is an active "DC Resistance Low, Power Off" condition. To reset, refer to the Enphase IQ Envoy Installation and Operation Manual at: http://www.enphase.com/support.

ENPHASE CONNECTOR RATINGS

Enphase Connectors on the cable assemblies in the following table have a maximum current of 20 A, a maximum OCPD of 20 A, and maximum ambient temperature of -40° to +79°C (-40° to +174.2°F).

ACTIVATE MONITORING AND CONTROLS

After you have installed the microinverters, follow the procedures in the Enphase IQ Envoy Quick Install Guide to activate system monitoring, set up grid management functions, and complete the installation.

PV Rapid Shutdown Equipment (PVRSE)
This product is UL Listed as PV Rapid Shut Down Equipment and conforms with NEC-2014 and NEC-2017 section 690.12 and C22.1-2015 Rule 64-218 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems, for AC and DC conductors, when installed according to the following requirements:

This rapid shutdown system must be provided with an initiating device and (or with) status indicator which must be installed in a location accessible to first responders, or 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" position. Examples are:

The handle position of a switch or circuit breaker is suitable for use as an indicator.
Refer to NEC or CSA C22.1-2015 for more information.
Additionally, in a prominent location near the initiator device, a placard or label must be provided with a permanent marking including the following wording:
'PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EQUIPPED WITH RAPID SHUTDOWN' The term 'PHOTOVOLTAIC' may be replaced with 'PV.'
The placard, label, or directory shall be reflective, with all letters capitalized and having a minimum height of 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) in white on red background.