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

3. Find a Location for the Envoy

Place the Envoy as close to the load center 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.
a. Locate an indoor AC outlet close to the site's load center.
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 120VAC 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 the Envoy with either of the following alternate solutions:
 ENV-120-01. Includes a power line communications (PLC) bridge pair.
 ENV-120-02. Includes a wireless adapter (also known as a "Wi-Fi USB stick").
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.

Method A: Ethernet Cable

a. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the
Envoy.
b. Plug the other end of the cable into a spare port on the
broadband router.
WARNING! Do not remove power from the Envoy if
the LCD displays: "Upgrading. . . Do Not Unplug."
12  2014 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation
Ethernet cable
Envoy
Broadband
141-00011 Rev 05
Router