A grid-tie inverter is an electrical device that allows solar power users to complement their grid power with solar power. It works by regulating the amount of voltage and current that is received from the direct current solar panels (or other D.C. energy source) and converting this into alternating current.

The main difference between an inverter and a grid-tie inverter is that the latter also ensures that the power supplied will be in phase with the grid power. This allows individuals with surplus power (wind, solar, etc) to sell the power back to the utility. This is sometimes called "spinning the meter backwards" as that is what literally happens.

Enphase Energy presents the first commercially available Micro-Inverter system for residential and commercial solar PV applications. The Enphase Micro-Inverter system utilizes advanced technologies to maximize energy harvest, increase system reliability and dramatically simplify design, installation and management.

Productive
Maximum energy production
Resilient to dust, debris, and shading
Performance monitoring per module

Reliable
MTBF of 365 years
System availability greater than 99.8%
No single point of failure

Smart
Quick & simple design, installation and management
24/7 monitoring and analysis

Micro-Inverter Technical Data
Input Data (DC)
Recommended Input Power (PTC): 230 watts
Maximum Input DC Voltage: 54 volts
Peak Power Tracking Voltage: 22 volts to 40 volts
Maximum DC Short Circuit Current: 12 amps
Maximum Input Current: 10 amps

Output Data (AC)
Maximum Output Power: 190 Watts
Nominal Output Current: 0.800 amps
Nominal Voltage/Range: 240 Volts / 211 Volts to 264 Volts
Extended voltage / Range: 240 Volts / 206 Volts to 269 Volts
Nominal Frequency / Range: 60.0 / 59.3 to 60.5 Hz
Extended frequency/range: 60.0 / 59.2 to 60.6 Hz
Power Factor: > 0.95
Maximum units per branch: 15

Efficiency
Peak Inverter Efficiency: 95.5%
CEC Weighted Efficiency: 95.0%
Nominal MPP Tracking: 99.6%

Mechanical Data
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 65°C
Night time power consumption: 0.03 Watt
Dimensions (WxHxD): 8" x 5.25" x 1.25" (203.2 x 133.4 x 38.8 mm)
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
Cooling: Natural Convection - No fans
Enclosure Environmental Rating: Outdoor - NEMA 6P

Features
Communication: Powerline
Warranty: 15 Years
Compliance: UL1741/IEEE1547 - Pending, FCC Part 15 Class B - Pending

This inverter has MC4 connectors (Enphase calls them Type 12

Productive
Maximum energy production
Resilient to dust, debris, and shading
Performance monitoring per module

Reliable
MTBF of 331 years
System availability greater than 99.8%
No single point of failure

Smart
Quick & simple design, installation and management
24/7 monitoring and analysis

Micro-Inverter Technical Data
Input Data (DC)
Recommended Input Power (PTC): 240 watts
Maximum Input DC Voltage: 62 volts
Peak Power Tracking Voltage: 31 volts to 50 volts
Min./Max. start voltage: 38v/62v
Maximum DC Short Circuit Current: 12 amps
Maximum Input Current: 10 amps

Output Data (AC)
Maximum Output Power: 210 Watts
Nominal Output Current: 0.88 amps
Nominal Voltage/Range: 240 Volts / 211 Volts to 264 Volts
Extended voltage / Range: 240 Volts / 206 Volts to 269 Volts
Nominal Frequency / Range: 60.0 / 59.3 to 60.5 Hz
Extended frequency/range: 60.0 / 59.2 to 60.6 Hz
Power Factor: > 0.95
Maximum units per branch: 13

Efficiency
Peak Inverter Efficiency: 96.0%
CEC Weighted Efficiency: 95.5%
Nominal MPP Tracking: 99.6%

Mechanical Data
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to 65°C
Night time power consumption: 0.03 Watt
Dimensions (WxHxD): 8" x 5.25" x 1.25" (203.2 x 133.4 x 38.8 mm)
Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
Cooling: Natural Convection - No fans
Enclosure Environmental Rating: Outdoor - NEMA 6

Features
Communication: Powerline
Warranty: 15 Years
Compliance: UL1741/IEEE1547, FCC Part 15 Class B

This inverter has MC4 connectors

Enlighten

The Enlighten service provides an unprecedented level of intelligence to solar power system owners and installers.

Unlike conventional monitoring systems, which only monitor the inverter, Enlighten is continuously monitoring the health and performance of every solar module and microinverter in the array.

Enlighten's web-based analytics will identify and alert owners and installers to any deviation in performance, allowing for quick and hassle-free maintenance.

Features

Monitors each solar module
Multiple viewing modes and mobile device support
Automatically identifies and diagnoses issues
Remote troubleshooting and updates

Envoy

The Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway is the networking hub connecting every module and microinverter in your solar array to the internet.

The Envoy uses advanced powerline communications technology to connect to each microinverter without additional wiring or wireless configuration. System owners can easily check the status of their solar system using the Envoy’s LCD display, or get more detailed information through the Enlighten website.

For commercial installations, multiple Envoy devices are used in combination with Line Communications Filters (LCF) to separate networking domains across the site.

Envoy Features
Plug & Play setup
Communicates over existing electrical wires
Enables remote troubleshooting of solar array

LCF Features
Required in most commercial installations
Simplifies & speeds system bring-up
Includes Envoy & protective housing