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enphase IQ8MC Installation And Operation Manual
enphase IQ8MC Installation And Operation Manual

enphase IQ8MC Installation And Operation Manual

Microinverters

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IQ8MC, IQ8AC, IQ8HC, and IQ8X
Microinverters
Applicable regions: North America
©  2024 Enphase Energy. All rights reserved. Enphase, the e and CC logos, IQ, and certain other marks listed at
https:/ /enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines
Data subject to change.
are trademarks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
IN ST AL LAT I ON A ND OPE RAT ION MAN UA L

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Summary of Contents for enphase IQ8MC

  • Page 1 IQ8MC, IQ8AC, IQ8HC, and IQ8X Microinverters Applicable regions: North America ©  2024 Enphase Energy. All rights reserved. Enphase, the e and CC logos, IQ, and certain other marks listed at https:/ /enphase.com/trademark-usage-guidelines are trademarks of Enphase Energy, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents The Enphase Energy System..................11 How the Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters work................11 1.1.1 System monitoring......................... 12 1.1.2 Optimal reliability..........................12 1.1.3 Ease of design..........................12 Planning for microinverter installation................ 12 Compatibility............................13 Grounding considerations........................13 Branch circuit capacity........................14 Utility service requirements........................14 Wire lengths and voltage rise......................
  • Page 3 Contents Enphase Energy System PV solar grid-agnostic ................26 Enphase Energy System PV solar + storage – whole home backup configuration....27 Enphase Energy System PV solar + generator configuration............28 Enphase Energy System PV solar + IQ Battery + generator configuration....... 28 Troubleshooting......................28...
  • Page 4: Fcc Compliance

    Other information Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners. User documentation is updated frequently; check the Enphase website for the latest information. https:/ /enphase.com/installers/resources/documentation. To ensure optimal reliability and to meet warranty requirements, the Enphase microinverter must be installed according to the instructions in this manual.
  • Page 5: Important Safety Information

      Important safety information Read this first This manual contains important instructions for use during the installation and maintenance of the IQ8 Series Microinverters. IMPORTANT: IQ8 Series Microinverters require the IQ Cable. An IQ Gateway is needed to monitor the performance of the IQ Microinverters. The IQ accessories work only with IQ8 Series Microinverters.
  • Page 6: General Safety

    AC branch circuit with a 20 A maximum breaker or fuse, as appropriate. Do not use Enphase equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer. Doing so may cause death or injury to persons or damage to equipment.
  • Page 7: Microinverter Safety

    90°C. To reduce the risk of burns, use caution when working with microinverters. DANGER: Risk of fire. The DC conductors of the PV module must be labeled PV Wire or PV Cable when paired with the Enphase microinverter.
  • Page 8 Contact your local distributor to validate the date code. Enphase IQ Cable safety DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Do not install the IQ Terminator while the power is connected.
  • Page 9: Pv Rapid Shutdown Equipment (Pvrse)

    NEC-2020, and NEC-2023 section 690.12, and C22.1-2018 Rule 64-218 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems for AC and DC conductors, when installed according to the following requirements: Microinverters and all DC connections must be installed inside the array boundary. Enphase •...
  • Page 10 9.5 mm (3/8 in) in white on a red background. Anti-islanding methodology The anti-islanding methodology used by Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters is UL Listed and tested in accordance with IEEE 1547-2018 and UL 1741-SB. IQ8 Series Microinverter uses the Group 1 method of anti-islanding based on the definitions provided...
  • Page 11: The Enphase Energy System

    PV array. The IQ Gateway collects production and performance data from the Enphase IQ Microinverters over on-site AC power lines and transmits the data to the Enphase App through a broadband or cellular connection. The IQ Gateway can monitor up to 600 Enphase IQ Microinverters and up to 39 IQ Batteries.
  • Page 12: System Monitoring

    Microinverter systems are inherently more reliable than conventional string inverters. The distributed nature of a microinverter system ensures no single point of system failure in the PV system. Enphase microinverters are designed to operate at full power at ambient temperatures as high as 65°C (149°F).
  • Page 13: Compatibility

    IQ Gateway. 2.2 Grounding considerations The Enphase microinverter models listed in this guide do not require grounding electrode conductors (GEC), equipment grounding conductors (EGC), or grounded conductors (neutral). Your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may require you to bond the mounting bracket to the racking.
  • Page 14: Branch Circuit Capacity

    106 to 132 VAC 208 VAC, single-phase L1 to L2 183 to 229 VAC L1, L2 to ground 106 to 132 VAC 220 VAC, single-phase L1 to L2 198 to 264 VAC © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 15: Wire Lengths And Voltage Rise

    AC branch circuit's beginning to the load center breaker. Enphase recommends a voltage rise of less than 2% for the sections from the microinverter AC branch circuit to the load center breaker.
  • Page 16: Parts And Tools Required

    AM1-240) communications gateway or IQ Combiner (model X-IQ-AM1-240-B, X-IQ-AM1-240-2, X2-IQ-AM1-240-4C, X2-IQ-AM1-240-4, X-IQ-AM1-240-4C, X-IQ-AM1-240-4). Enphase Installer App: Download the Enphase Installer App, open it, and log in to your • Enphase Account. Later, it can scan microinverter serial numbers and connect to the IQ Gateway to track system installation progress.
  • Page 17 6. Connect the microinverters 7. Terminate the unused end of the cable 8. Complete the installation of the junction box 9. Connect the PV modules 10. Energize the system Figure 1: Horizontal mount © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 18: Position The Iq Cable

    Cut each segment of cable to meet your planned needs. • WARNING: 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. © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 19: Position The Junction Box

    6 mm (¼ in) mounting hardware: 5 N m (45 in-lb to 50 in-lb) • 8 mm (5/16 in) mounting hardware: 9 N m (80 in-lb to 85 in-lb) • When using UL 2703 mounting hardware, use the manufacturer's recommended torque value. • © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 20: Create An Installation Map

    Figure 3: Horizontal mount Figure 4: Vertical mount 4.4 Create an installation map The Enphase installation map is a diagram of the physical location of each microinverter in your PV array. Copy or use the blank map in the Enphase installation map...
  • Page 21: Manage The Cabling

    After installation, you should place the IQ Gateway and the IQ Battery serial numbers on the map. After creating the installation map, use the Enphase Installer App to record serial numbers and configure the system. For details, refer to the "Detect the microinverters" section in the help topics of the Enphase Installer App.
  • Page 22: Connect The Microinverters

    3. Insert the cable into the IQ Terminator body so that each of the two wires lands on opposite sides of the internal separator. There is a grommet inside of the hex nut that should remain in place. © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024...
  • Page 23: Complete The Installation Of The Junction Box

    Sample wiring diagram (grid-tied system) for more information. 4.9 Connect the PV modules WARNING: Electrical shock hazard. The DC conductors of this photovoltaic system are ungrounded and may be energized. © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 24: Set Up And Activate Monitoring

    You can set the grid profile anytime through the Enphase Installer Platform, during system registration, or through the Enphase Installer App. You must have an IQ Gateway to set or change the grid profile. For more information on setting or changing the grid profile, refer to the...
  • Page 25: Enphase Energy System Pv Solar Grid-Tied

    • and the IQ System Controller smart switch. It collects system performance information and transmits it over the internet to Enphase Cloud. An IQ Gateway is required for Enphase Energy Systems with IQ Series Microinverters. NOTE: The IQ Gateway is included in an IQ Combiner.
  • Page 26: Enphase Energy System Pv Solar Grid-Agnostic

    In the PV Solar Grid Agnostic configuration in Enphase Energy System, IQ System Controller is installed on the line side of the main load panels. This allows a properly sized Enphase Energy System to provide power to all loads in the main load panel in the event of a grid outage and PV solar presence.
  • Page 27: Enphase Energy System Pv Solar + Storage - Whole Home Backup Configuration

    In the home (main load panel) backup configuration, the IQ System Controller is installed on the line side of the main load panels rated up to 200 A. This allows a properly sized Enphase Energy System to provide power to all loads in the main load panel in the event of a grid outage. The IQ System Controller can be configured with a main breaker to act as the service disconnecting...
  • Page 28: Enphase Energy System Pv Solar + Generator Configuration

    Follow all the safety measures described in this manual. If the PV system does not operate correctly, qualified personnel can use the following troubleshooting steps. WARNING: There is a risk of electric shock. Do not attempt to repair the Enphase microinverter; it contains no user-serviceable parts. If it fails, contact...
  • Page 29: Status Led Indications And Error Reporting

    If the condition persists, contact your installer. Method: Clear this error using the Enphase Installer Platform © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 30: Other Faults

    WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Always de-energize the AC branch circuit before servicing. Never disconnect the DC or AC connectors under load. WARNING: The Enphase microinverters are powered by DC power from the PV modules. Ensure you disconnect the DC connections, reconnect the DC power, and then watch for the solid green for about six seconds after connecting to the DC power.
  • Page 31: Disconnect A Microinverter

    11. Swap DC leads with a known good, adjacent PV module. If, after checking the Enphase Installer Platform periodically (this may take up to 30 minutes), the problem moves to the adjacent module, this indicates that the PV module is not functioning correctly. If it stays in place, the problem is with the original microinverter.
  • Page 32: Install A Replacement Microinverter

    LED on the connector side of the microinverter. 9. Use the Enphase Installer App to retire the old microinverter serial number from the IQ Gateway database. In the Enphase Installer App, once connected to the IQ Gateway: a.
  • Page 33: Enphase Iq Cable Planning And Ordering

    IQ Cable Clips (Q-CLIP-100): To fasten cabling to the racking or to secure looped cabling. • IQ Disconnect Tool (Q-DISC-10): Disconnect tool for IQ Cable connectors, DC connectors, and AC • module mount. © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 34: Technical Data

    Enphase microinverter. Be sure to apply the following when installing the Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverter System: PV modules must have conductors labeled "PV Wire" or "PV Cable" to comply with NEC for •...
  • Page 35: Specifications

    PV array configuration — protection is required; AC side protection requires a maximum of 20 A per branch circuit. AC parameters Parameter Unit Value Peak output power 330 @ 240 VAC © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 36 CEC weighted efficiency 96.5 @ 208 VAC 33 @ 240 VAC Nighttime power consumption 25 @ 208 VAC 90 @ 240 VAC Reactive current (Arms) at no power 77 @ 208 VAC © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 37: Features And Specifications

    No enforced DC/AC ratio. The IQ8MC Microinverter is not certified for use with Enphase Three Phase Network Protection Relay (NPR-3P-208-NA) and is designed for single-phase operation only. Check with the local utility requirements to install a single-phase inverter across three phases.
  • Page 38 Nominal frequency Extended frequency range AC short circuit fault current over three 2.70 cycles 11 @ 240 VAC Maximum microinverters per 20 A AC — branch circuit 9 @ 208 VAC © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 39 FCC Part 15 Class B, ICES-0003 Class B, CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 107.1-01 Compliance This product is UL Listed as PV rapid shutdown equipment and conforms with NEC 2014, NEC 2017, NEC 2020, and NEC 2023 © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 40: Iq8Hc-72-M-Us/Iq8Hc-72-M-Dom-Us Microinverter Specifications

    No enforced DC/AC ratio. The IQ8AC Microinverter is not certified for use with Enphase Three Phase Network Protection Relay (NPR-3P-208-NA) and is designed for single-phase operation only. Check with the local utility requirements to install a single-phase inverter across three phases.
  • Page 41 97.0 @ 240 VAC CEC weighted efficiency 96.5 @ 208 VAC 22 @ 240 VAC Nighttime power consumption 26 @ 208 VAC Reactive current (Arms) at no power 90 @ 240 VAC © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 42: Iq8X-80-M-Us/Iq8X-80-M-Dom-Us Microinverter Specifications

    No enforced DC/AC ratio. The IQ8HC Microinverter is not certified for use with Enphase Three Phase Network Protection Relay (NPR-3P-208-NA) and is designed for single-phase operation only. Check with the local utility requirements to install a single-phase inverter across three phases.
  • Page 43 Single-phase (L-L), 120° @ 208 VAC 211/264 @ 240 VAC Minimum/Maximum grid voltage 183/229 @ 208 VAC 1.58 @ 240 VAC Maximum continuous output current 1.73 @ 208 VAC Nominal frequency © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 44 212 mm (8.3") × 175 mm (6.9") × 30.2 mm (1.2") Weight 1.1 kg (2.42 lb) Cooling Natural convection - no fans Approved for wet locations Pollution degree Enclosure Class II double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymeric enclosure © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 45: Iq Cable Specifications

    No enforced DC/AC ratio. The IQ8X Microinverter is not certified for use with Enphase Three Phase Network Protection Relay (NPR-3P-208-NA) and is designed for single-phase operation only. Check with the local utility requirements to install a single-phase inverter across three phases.
  • Page 46: Enphase Connector Ratings

    Specifications 8.6 Enphase connector ratings The following table lists the Enphase connectors on the cable assemblies that have a maximum current of 20 A, a maximum OCPD of 20 A, a maximum ambient temperature of –40°C to 79°C (–40°C to 174.2°F), and are rated for disconnection under load.
  • Page 47: Enphase Installation Map

    Specifications 8.7 Enphase installation map © 2024 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved. December 2024 IOM-00108-2.0-EN...
  • Page 48: Sample Wiring Diagram (Grid-Tied System)

    Max. microinverters per 20 A circuit Enphase IQ Microinverter (Max. 16 A per phase): 12 × IQ8MC, 11 × IQ8AC, or 10 × IQ8X (240 V grid) Mobile Generator/Genset 10 × IQ8MC, 9 × IQ8AC, or 9 × IQ8X (208 V grid)