Want to know more about IQ7
When Enphase set out to develop the IQ System, they wanted to not only streamline the product for better performance within the smallest package but also streamline the installation process for a quicker and more effective installation. The IQ System saves time before you even reach the job site, simplifying stock management, packing more lightweight microinverters per box to reduce trips up the ladder, and bundling cables so they can be easily taken to the roof. It helps that the two-wire Q Cable uses less conductors and weighs 50 percent less than its predecessor, the trunk cable. The IQ System was introduced to the US market in early 2017 where installers and systems owners have been benefitting from the new design.
IQ reduces electrical component parts count
One of the challenges of conventional solar installations is efficiently managing stock of components required for the installation. The AC Solar Warehouse Enphase Solar Distribution Board with the IQ Envoy communications gateway combines multiple electrical enclosures into one, eliminating the need for a separate subboard, Envoy enclosure, and AC disconnect, as well as all the hardware to connect these pieces together.
IQ improves design flexibility
One of the inherent limitations of string inverter systems is the need to always complete a loop in the electrical design. With DC solar systems, there’s no opportunity to branch off to islanded arrays on complex rooftops or in response to on-the-fly design changes. The onsite-wireable connectors in the IQ System allow for safe and simple connections from any open connector and the ability to center feed any section of cable up to a 20-amp limit allowing the system to be built as a tree with branches rather than a constricted linear design. The lighter two-wire Q Cable also makes it easier to handle wire management, whether that means fastening cable to rails or to the solar module frame using standard clips in a rail-less mounting system.
IQ enables faster commissioning
A new generation of power line carrier communications made it possible to remove the neutral conductor from the Enphase cabling system and results in new Envoys for the IQ System. This, along with new embedded software, results in a notable improvement in microinverter detection during commissioning. Because the neutral line shares a circuit with other electrical devices in the house, devices that carry a lot of noise on the line, detection could take as long as 15-20 minutes. During testing, the IQ Envoy detected a full set of 20 microinverters in less than 5 minutes. Detection might not always be so fast, but we expect the new communications to cut the time in half. All the process improvements in the IQ System build upon an industry-leading home energy solution that comes with built-in advanced grid functionality often required by utilities. As grid conditions change, Enphase’s ability to report on each microinverter’s performance and remotely push firmware updates to the field will prevent the need for costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary site visits.
What’s in the name
Enphase named their latest microinverter technology the IQ because it’s very intelligent, for homeowners and especially for installers. They placed the letter Q in front of their new cabling accessories because Q stands for “quick”.
Performance, Reliability and Safety
The IQ design is now a global SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), which means manufacturing only one type of inverter globally. This provides a focus on one inverter design and increased mass production delivering even greater reliability and performance. Enphase has demonstrated this in Australia with unmatched reliability never seen in solar inverters. You install it, it works. It’s as simple as that! Using IQ microinverters means there are no dangerous DC voltages which completely eliminates the risk of solar fires. To find out more about solar fires please click here
