The Enphase IQ7+
Provides the most power possible for your solar system
Don't take our word, see what SOLAR REVIEW had to say in Jan. 2019
REVIEW OVERVIEW (Based on 5 maximum)
Design 4.6
Features 4.4
Performance 4.8
Guarantee 4.5
Software 4.0
Technology 4.5
Affordability 3.2
(Weighted affordability
for our area) 4.2
SUMMARY
Ranking overall EXCEPTIONAL in the Solar Review Inverter Assesment Criteria the Enphase IQ7 and IQ7 plus solar inverter potentially is one of the most advanced solar inverter technologies available.
OVERALL SCORE: 4.3 (Overall weighted score for our area: 4.43)
Check out these links for others who prefer Enphase over string inverters
SolarRay Aust.
Solar Quotes - Aust.
The Solar Power Nerd
It should be noted that Solar World was basing their "affordability" ranking based on average system size for the US market. This is invalid for our region, as the size of the average system when using the Enphase IQ7+ is much smaller than what is required in the US to produce similar levels of power. In most cases, the Enphase IQ7+ compares very well against string inverters based on power output and overall system price.
As noted above, the affordability ranking is higher in our region, due to the smaller system size necessary to produce comparable levels of power. We have adjusted this score to 4.2
By Solar Review Jan. 1 2019
Even though microinverters are a very different concept from string inverter technology, many consumers will still compare the Enphase IQ7 microinverter against a string inverter in their buying decision. Therefore, the question must be asked, how does the Enphase IQ7 range compare?
.
Make and model: Enphase IQ 7 & IQ 7+.
Variants: 240W | 290W.
Good: Design, Performance.
Not so good: Affordability.
Once viewed as the pioneering solar technology pushing innovative boundaries, Enphase is often renowned as an overall product of refinement. After a decade after Enphase’s original product release, the Enphase IQ7 range, should be considered the most refined Enphase model yet. But is it? The 7th Generation device could almost be considered characteristically similar to the IQ 6 range however there are notable differences.
Fortunately, the below criteria of design, features, performance, guarantee, software and affordability for microinverter technology are similar to string inverter technology when viewed holistically in a system.
Design.
Without a doubt the more innovative of all the inverter technologies Enphase release a new design at an average rate of 1.4-years between models as the Enphase IQ7 range is a 7th generation product within 10 years. Internal temperature is cooled using a fanless design maintaining an exceptional IP 67 weather rating. With such innovation no major international awards are related directly to the Enphase IQ7 range at the time of writing.
Less than desirable, Enphase IQ7 and IQ7+ is battery compatible only via an AC coupling connection method. For ease of integration, the Enphase AC battery provides a seamless one brand solution when an Envoy S Metered communications gateway has been installed. 3rd party AC coupled battery devices are also compatible with integration though would require a separate communications gateway and monitoring system, such as the Tesla Powerwall 2.
An EXCEPTIONAL design, the Enphase IQ7 solar inverter accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Design score of 4.6 out of 5.
Features.
Features of the IQ7 and IQ7+ relate more directly to the system as a whole which includes such components as the Envoy S Metered communications gateway, essential to the function of the microinverter system. Although not explicitly built for displaying local production information, as the data is intended to be viewed through the Enphase MyEnlighten portal, the Envoy S Metered gateway presents only basic LED function. Which facilitates expended consumption monitoring alongside solar production information. With a limited local display, ensuring ease and access to such data is vital then, and that is where the Enphase IQ7 system (through the Envoy S Metered) thrives with the essential communication forms of WiFi, Ethernet, or mobile network (optional extra).
As a double bonus, the need for an inbuilt DC isolator is obsolete with microinverter technology, and Maximum Power Point Tracking is achieved at each solar panel. Through such, the Enphase IQ7 facilitates mandatory module-level optimisation where shade losses affect the shaded panels only and not a whole string. If required, Rapid Shut Down technology is integrated within each IQ7 device. Falling just shy of outstanding in the features department installer software support requires the ability to adjust operational parameters remotely. All in all a very feature rich inverter technology as standard.
An EXCEPTIONAL feature rating, the Enphase IQ7 solar inverter accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Features score of 4.4 out of 5.
Guarantee.
Warranty conditions vary between the regions. Locations such as the US enjoy an outstanding 25-year part and service warranty as standard. Potentially more enduring environments such as Australia are limited to a 10-year parts and service warranty. Concerning inverter guarantees internationally 10-year parts and service is highly respectable. To assure such warranty conditions are met an authorised Enphase installer network does exist, unfortunately, there are no added end-user benefits such as an extended warranty.
Average Inverter (base)
Enphase IQ7 (base International)
Above: Base manufacturer warranty on a scale of 12-years.
EXCEPTIONAL, Enphase IQ7 solar inverters accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Guarantee score of 4.5 out of 5.
Performance.
Searching for the pinnacle in various performance specifications? The Enphase IQ7 plus inverter technology is almost that. Aside from the exceptional European Weighted Efficiency of 97% as the only blemish in a perfect score. The IQ7 plus registers outstanding for different temperature extremes operating from -40C all the way through to +65C. Weight concerns are minimal at 1kg per device and noise emission is obsolete.
Average Inverter95%
Enphase IQ7 (avg)97%
Above: Solar inverter European efficiency.
Considered OUTSTANDING, the Enphase IQ7 solar inverter accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Performance score of 4.8 out of 5.
Software.
One of the better manufacturer produced monitoring platforms, however, lacklustre if viewing through the free end-user portal Enphase MyEnlighten. Has the potential to be so much more and probably is the software one would expect when using the paid subscription for the EnergyManager portal. > (Coming Soon).
Considered SUPERIOR, the Enphase Enlighten Manager monitoring software accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Software score of 4.0 out of 5.
Technology Ranking.
The Enphase IQ7 range is considered an advanced product technology wise ranking EXCEPTIONAL in the Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria without affordability points applied. 4.5 out of 5.
Affordability.
With such great features as standard, the end product is indeed not cheap. Considering the features at hand, perspective into what you get for your money over simply cost alone ensures that the Enphase IQ7 package is not just a device which converts DC into AC energy. That being said, it would be considered expensive if that is your only criteria.
As a gauge, An Enphase IQ7 5 kW solar inverter package including Envoy S Metered is available online from:
USD 2500 | AUD 3500 | EURO 2200
Excludes taxes, shipping and installation.
Source – Google.
Presenting GOOD affordability for the technology, the Enphase IQ7 solar inverter accrued a Solar Review Inverter Assessment Criteria Affordability score of 3.2 out of 5.
Overall.
Easily one of the most versatile solar technologies for any given installation, the Enphase IQ7 solar inverter package offers far more than basic DC to AC conversion. It is an entire energy production and management solution built with end-user experience in mind. A result ensuring full control over your energy production investment and in turn greater chance of consistent bill reduction.
This review has been edited for content and comments as noted