The 8th Generation IQ8 microinverters are packed with the world’s most advanced microinverter technology.
Designed for the latest generation of high-efficiency PV modules, IQ8HC Microinverters are the industry’s first grid-forming microinverters with split-phase power conversion capability to convert DC power to AC power efficiently.
The IQ8 range has a peak output power of 384VA, which means it is compatible with all high-powered solar panels up to 505W.
When you contact the Solaray Team for a personalised quote we will help you find the right microinverter from the IQ8 range for your system.
Built on the 8th-generation platform, the Enphase IQ8 range is smart-grid ready and integrates seamlessly with the Enphase Envoy-S and the Enphase Enlighten monitoring platform.
Microinverter technology allows each panel in a solar system to work independently from the other panels, ensuring the maximum output of clean renewable energy for your household or business. Micro Inverters help avoid common roadblocks that stop a solar installation on many houses such as patchy shade and small roof areas.
An Enphase Micro Inverter system uses a small DC to AC inverter under each panel. This means that each panel’s performance does not affect any other panel’s performance – this is of particular use when there are shade issues, or when you need to face panels in two or more directions.
Enphase Systems Provide Increased Output
An Enphase Micro Inverter is attached to the mounting kit underneath each panel. The micro inverter uses state-of-the-art electronics to convert DC to AC underneath each panel. This allows each individual panel to output power independently from the other panels, significantly increasing system output.
According to Renewable Energy World, shading of as little as 9% of a solar system connected to a central inverter, can lead to a system-wide decline in power output by as much as 54%:
The below image is a great example of how micro inverters can significantly increase output. In this image, the system will be working at near maximum output, despite the patchy shade because each panel is independent of the rest of the array.
String Inverter
One of the biggest limitations with standard string inverter systems is that the panels are installed in series, meaning that the system will always perform at the rate of the worst-performing panel. This means that partial shade on just one panel can have a large impact on the output of a system.
It is not just shade cast from trees that can affect solar output. Bird droppings and dust, as well as chimneys and power lines, can all affect solar output.
Additionally, solar panels have a +- tolerance during the manufacturing process. For example, REC Alpha Pure 405W panels have a +5W tolerance, so they will range in output from 405W to 410W. Your system won’t be able to take advantage of this unless each panel is outputting power independently from the other panels.
Furthermore, panels simply output power at different rates. This may be from differences in the manufacturing process, or it may be from heat or other factors that come up over the years. As you can see here, panels that are installed right next to each other don’t output power at the same rate:
