Enphase IQ8 Microinverter Updates

Enphase IQ8 Series Microinverters

Solar Micro inverters & Battery Storage Systems by Enphase Energy

The Enphase IQ8 Series represents the first split-phase, grid-forming microinverter technology designed for modern solar installations. These microinverters convert DC power to AC power with high efficiency while supporting DC modules up to 540W. Built with advanced 55nm ASIC technology, IQ8 microinverters deliver high-speed digital logic and rapid response to changing loads and grid events.

IQ8X-80-M-US
240 VAC

IQ8-60-2-US
240 VAC

IQ8plus-72-2-US
240 VAC

IQ8MC-72-2-US
240 VAC

IQ8AC-72-2-US
240 VAC

IQ8hC-240-72-2-US IQ8HC-72-M-DOM-US micro inverters

IQ8HC-72-M-US / IQ8HC-72-M-DOM-US
240 VAC

IQ8h-208-72-2-US
208 VAC

Enphase IQ8 Microinverter Review

Enphase IQ8 Microinverter System Review

The Enphase IQ8 Microinverter represents the latest innovation in solar energy conversion and stands as Enphase's 8th generation microinverter technology. Pioneering the industry as the first grid-forming microinverters with split-phase power conversion capability, they efficiently transform DC power into AC power. The heart of this semiconductor-based device is its proprietary application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), designed using advanced 55 nm technology with high-speed digital logic and rapid response times, ensuring seamless adaptation to changing loads and grid events.

This advanced feature set alleviates constraints on battery sizing for home energy systems. As part of the Enphase Energy System, the IQ8 Microinverters integrate with the IQ Battery, IQ Gateway, and the Enphase App monitoring and analysis software. With over one million cumulative hours of testing, the product sets a new benchmark in reliability, backed by an industry-leading warranty of up to 25 years.

Optimized for the latest high-powered PV modules, compatible with 60-cell / 120 half-cell, 54-cell / 108 half-cell, 66-cell / 132 half-cell, and 72-cell / 144 half-cell

Grid-Forming Technology

Industry's first microgrid-forming microinverters that produce power even when the grid is down, providing energy security without requiring large battery systems.

97.7% Peak Efficiency

Industry-leading 97.7% peak efficiency and 97% CEC weighted efficiency ensures maximum energy conversion from DC to AC power.

25-Year Warranty

Industry-leading 25-year limited warranty backed by over one million cumulative hours of testing ensures long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Advanced 55nm ASIC

Proprietary application-specific integrated circuit with high-speed digital logic and superfast response times to changing loads and grid events.

Individual Panel Optimization

Each solar panel operates independently at peak efficiency. If one panel is shaded or damaged, it won't affect the rest of the system's performance.

Module-Level Monitoring

Real-time monitoring of each solar panel's performance through the Enphase App allows for quick identification and resolution of issues.

Plug-and-Play Installation

Lightweight, compact design with plug-and-play connectors and simple two-wire cabling for faster, easier installation.

Remote Updates

Remote automatic updates ensure compliance with the latest grid requirements and enable new features without requiring service visits.

The 4th Generation Enphase Energy System

The Enphase Energy System

Complete Home Energy, Powered by the Sun

The 4th Generation Enphase Energy System empowers homeowners to generate, consume, store, and even sell their own electricity, all managed effortlessly through an intuitive mobile application. The Enphase IQ Battery 10C is an advanced, AC-coupled energy storage solution designed for residential backup and energy management. It integrates 240 V and 120 V microinverters, eliminating the need for additional neutral-forming hardware, and delivers 10 kWh of usable capacity with 7.08 kW of continuous power, capable of supporting substantial household loads. Learn More About the Enphase Energy System.

Enphase App

Track energy use, adjust system settings, receive alerts, and manage appliance power during outages—all from one centralized application.

Learn About the App

Enphase IQ8 Microinverters

Featuring smart microgrid-forming technology, the IQ8 Series allows seamless transition between on & off-grid power.

IQ8 Microinverter Catalog

Enphase IQ Battery 10C

Store surplus solar energy for consumption during peak hours, at night, or as reliable backup during grid interruptions, maximizing savings.

View Enphase IQ Battery 10C

Enphase IQ EV Charger

Integrate EV charging with your solar system, allowing you to power your electric vehicle directly from renewable energy, optimizing costs.

System Controller 3M

Manages the transfer of power between the home, solar array, IQ Battery, and the utility grid, ensuring reliable backup.

View System Controller 3M

Enphase IQ Meter Collar

Provides precise energy consumption and production metering for accurate monitoring and system optimization.

View Enphase IQ Meter Collar

Enphase IQ Combiner 6C

Consolidates PV, battery, and EV charging interconnection with integrated metering, load control, and cellular connectivity.

View Enphase IQ Combiner 6C

Microinverter Technical Comparison

Microinverters vs String Inverters

Enphase Microinverters

No single point of failure - If one microinverter fails, the rest of the system continues producing.
Maximum power per module - Panels operate independently at peak efficiency regardless of shading.
Low-voltage AC operation - Operates at standard household voltages for enhanced safety.
Module-level monitoring - Track performance of each individual solar panel through the Enphase App.
Flexible system expansion - Add panels as needed without redesigning the entire system.
Built-in rapid shutdown - Complies with NEC 2017 requirements without additional equipment.

String Inverters

Single point of failure - Entire system stops producing if the string inverter fails.
Weakest panel limits production - The shading on one panel has the effect of reducing the output of entire string.
High-voltage DC - Creates potential safety hazards requiring specialized handling.
System-level monitoring only - Cannot identify individual panel issues.
Complex expansion - May require complete system redesign to add capacity.
Additional shutdown equipment needed - Requires separate rapid shutdown devices for code compliance.

Enphase Microinverter Safety & Reliability Features

NEMA 6 Certified

Recommended by FEMA and rated for extreme weather conditions including rain, snow, and temperature extremes from -40°F to 140°F.

First Responder Safety

Built-in rapid shutdown capability allows instant power cutoff in emergencies, keeping utility workers and firefighters safe during interventions.

Advanced ASIC Technology

55nm application-specific integrated circuit with high-speed digital logic ensures rapid response to changing loads and grid events.

Future-Proof Investment

Modular design allows seamless expansion from solar-only to solar+battery systems. Compatible with IQ7 systems for easy upgrades.

Enphase Microinverter - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Microinverter?

An inverter is a power converter that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Traditionally, this has meant one, centrally-located inverter converting all of the DC current from the entire PV array. A micro-inverter is a much smaller version of the central inverter where there is one per PV module. The DC gets converted to AC at the point of the PV module. AC power then travels upstream through an ordinary branch circuit, and to the service panel.

What is a Microinverter system?

A Microinverter system is a federation of multiple microinverters all along a branch circuit, and/or within multiple branch circuits, which are all converting DC to AC, all injecting their current upstream, and reporting back to Enphase regarding their individual power-production statistics. Latest innovations allow a microinverter system to include a Lithium-Ion battery for backup power and other energy storage purposes.

How do Enphase Microinverters differ from AC solar panels?

With AC solar panels (PVAC), the inverter and module are a single unit and are sold and installed as such. In contrast, the Enphase Microinverter is architected as a standalone inverter. This modular design means they can offer the flexibility to work with most off-the-shelf solar modules.

Can Microinverters work in off-grid environments?

Yes, the latest IQ8 Series Microinverters feature grid-forming technology that allows them to operate in both grid-tied and off-grid modes. This industry-first capability enables the system to produce power even when the grid is down, providing energy security during outages. The IQ8 microinverters can seamlessly switch between grid-connected and off-grid operation without requiring large battery systems.

Can Enphase be used in both Residential and Commercial solar deployments?

Yes. The IQ series are designed for standard 208VAC & 240VAC solar panel systems used in residential applications. For commercial deployments, Enphase offers the IQ8P-3P commercial microinverters and other commercial-grade solutions that support higher voltages and three-phase systems. All Enphase Microinverters are designed to last the life of the PV solar panels.

What solar panels are they compatible with?

Enphase microinverters are compatible with most major brands of solar panels. The IQ8 series supports a wide range of module configurations including 60-cell/120 half-cell, 54-cell/108 half-cell, 66-cell/132 half-cell, and 72-cell/144 half-cell modules. Enphase provides a compatibility calculator on their website to help determine the electrical compatibility of specific PV modules with each microinverter model.