Find A Location For The Envoy; Connect To The Internet - enphase Envoy Installation And Operation Manual

3. Find a Location for the Envoy

Place the Envoy as close to the AC mains as possible. This ensures that the Envoy receives the
strongest possible communications signal from each microinverter. Place the Envoy indoors or in an
environmentally protected location. For wall mounting instructions, see "Wall Mounting" on page 16.
NOTE: If you are installing the Envoy (ENV-230) in a three-phase application, the power line
communication signal must be "coupled" between the three phases to allow the Envoy to
communicate with all of the microinverters in the system. Install a phase coupler (Enphase
number LPC-01), or wire a capacitor into the system With either solution, install the device
on the load side of the over-current protection device. See the Enphase Technical Brief on
Phase Coupling for your region at http://www.enphase.com/support.
a. Locate an indoor AC outlet close to the AC mains.
b. Place the Envoy so that its AC cord can reach this outlet.
c. Plug the AC power cord into the AC input on the Envoy.
d. Plug the other end of the power cord into a dedicated AC outlet (not a power strip).
WARNING! When an Envoy is plugged in and powered up for the first time, it is important to
allow the database initialization process to complete in its entirety, without unplugging or
removing power. This does not apply during subsequent power-downs, even if power is
removed during the boot process.
As an alternative if signal strength is poor, power the Envoy from the solar production circuit (where local
electrical code allows for monitoring equipment on the same circuit). This provides the best possible
power line communications. Remember that you must locate the Envoy indoors (a garage, attic,
basement, or other cool, dry location) or in an outdoor weatherproof enclosure. Remember also to allow
for Ethernet access.
WARNING! Do not plug the Envoy into a power strip, surge protector, or uninterruptable
power supply (UPS). The surge suppression or filtering within these devices impede power
line communication performance. Also, if possible, do not plug a power strip into the same
outlet that the Envoy is using. The surge suppression or filtering components of a power strip
may still interfere with communications if they are near the Envoy.

4. Connect to the Internet

The Envoy requires a connection to the Internet, usually through an existing broadband router or other
access point at the installation site. To accomplish this connection, many customers use the included
CAT5 Ethernet cable. However, if using this cable is not possible, Enphase offers two other solutions.
You can purchase either of these solutions separately:

Power line communications bridge pair: Order EPLC-02 (EU), EPLC-03 (UK) or EPLC-04 (AU).

Wireless adapter (also known as a "Wi-Fi USB stick"). Order WF-01.
Connect to a broadband router using one of these three methods, described in the following sections:

Ethernet Cable

Enphase Power Line Communication Bridges

Enphase Wireless Adapter (Wi-Fi)
When using the Ethernet cable, two small LEDs on the Ethernet port indicate Internet link and activity.
One LED will be solid green, and the other will blink green or yellow every few seconds.
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 2014 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation
141-00014 Rev 04