Enphase IQ8 Microinverters Start Shipping (In North America)

True to its word, Enphase Energy has started IQ8 microinverter shipments – with a few days left in the year to spare.

Just a quick explainer on microinverters:

In a typical home solar power system, all the panels are connected to a single solar inverter (known as a “string inverter”) that converts the DC (Direct Current) output from the panels to AC (Alternating Current) suitable for use by home appliances. A string inverter is around the size of a briefcase and is attached to a wall, often close to the meter box.

In a microinverter based system, a small device around the size of a paperback book performing this function is affixed to the rear of each solar panel (“AC solar panels”) or attached to the mounting rail beneath each module.  You can learn more about microinverters here.

The world’s leader when it comes to microinverters is Enphase Energy – it has shipped more than 36 million of the devices.

In late October, Enphase Energy announced its long-awaited IQ8 microinverters should begin shipping in December for customers in North America. Earlier today, Enphase said it had started production shipments to those customers.

The stand-out feature of the IQ8 is its ability to form a microgrid during a blackout, providing backup power even without a battery – assuming the sun is shining of course.

IQ8 Models

There are 6 models in the IQ8 line-up, with varying maximum inputs (US datasheet available here – Australian datasheet not yet available):

• IQ8: 350 W
• IQ8+: 440 W
• IQ8M: 460 W
• IQ8A: 500 W
• IQ8H: 540+ W
• IQ8H 208v: 500+ W

IQ8 Modes

There are 4 configuration options for the IQ8 family of products:

• “Solar Only” – just a standard grid connect setup.
• “Sunlight Backup” – provides power during an outage without needing a battery.
• “Home Essentials Backup” – for use with a small home battery.
• “Full Energy Independence” – for installations with a large battery.

“We began piloting the product in the third quarter of 2021 with select installers and the feedback has been great,” said Enphase Energy president and CEO Badri Kothandaraman. “Homeowners not only get backup power with sunlight, but also have the flexibility to add more solar or batteries in the future as their needs change.”

IQ8 Microinverter Cost

Just as a very general guide, a US site I found retail pricing on indicated:

• IQ8: USD $167 (~AUD $230)
• IQ8: USD $189 (~AUD $260)
• IQ8M: USD $206 (~AUD $284)
• IQ8A: USD $223 (~AUD $308)

But wait, there’s more.

While the last three IQ8 configurations mentioned above may be “grid-agnostic”, they will require extra hardware that won’t be Enphase-agnostic.

The Sunlight Backup, Home Essentials Backup and Full Energy Independence modes will also require the Enphase IQ System Controller 2, which was formerly known as the Enpower Smart Switch. Among its functions, the System Controller automatically detects and transitions the home energy system from grid power to backup power in the event of a grid failure.

The System Controller 2 looks to be an expensive bit of kit – I’ve seen pricing on a US site around the USD $1,900 mark (AUD $2,600).

Additionally, if you want to prioritise and direct power to critical loads in the event of a grid outage in any mode, an Enphase IQ Load Controller is required – I couldn’t find any indicative pricing on that.

And if you want to add energy storage, it will need to be an Enphase battery.

IQ8 Availability In Australia

So, the big question now of course is – when will the IQ8 family of products be available in Australia? In October Enphase told me the signed off datasheets for Australia and timings for release here were expected to be finalised in the middle of last month, and they would keep me posted. I haven’t heard anything further, so I’ve given them a nudge and will update this post if any new information becomes available.

Original Source: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/enphase-iq8-shipping-mb2292/