Other Elements In The Enphase System; How The Envoy Communications Gateway Works - enphase Envoy Installation And Operation Manual

Envoy Installation and Operation

Other Elements in the Enphase System

The Enphase Microinverter converts the DC output of the PV module into grid-compliant AC power. In
addition to performing the DC to AC conversion, it maximizes energy production by using a sophisticated
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This integrated system maximizes energy harvest,
increases system reliability, and simplifies design, installation and management.
The Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software analyzes the data collected by each
communicating microinverter. Enlighten automatically detects any shortfall in energy production, identifies
possible causes, and suggests solutions. Enlighten constantly monitors every Enphase Microinverter
connected to the Envoy and is essential for monitoring and troubleshooting.

How the Envoy Communications Gateway Works

Installation and operation of the Envoy require no specialized equipment or unique computer or networking
expertise. To the Local Area Network (LAN), the Envoy is just another host on the network, much like a
personal computer. The Envoy simply connects to the on-site router for communications with the Enphase
Enlighten monitoring and analysis website. The Envoy communicates with the individual microinverters using
the existing power lines in the residence or business.
After the Envoy is installed and completes its initial scan, it maintains an internal database of all known
Enphase Microinverters at the site it manages. At regular intervals, the Envoy polls each microinverter for its
energy data. Using the site's broadband router, the Envoy then forwards that information to Enlighten. The
Envoy also reports any error conditions that affect it or the microinverters. You can view both energy data
and error conditions in Enlighten.
The Envoy incorporates power line and Internet communications functions. As shown in the diagram, one
"side" of the Envoy communicates with the microinverters through power lines at the site. The other "side" of
the Envoy communicates with the Internet using a standard Ethernet/network cable plugged into the
broadband router.
7  2014 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05