Enphase Micro-inverter System Installation

[indman101]

I have two rows of seven panels using M-190 enphase inverters these rows of modules are about 10 ft apart whats the best way to plug these inverters together?I can plug up to 15 in a string but the way the roof is on my garage they wont be very close to the other 7 modules also what gauge ground wire?is #6 enough ..Thanks

[indman101]

I have two rows of seven panels using M-190 enphase inverters these rows of modules are about 10 ft apart whats the best way to plug these inverters together?I can plug up to 15 in a string but the way the roof is on my garage they wont be very close to the other 7 modules.Thanks

[hazeyfla]

Installed a 5KW enphase system about 6 months ago using Mage solar 180 mono panels. I have been back to the site 3 times to replace inverters. I have been less than impressed with Enphase. It has been over 3 months and we have not been compensated for the service calls on their product and the less than stellar output if each inverter. I have only seen a peak output of 130 watts for each 180 watt panel. Thanks, I'll stick with SMA.

[joejoemorgan]

How do I know my EMC Utility will allow the use of the Enphase Micro Invertors (Cobb EMC in Marietta, Ga.)

[indman101]

Installing looks to be very simple and plenty of good videos out there but not much help on the process of making this legal in my state,whats the first step?are there forms to fill out?going with a small setup like 1000 watts is net metering worth paying for?net metering is not free in Indiana,will a person need a permit before installation begins?so many stepps left out of knowing where to start is why so many go with plug in the wall inverters,but enphase sounds like the way to go.Thanks

[enphasemarketing]

@indman101

There are nearly 50 Enphase installations in Indiana already! As for as net metering, there will be forms to fill out for all net metering requests, varying by state. Your installer or Enphase Customer Support can help with these forms. According to the Clean Energy Authority website, there is no charge for net metering in Indiana - so that's good news.

[MegaDeathwarrant]

Can it also monitor batteries?

[enphasemarketing]

@MegaDeathwarrant

No, sorry. Enphase is a grid-tied solution only, and the system does not monitor batteries.

[geonerd]

Will the microinverters function without an Envoy data logger in the system? I have no use for all the bells and whistles. Thanks.

[enphasemarketing]

@geonerd

Yes, they will. We do recommend using the Envoy (and the monitoring system) to ensure communication and optimal uptme, but it's not required.

[geonerd]

@enphasemarketing

Thanks

I'm interested in building a high quality DIY system. IMO, it's a shame that most solar companies are geared toward 4~5+$ per watt, $20K, turnkey systems. IMO, a person wiling to do some work can build a competent system for much less.



[conciergeman]

@canamm

A) The enphase is a micro-inverter- meaning It converts the electricity that is coming from the panel from the DC produced directly to AC current, therefore the enphase is made for a grid tied system and would not be applicable to a battery backup or off-grid system.

B) Google copper corrosion

That copper is the grounding used for the entire system. The enphase inverters are shipped with a grounding clip.

[Josey2006]

Looks like I have an answer for price: Roughly $200 per microinverter.

[Josey2006]

I'm curious to see what the price is per microinverter.

[canamm]

I guess I have a couple questions. A) What about those of us with a battery storage system and B) The ground wire is exposed to the elements, bare copper tends to corrode.

[turn74]

J1nthu1,

Good points here. I'm new to solar but I think that this product certainly is great for the avg person to get into a home solar system. I could see myself buying a panel and one of these Enphase inverters periodically and continually add system infrastructure. After 7 or 8 panels, then I could consider putting out the $3600 for a 7000 watt inverter. I like this product!

[j1nthu1]

installation may be easy, but imagine how hard it will be to replace a bad inverter in the middle of your array. you may have to pull up several panels to get to the failed inverter. also, central inverters need to be replaced 10-12 years later. will you have to remove every single panel in 15 years to replace every single micro-inverter? if not, imagine the service calls if you have get someone to replace a single failed inverter after the warranty period. repeat that X times per panel.

[abc9d]

It seems that you have to subscribe to their service to get a web view of the system.  It would be nicer if the box at your house ran a webserver and you could browse to it.

[enphasemarketing]

Actually, you can do that. You can connect a PC to the Communications Gateway box, and browse to the IP address indicated on the box. You won't see the full Flash-based user interface you get within our Enlighten monitoring service, but you can get system-level data and error codes.

[UTubeGlennAR]

I am planning to install 16 or so Enphase MIs on a WattSun tacker this spring if all goes as planned.......