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How to install Enphase system

Installing with Enphase

Ease of installation is one of the reasons why so many installers choose Enphase. Here, you can get into the details of the work that happens at the installation site.

Rooftop work (microinverters and cabling)

The rooftop work for an Enphase system follows an easy, step-by-step process. Use the overview below as your guide or dig into the details in each of the sections that follow.

Position the Enphase AC cabling
Install an AC branch circuit junction box/isolator
Attach the microinverters to the PV racking
Create a paper installation map
Ground the microinverters (if required)
Dress the Enphase cabling
Connect the microinverters to the Enphase cabling
Terminate the unused end of the Enphase cabling and seal any unused cable connections
Connect the Enphase cabling to the AC branch circuit junction box
Connect the PV Modules to the microinverters

After you’ve completed the rooftop work, you’ll complete electrical work on the ground and you'll install the Envoy. Then you’ll energize the system and complete commissioning using the Installer Toolkit mobile app.

IQ microinverter rooftop installation

Get started with this short introduction to the installation of IQ Micros

Best practices

Review the best practices for installing the Enphase Microinverter System.

Assemble the Q cable terminator

Watch a demonstration of how to properly assemble the Q Cable Terminator for the Enphase IQ System.

Assemble the Q field wireable connectors

Watch a demonstration of how to assemble the Q Field Wireable Connectors.

System compatibility

The IQ System uses the 2-wire Q-Cable and a new line-to-line power line communications protocol. When using the IQ Micros take care to use only the IQ Envoy and Q Accessories. Double-check to ensure that the component part number on the box includes “Q” or “IQ”. The IQ System is not compatible with our previous systems.

Rooftop work resources

IQ 7 / IQ 7+ / IQ 7X

7th generation microinverter supporting 60-cell, 66-cell, 72-cell, and 96-cell high-powered modules

Communications and control (Envoy)

The Envoy is the monitoring and control appliance for the system, and it communicates with system components over the AC power lines at the site and with Enlighten over an Internet connection.

Successful installation and commissioning of the Envoy mean that power line communications are good and the Envoy is reporting to Enlighten.

If the Envoy is unable to communicate with system components, operations may be impaired. If the Envoy is not connected to the Internet, the homeowner will be unable to monitor their system in Enlighten, and you won't be able to perform remote operations and maintenance.

The sections below cover the physical installation of the Envoy. On our Commissioning page, we'll step you through configuring your Envoy and how to connect it to the Internet.

Installing the Envoy

Follow these simple steps to get the job done. Refer to the resources below for additional information.

Choose a location for the Envoy
Provide a power connection
Install metering CTs (if required)
Energize the Envoy

IQ Envoy Installation

In this video, we will walk through the process for installing the IQ Envoy.

Envoy Resources

IQ Envoy

Compatible with IQ Series Micros

Installing the IQ Combiner Box

The IQ Combiner is a subpanel for any single-phase system of up to four circuits, and includes the metered Envoy or the integrated Envoy PCB (printed circuit board).

Introducing the IQ Combiner 3

Learn how the IQ Combiner 3 gives you more installation options

Installing the Optional Electrical Receptacle in the IQ Combiner 3

Learn how to install the AC outlet in the IQ Combiner 3 for optional accessories like Ethernet over powerline adapters

IQ Combiner Resources

IQ Combiner

Includes the IQ Envoy; compatible with our IQ series Micros

Main circuit panel (metering)

Follow the guides below or watch the videos that follow for a step-by-step approach to successful CT installation. We'll cover how to verify operation and enable the meters you have installed on our Commissioning page.

Principles of Successful CT Installation. This Getting Started Guide covers the four principles for successful current transformer installation.
Envoy Terminal Block Wiring. This Getting Started Guide provides a color-coded diagram of where to land your CT wires on the IQ Envoy terminals.

Production metering

Learn how to install the Enphase Production Current Transformer for revenue grade metering and storage readiness using the standalone IQ Envoy (or Envoy-S Metered).

Consumption metering

Learn how to install the Enphase Consumption Current Transformer for consumption monitoring and storage readiness with the IQ Envoy, the IQ Combiner 3, or the IQ Combiner 3C..

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