The Home of Enphase IQ8 in Australia

Meet the IQ8AC and IQ8HC microinverters

Enphase Energy's most powerful microinverters yet.

Sell more solar using less roof space with our smartest, most powerful microinverters ever. Designed to match the latest generation of high-output solar modules, Enphase IQ8 Microinverters deliver superior reliability, safety, and quality for residential and commercial solar systems.

Learn more about the differences between Enphase IQ8HC & IQ8AC Microinverters here

Enphase IQ8AC Microinveter

IQ8AC-72-M-INT

The new IQ8AC supports solar modules up to 480W, targeting high-power residential and commercial solar applications. There is no enforced DC/AC ratio and maximum input power.  Modules can be paired as long as the maximum input voltage is not exceeded and maximum input current of the inverter at the lowest and highest temperatures are respected.

The smart-grid ready Enphase IQ 8AC Microinverter is a high current variant of the seventh-generation IQ platform and is designed for 54-cell/108 half-cell, 60-cell/120 half-cell, 66-cell/132 half-cell, 72-cell/144 half-cell modules.

All IQ Microinverters are all-weather with an IP67 certification. A double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymer housing means they’re rated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can throw at them.

  • Optimised for high powered 54-cell/108 half-cell, 60-cell/120 half-cell, 66-cell/132 half-cell, 72-cell/144 half-cell modules
  • Max Output Power: 366 VA @ 230 VAC
  • Recommended PV module input power: 350-480W
  • Maximum input current: 14 Amps
  • MPP voltage range : 28 V–45V
  • 96.6% EU Efficiency

Learn more on IQ8AC Microinverter product page

Enphase IQ8HC Microinveter

IQ8HC-72-M-INT

The new IQ8HC supports solar modules up to 405W, targeting high-power residential and commercial solar applications. There is no enforced DC/AC ratio and maximum input power.  Modules can be paired as long as the maximum input voltage is not exceeded and maximum input current of the inverter at the lowest and highest temperatures are respected.

The smart-grid ready Enphase IQ 8HC Microinverter is a high power, high current variant of the seventh-generation IQ platform and is designed for 54-cell/108 half-cell, 60-cell/120 half-cell, 66-cell/132 half-cell, 72-cell/144 half-cell modules.

All IQ Microinverters are all-weather with an IP67 certification. A double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymer housing means they’re rated to withstand just about anything Mother Nature can throw at them.

  • Optimised for high powered 54-cell/108 half-cell, 60-cell/120 half-cell, 66-cell/132 half-cell, 72-cell/144 half-cell modules
  • Max Output Power: 384 VA @ 230 VAC
  • Recommended PV module input power: 350-505W
  • Maximum input current: 14 Amps
  • MPP voltage range : 29.5 V–45V
  • 96.8% EU Efficiency

Learn more on IQ8HC Microinverter product page

Enphase IQ8 Distribution Boards

The fastest and easiest way to install Enphase microinverter systems

The AC Solar Warehouse range of Enphase Solar Distribution Boards accommodates the Envoy Communications Gateway and all of the electrical hardware required to install an Enphase system. The Enphase Solar Distribution Boards save valuable time on site, eliminates wiring problems and speeds up commissioning.

  • Indoor and Outdoor enclosures available
  • Completely pre-wired and tested
  • Pre-labeled to AS5033/4777 requirements with labels for main board also included
  • Comprehensive installation manual included

If you’re not using one of these boards your Enphase installations are taking longer than they need to.  Try one on your next job and find out for yourself!

Enphase IQ8 Components List

Enphase trunk cabling system provides quick and easy installation.

  • 2-wire cable is 50% lighter than previous generation Enphase cable
  • Plug and play connectors speed up installation

Visit our online store for details.


IQ Gateway

Part of the Enphase Energy System IQ8Series Microinverters integrates with the IQ Battery, IQ Gateway, and the EnphaseApp monitoring and analysis software.

15-year Warranty

IQ8 Series Microinverters redefine reliability standards with more than 1 million cumulative hours of power-on testing, enabling an industry-leading limited warranty of up to 15 years, extendable to 20 and 25 years.

IQ Relay single-phase and multi-phase

Production and storage circuit integrated Neutral Sensing-protection device with PLC-Phase coupler (multi-phase) and DC current injection monitoring.

IQ Cabling

Install microinverters quickly and safely with IQ Cabling. With multi-phase IQ Cabling, the installed capacity is automatically distributed evenly across all three phases.

Compatible with latest generation high output PV modules

Supports latest high-current PV modules and all common PV module powers and cell architectures

Easy to install and commission

Lightweight and fast installation with simple AC cabling

High energy production, reliability, and safety

Patented Burst Mode technology provides increased energy production. Low-voltage DC and rapid shutdown for the ultimate fire safety

Frequently asked questions

Where do i buy them?

Solar installers can purchase IQ8 microinverters from AC Solar Warehouse – Australia and New Zealand’s largest Enphase distributor.  We hold stock in our Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Cairns and Auckland warehouses.  Please contact us on:

ph: 07 4028 3979 (Australia)

ph: 09 222 2262 (New Zealand)

Email: sales@acsolarwarehouse.com

When is IQ8 available in Australia?
The IQ8AC and IQ8HC will be available in July 2023.  Pre-orders are now available.

What are the specifications of the IQ8 Series?
Specification sheets can be downloaded for each Enphase micro inverter from the online store

What are the benefits of IQ8 microinverters over IQ7 Series?
The IQ8 Microinverters will generate more energy per square metre. IQ8 Microinverters support the latest high-current solar modules using M10 wafers with a higher DC current handling capacity of 14 A. In comparison, IQ7A Microinverters support up to 10.2 A. 

The IQ8HC Microinverter has a power output of 380 VA which assists in paring with high wattage and current PV modules up to 505 W for STC rebates. 

Is the current Envoy-S Metered compatible with IQ8 microinverters?
Yes, you just need to ensure the Envoy has the latest software.

Is the IQ8 compatible with the previous generation Enphase inverters?
IQ8 Series Microinverters cannot be mixed together with previous generations of Enphase microinverters (IQ7 Series, IQ6 Series, etc) on the same IQ Gateway.

IQ Micros require an Envoy-S Metered to work. M-Series micros work with both Envoy-R and Envoy-S Metered.

What is the IQ Relay?
The IQ Relay must be installed with any IQ8 system. It ensures compliance to Australian Standards requirements. The IQ Relay de-energises micro inverter during grid abnormalities and it improves overall system quality.

Is the IQ relay required for all installations?
Every branch of IQ8 microinverters is required to be fed through a IQ relay, unless another anti-islanding device is used like the IQ System controller.

Why have a IQ relay?
The IQ relay provides a mechanical point of isolation for grid protection and anti-islanding as required by clause 7.2 of Australian Standard AS NZS 4777.2 – 2015 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters – inverter requirements.

Where do I install the IQ relay?
The IQ relay is ideally installed adjacent to the Main Switch (Inverter Supply) at the main switchboard. However, because of the space restrictions that often exist in the main switchboard, AC Solar Warehouse provides pre-wired Enphase Solar Distribution Boards which contain the IQ Relay, the Envoy, and all other components required to complete an Enphase IQ8 installation.

Is the IQ8 compatible with the Enphase IQ Battery 5P?
Yes.

How many IQ8 microinverters can you install in one branch?
Maximum number of IQ8AC microinverters per single phase 20A (L+N) branch circuit is 11
Maximum number of IQ8AC microinverters per three phase 20A (3L+N) branch circuit is 39
Maximum number of IQ8HC microinverters per single phase 20A (L+N) branch circuit is 10
Maximum number of IQ8HC microinverters per three phase 20A (3L+N) branch circuit is 36

Recommended maximum units per single/multi-phase IQ Cable section to reduce voltage rise in IQ Cable
IQ8AC microinverters single phase (L+N) – 8
IQ8AC microinverters three phase (3L+N) – 18
IQ8HC microinverters single phase (L+N) – 8
IQ8HC microinverters three phase (3L+N) – 18

It is recommended to centre feed IQ Cable within microinverter branch circuits to minimize the voltage rise. These design limits should ensure voltage rise and line conductor resistance on the IQ Cable are maintained within acceptable limits. In locations with risk of high grid voltage at the point of connection, it may be necessary to decrease the maximum number of microinverters on the IQ Cable section by as much as 50%.

Can the IQ Microinverter System be used for commercial applications?
Yes, the IQ Microinverter System can be used for commercial applications.

What is the Q Cable?
The IQ System uses the Q-Cable, a light-weight, 2-wire cable that no longer requires an earth conductor on the roof.  This is because the IQ series microinverters are double insulated and hence do not require earthing.

Will IQ8 work for 3-phase systems?
Yes.

What is the warranty for Enphase IQ8 microinverters?
IQ8 Microinverters will be backed by an industry-leading 15-year limited warranty as standard, extendable to 20 or 25 years.

Will IQ8 Microinverters have grid-agnostic capabilities?
IQ8 Microinverters will deliver grid-agnostic capability when used as part of the Enphase Energy System with an IQ System Controller 3 INT and IQ Battery 5P to provide backup power.

Will IQ8 Microinverters work with the existing IQ Gateway, IQ Relay, and IQ Cable system accessories?
Yes. Existing IQ Gateway (Metered), IQ Relay (single-phase and multi-phase), and all existing IQ Cable variants will work with IQ8 Microinverters.

Are IQ8 Microinverters compatible wit the Enphase IQ Battery 5P?
Yes, IQ8 Microinverters will be compatible with the IQ Battery 5P and IQ System Controller 3 INT. 

Is there a change in the installation and commissioning process for IQ8 Microinverters compared to IQ7 Microinverters?
The installation and commissioning process remains the same. IQ8 Microinverters must be commissioned using the Enphase Installer App version 3.27.1 or above. IQ8 Microinverters require gateway software version 7.6.168 or higher, if your Gateway has a lower software revision it will be upgraded using the Installer App during commissioning. Please note that we don’t support mixing IQ7 Series and IQ8 Series Microinverters in the same system.

Enphase Energy's most powerful microinverters yet

  • 96.8% EU efficiency
  • 47% lighter than S270
  • IP67 double insulated enclosure
  • Smart Grid ready
  • Unique IQ Cable system that is lighter and more flexible to use
  • Works with Envoy-S Metered

The home of IQ8 in Australia

AC Solar Warehouse is the largest Enphase distributor in Australia and we're ready to help you launch into the IQ8

  • Use our online IQ8 design tool to generate a list of materials and to obtain a fast quote
  • Custom built distribution boards to speed up installations
  • Installation drawings for manuals
  • Voltage drop calculator to select cable sizes
  • Expert advice is just a phone call away


Want to know more about the Enphase IQ system

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 the 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



Contact

Email

info@acsolarwarehouse.com


Phone

Australia: 07 4028 3979
New Zealand: 09222 2262


Postal

PO Box 408, Cairns
Queensland 4870

Main office

310 Spence Street, Bungalow
Queensland 4870

Warehouses

Brisbane
Hemmant 4174

Sydney
Kings Park 2148

Melbourne
14 Sugar Gum Court
Braeside 3195

Perth
Cannington 6107

Adelaide
Gillman 5013

Cairns
Bungalow 4870

Auckland
New Zealand

Christchurch
New Zealand