Wiring microinverters with IQ Cable
The IQ Microinverter converts DC to AC, and the IQ Cable connects your IQ Microinverters in an AC daisy-chain.
Design and installation
Design & installation
This section guides you through designing and sizing an Enphase PV system, selecting compatible components, and wiring them correctly. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions for rooftop and electrical installation, covering all system configurations.
Panel placement and roof layout
Thanks to our decentralised AC architecture with IQ Microinverters, panel placement is flexible.
Our Burst Mode technology ensures power generation even in winter months, cloudy conditions and low light.
No need to worry about shading or startup voltages.
Check panel compatibility
Enphase IQ Microinverters are compatible with 99% of solar panels in the market.
Use our compatibility calculator to check. If your panel isn’t listed, you can manually enter the panel’s relevant specifications in the tool using the data sheet.
Choosing the right IQ Microinverter
Match your panel’s nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) value with the AC output of the microinverter. The NOCT value is a standardized metric that helps estimate the real-world performance of a solar panel.
For optimal performance, the panel’s NOCT value should be lower than the microinverter’s AC output. Below are two examples of a good match.
Three-phase systems
IQ Microinverters auto-assign to phases L1, L2, L3 during installation with the IQ Cable.
The number of IQ Microinverter per phase is limited. Please observe the electrical design specifications.
For a portrait orientation, choose the IQ Cable with SKU Q-25-17-3P-160
For a landscape orientation, choose the IQ Cable with SKU Q-25-20-3P-160
Single-phase systems
IQ Microinverters auto-assign to phase L1 during installation with the IQ Cable.
The number of IQ Microinverter at a single phase is limited. Please observe the electrical design specifications.
For a portrait orientation, choose the IQ Cable with SKU Q-25-17-240
For a landscape orientation, choose the IQ Cable with SKU Q-25-20-200
Key AC wiring rules
Rule 1
You can connect up to 18 IQ Microinverters using a continuous IQ Cable section in a three-phase system. This cable links the microinverters in the IQ Cable section.
Each IQ Cable run starts with a Terminator Cap
Use Field-Wireable Connectors to bridge larger gaps
For small gaps (e.g. satellite dish), seal unused drops with a Sealing Cap
Use an IP67 certified junction box (third-party) to connect the IQ Cables to the homerun Cable
Make sure to plan for the correct amount of Terminator Caps, Field-Wireables, and Sealing Caps, based on the roof layout and panel arrays
Here are three examples of correct wiring with the IQ Cable:
Rule 2
The maximum number of microinverters per homerun cable depends on the specific microinverter model and system design.
For example:
If you're using IQ8AC Microinverters with 27 solar panels, you can connect 18 microinverters on one IQ Cable and 9 on another. Then, join both sections at a T-piece junction box and run a single homerun cable from there.
If you're using IQ8AC Microinverters with 35 panels, split them across two IQ Cable sections (for example, 18 and 17 microinverters) and use two separate homerun cables.
Rule 3
The total cable length—from the distribution panel, through the homerun cable and IQ Cable, to the IQ Terminator Cap—should be no more than 50 to 70 metres.
Be sure to share this information with your design and roof teams.
Core system components
Offer a complete energy solution tailored to your customer's needs.
IQ Batteries
IQ System Controller
IQ EV Charger 2
Reminder: Complete the mandatory certification courses at Enphase University for IQ Battery, IQ System Controller, and IQ Energy Router to ensure accurate technical planning.
Roof installation steps
Roof installations with Enphase are safe. No voltage is present in the system during installation.
Watch this video to see how it works.
Materials required for roof installation:
Microinverters
IQ Cable
Terminator Caps
IQ Disconnect tool
Sealing Caps (optional, used to seal one IQ Cable drop)
Field Wireables (optional, used to extend IQ Cable in order to bridge bridge gaps)
Cable Clips (optional, used to fasten IQ Cable to the mounting structure)
Junction box
Electrical installation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for electrical installation before arriving on-site. Make sure you:
- Are registered in the Enphase Installer Portal
- Know exactly which Enphase components will be installed
- Have all required certifications for the components being installed – IQ Battery, IQ System Controller, and IQ Energy Router
Downloaded and updated the Enphase Installer App
- Updated your Enphase Installer App before going to the site
- Have access to the system in your Enphase Installer App, or will create the system yourself
- Have the microinverter layout plan, or will receive it on-site
- Reviewed the IQ Cable wiring section
PV Only
Here is a quick overview of what you will be installing:
PV Only steps for installation
Install the Gateway.
Install a miniature circuit breaker before the Gateway.
Install the CTs (Current Transformers).
They measure production and household consumption.Always follow these three rules:
• Arrow towards the IQ Gateway
• Match phases (L1 to L1, L2 to L2, L3 to L3)
• White over blue
Install a residual current circuit breaker type A 30 mA.
When the installation is complete, move on to commissioning.
PV system + IQ Battery with IQ System Controller
The IQ System Controller enables seamless grid agnostic operation. Here is an overview of what you will be installing:
PV system + IQ Battery with IQ System Controller steps for installation
Install the IQ Battery. Certification from Enphase University is mandatory.
Install the IQ System Controller. Certification from Enphase University is mandatory.
Optional add-ons
IQ EV Charger 2
You can add the Enphase IQ EV Charger 2 to any Enphase system.
Third-party EV charger
You can integrate compatible EV chargers with the IQ Energy Router. Certification from Enphase University is mandatory.
View Quick Installation Guide
View compatible 3rd party EV chargers
