enphase Envoy Communications Gateway Installation And Operation Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Envoy Communications Gateway

141-00011, Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Contact Information

Enphase Energy Inc. 1420 N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954

http://www.enphase.com info@enphaseenergy.com support@enphaseenergy.com

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, you are encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.  Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Other Information

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Industry Canada ICES-003. For third-party license information, refer to www.enphase.com/licenses. For Enphase patent information, refer to http://enphase.com/company/patents/. Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the property of

their respective owners. For warranty text refer to http://www.enphase.com/warranty. User documentation is updated frequently; Check the Enphase website

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Table of Contents

Important Information ................................................................................................................. 5

Read this First .................................................................................................................................. 5

Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 5

Audience .......................................................................................................................................... 5

The Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway ......................................................................... 6

Other Elements in the Enphase System .......................................................................................... 7

How the Envoy Communications Gateway Works .......................................................................... 7

Envoy Installation ....................................................................................................................... 8

Planning and Preparation ................................................................................................................ 8

System Sizing............................................................................................................................... 8

Preinstallation Checks .................................................................................................................. 8

Installation Flow ............................................................................................................................... 9

Install the Envoy ............................................................................................................................. 10

1. Find the Envoy Serial Number ............................................................................................... 10

2. Register the Envoy ................................................................................................................. 11

3. Find a Location for the Envoy ................................................................................................ 12

4. Connect Ethernet and Power Cables ..................................................................................... 12

5. Connect Power Line Communication Bridges (if required) .................................................... 13

6. Check the Internet Connection............................................................................................... 13

7. Install the Modules and Microinverters .................................................................................. 14

8. Check the Envoy’s Progress .................................................................................................. 14

9. Wall Mount the Envoy (Optional) ........................................................................................... 15

10. Build the Virtual Array .......................................................................................................... 16

11. View System Performance in Enlighten ............................................................................... 16

Envoy Operation .......................................................................................................................17

First Scan for Microinverters .......................................................................................................... 17

LCD Screen Display at Initial Start Up ........................................................................................... 18

Initial Communications Check .................................................................................................... 18

Subsequent Start Up .................................................................................................................. 18

Normal Operation ........................................................................................................................... 19

Using the Envoy LCD Menu ........................................................................................................... 19

Initiating a Scan for New Microinverters .................................................................................... 21

Performing a Communications Check ....................................................................................... 21

Viewing the Grid Configuration .................................................................................................. 23

Getting a New IP Address .......................................................................................................... 24

Enabling a Connection to Enphase ............................................................................................ 25

Disabling a Connection to Enphase ........................................................................................... 25

Viewing the Envoy Serial Number.............................................................................................. 26

Selecting a New Locale (Change Language Display) ............................................................... 26

How the Envoy Works with Enlighten ............................................................................................ 27

Using Enlighten to Check Envoy Status .................................................................................... 27

Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................28

Power Line Communication Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 28

Issue: The Microinverter Count is Lower than the Number of Installed Units ............................ 28

Issue: Envoy Displays Fewer than Three Bars .......................................................................... 28

Issue: Envoy Displays Zero Bars ............................................................................................... 29

Network Basics and Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 30

Issue: IP Address Problems ....................................................................................................... 30

Issue: LCD Screen Displays “-Web” .......................................................................................... 30

Issue: LCD Screen Displays “Envoy Failure +Web or -Web” .................................................... 30

Issue: LCD Screen Displays "Scanning Inhibited" ..................................................................... 31

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Issue: The Envoy has Good Signal Strength but is Too Far from the Router ........................... 31

Issue: Internet Traffic is Slower After Installing an Ethernet Bridge........................................... 31

DHCP versus Static IP Addressing ............................................................................................ 32

MAC Filtering.............................................................................................................................. 32

Firewall Settings ......................................................................................................................... 32

Replacing an Envoy ....................................................................................................................... 33

Envoy Local Interface................................................................................................................34

Connecting to the Envoy through the Site’s LAN ........................................................................... 34

Directly Connecting to the Envoy without a Broadband Router ..................................................... 34

Home Screen ................................................................................................................................. 35

Events Screen ................................................................................................................................ 35

Production Screen .......................................................................................................................... 36

Inventory Screen ............................................................................................................................ 36

Administration Screen .................................................................................................................... 37

Administration Screen Tasks ......................................................................................................... 37

Change or View the Grid Profile................................................................................................. 38

Clear GFI Tripped Condition ...................................................................................................... 45

Clear DC Resistance-Low Condition ......................................................................................... 46

Set Up Device Scan Control ...................................................................................................... 48

ZigBee Device Configuration ..................................................................................................... 50

Set the Time Zone (optional) ...................................................................................................... 50

Other Administration Tasks ........................................................................................................ 50

Event Messages ............................................................................................................................. 51

Technical Data ..........................................................................................................................59

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Important Information

Read this First

 Follow the instructions in this manual. These instructions are key to the installation

and maintenance of the Enphase Envoy® Communications Gateway (Envoy).

 To ensure the safe installation and operation of the Envoy, note the following safety

symbols that appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions.

WARNING! This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may be a safety

hazard or cause equipment malfunction. Use extreme caution and follow instructions carefully.

NOTE: This indicates information that is very important for optimal system operation. Follow instructions closely.

Safety Instructions

 Perform all electrical installations in accordance with all local electrical codes and the

National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70.

 Do not attempt to repair the Envoy; it contains no user-serviceable parts. Tampering with or

opening the Envoy will void the warranty. If the Envoy fails, contact Enphase Customer Support for assistance (support@enphaseenergy.com).

 Warranty void if cover removed.  Refer servicing to qualified personnel.  Before installing or using the Envoy, read all instructions and cautionary markings in the

technical description and on the Envoy.

Envoy Installation and Operation

Audience

This manual is intended for use by professional installation and maintenance personnel.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

The Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway

The Envoy® Communications Gateway is an integral component of the Enphase® Microinverter System™. It operates between the Enphase Microinverters and the Enphase Enlighten® web-based monitoring and analysis software. The Envoy functions as a gateway and monitors the microinverters that are connected to the PV modules. The Envoy collects energy and performance data from the microinverters over on-site AC power lines. It then forwards that data to Enlighten, via the Internet, for statistical reporting.

The three key elements of an Enphase system are the:

 Enphase Microinverter  Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway  Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software

This integrated system maximizes energy harvest, increases system reliability, and simplifies design, installation and management. The following diagram shows the Envoy in the system.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Other Elements in the Enphase System

The Enphase Microinverter converts the DC output of the PV module into grid-compliant AC power. In addition to performing the DC to AC conversion, it maximizes the PV modules’ energy production by using a sophisticated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This integrated system maximizes energy harvest, increases system reliability, and simplifies design, installation and management.

The Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software analyzes the data collected by each communicating microinverter. Enlighten automatically detects any shortfall in energy production, identifies possible causes, and suggests solutions. Enlighten constantly monitors every Enphase Microinverter connected to the Envoy and is essential for detailed monitoring and troubleshooting.

How the Envoy Communications Gateway Works

Installation and operation of the Envoy require no specialized equipment or unique computer or networking expertise. To the Local Area Network (LAN), the Envoy is just another host on the network, much like a personal computer. The Envoy simply connects to the on-site router for communications with the Enphase Enlighten monitoring and analysis website. The Envoy communicates with the individual microinverters using the existing power lines in the residence or business.

After the Envoy is installed and completes its initial scan, it maintains an internal database of all known Enphase Microinverters at the site it manages. At regular intervals, the Envoy polls each microinverter for its energy data. Using the site’s broadband router, the Envoy then forwards that information to Enlighten. The Envoy also reports any error conditions that affect it or the microinverters. You can view both energy data and error conditions in Enlighten.

The Envoy incorporates power line and Internet communications functions. As shown in the following diagram, one "side" of the Envoy communicates with the microinverters through power lines at the site. The other "side" of the Envoy communicates with the Internet using a standard Ethernet cable plugged into the broadband router.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Envoy model number (SKU)

Number of microinverters monitored

ENV-120-01

500

IEMU-03

250

Envoy Installation

Planning and Preparation

Review the following preinstallation checks and sizing considerations before you install the Envoy.

System Sizing

The Envoy is capable of servicing a large system of Enphase Microinverters. This number varies with Envoy model. Check the model number (SKU) on the Envoy box, or on the back of the Envoy, to determine which model you are installing. Check the following table for capacity information:

NOTE: When multiple Envoys are required at a single site, see our tech briefs on commercial design at http://www.enphase.com/support.

Preinstallation Checks

Before installing the Envoy, make sure that the site has a standard AC outlet available near the load center. Do not use a power strip.

To use Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software, additional requirements are:

 Always-on broadband Internet connection  Broadband router with spare Ethernet port  Up-to-date web browser to view Enlighten. Supported browsers are Internet Explorer 8 or

higher, Firefox 11 or higher, Chrome 5 or higher, and Safari 5 or higher. Enlighten requires Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher. For Internet Explorer 8 users, install the Google Chrome Frame plug-in. Enlighten is compatible with Internet-enabled mobile devices running iOS 5 or higher and Android 4 or higher.

Check the Envoy shipping box for the following items:

 Envoy Communications Gateway  Ethernet cable  AC power cord  Power line communication bridges (included with some Envoy models)  Envoy Communications Gateway Quick Install Guide

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Installation Flow

Envoy Installation and Operation

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Install the Envoy

To install the Envoy, perform the following steps while referring to the diagram shown.

BEST PRACTICE: When powered up and connected for the first time, the Envoy may retrieve an automatic upgrade from Enphase. Because this upgrade may take up to 20 minutes, connect the Envoy first at the site (connect to both AC power and the broadband router) so that it performs the upgrade well before the solar module installation is complete.

WARNING! Do not remove power from the Envoy if the LCD displays: “Upgrading. . . Do Not Unplug.”

1. Find the Envoy Serial Number

The serial number label is on the back of the Envoy, near the left mounting bracket. You can build the system map manually, by peeling the serial number label from the Envoy and placing

the label on the installation map, or you can use the ArrayGun feature from the Enphase Installer Toolkit to easily build and configure a system. Refer to http://enphase.com/products/arraygun/ for more information.

a. To manually build

the installation map:

b. Remove the

Envoy’s removable serial number label.

c. Attach the serial

number label to the microinverter installation map, or make note of it for registration in the next step.

If needed, you can find an installation map at the back of the Enphase Microinverter manual.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

2. Register the Envoy

a. Use your previously issued

username and password to log in to in Enlighten.

If you haven’t registered, go to

www.enphase.com and click

Enlighten Login.

b. At the installer dashboard,

click Add a New System. If you have already registered the site, find the system under Installations in Progress.

c. Under System, enter the

system name, type and installer reference (optional).

d. Under Owner, enter the

name, email, and phone.

e. Under Location, enter the

country, installation site address information.

f. Under Envoy, enter the Envoy

serial number NOTE: If you have selected a

country other than the US, or if you select Hawaii as the state under Location, the Grid Profile menu appears.

g. If required, select the

appropriate profile from the Grid Profile menu. Skip this step in the continental US because the factory settings meet requirements.

h. Under Modules, enter total

For information on Grid Profiles or on using the Envoy Interface to check or set the Grid Profile, see “Change or View the Grid Profile” on page 38.

number of modules, type, etc.

i. Click Save to submit the form.

You will receive a confirmation

message: “Activation Created Successfully.”

Envoy Installation and Operation

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

3. Find a Location for the Envoy

Enphase recommends that you place the Envoy as close to the load center as possible. This ensures that the Envoy receives the strongest possible communications signal from each microinverter. Place the Envoy indoors or in an environmentally protected location. For wall mounting instructions, see “Wall Mounting” on page 15.

a. Locate an indoor AC outlet close to the site’s load center. b. Place the Envoy so that its AC cord can reach this outlet.

As an alternative if signal strength is poor, power the Envoy from the solar production circuit (where local electrical code allows for monitoring equipment on the same circuit). This provides the best possible power line communications. Remember that you must locate the Envoy indoors (a garage, attic, basement, or other cool, dry location) or in an outdoor weatherproof enclosure. Remember also that the Envoy must also have Ethernet access via the broadband router, either directly with a CAT5 cable or via power line communication bridges.

4. Connect Ethernet and Power Cables

The Envoy needs to obtain a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) IP address and have a route to the Internet. The Envoy will request a dynamically assigned (DHCP) IP address from the broadband router during the power-up sequence. Two small green LEDs on the Ethernet port indicate Internet link and activity. One LED lights solid green, and the other blinks green every few seconds.

a. Plug the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the Envoy. b. Plug the other end of the cable into a spare port on the broadband router.

NOTE: Next to the Ethernet port on the Envoy, there are one or two USB ports. You can use these ports to connect optional devices, such as a wireless communication device for the Enphase Environ Smart Thermostat or Revenue Grade Meter (RGM).

c. Plug the AC power cord into the AC input on the Envoy. d. Plug the other end of the power cord into a dedicated 120VAC outlet (not a power strip). For best

results, the outlet should be near the load center.

WARNING! Do not remove power from the Envoy if the LCD displays: “Upgrading. . . Do Not Unplug.”

WARNING! Do not plug the Envoy into a power strip, surge protector, or uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

The surge suppression or filtering from a power strip or other protective device will impede power line communication performance. Also, if possible, do not plug a power strip into the same outlet that the Envoy is using. The surge suppression or filtering components of a power strip may still interfere with communications if they are near the Envoy.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

192.168.2.140 +Web 0W 0kWh 0

5. Connect Power Line Communication Bridges (if required)

If you need to locate the Envoy away from the router, at a distance where an Ethernet cable is not practical, use power line communication bridges with the Envoy or purchase a wireless Ethernet bridge. Bridges allow the Envoy to communicate with the broadband router without the need for additional Ethernet cabling. To install the power line communication bridges:

WARNING! Do not remove power from the Envoy if the LCD displays: “Upgrading. . . Do Not Unplug.”

a. Plug one of the bridges into the same AC outlet that the Envoy is using. b. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable

into the Ethernet port on the Envoy.

c. Connect the other end of that Ethernet

cable into the bridge.

d. Plug the other bridge into an AC outlet

near the broadband router.

e. Connect one end of a second Ethernet

cable into the second bridge.

f. Connect the other end of that Ethernet

cable into the broadband router.

g. If the broadband router is operational,

press and hold the Envoy menu button. Release the button when the LCD displays Get New IP Address. Wait for 15 minutes. If this fails, unplug the Envoy, wait for 20 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait 5 minutes for connection.

6. Check the Internet Connection

a. Look for the “+Web” indication. b. If it still shows “-Web” 5 minutes after connecting to the broadband router, see “Network Basics

and Troubleshooting” on page 30.

NOTE: Power production shows as 0W and 0kWh (see definitions of W and kWh on page 19) until the microinverters are discovered and microinverter monitoring begins. Power production also shows 0W and 0kWh for about a minute whenever the Envoy powers up.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Level: [ ] Devices: 2

7. Install the Modules and Microinverters

a. Install the PV modules and the microinverters as directed by the installation manuals. b. Use the ArrayGun to scan the microinverters. For more information, go to http://enphase.com. c. As an alternative, you can manually build the map: peel the removable serial number label from

each microinverter and affix it to the respective location on the map

8. Check the Envoy’s Progress

a. Check the device count (shown as “2” in the illustration). An automatic device scan will to detect

microinverters when the DC and AC connections are completed and the AC circuit is energized. If the device scan isn't running, start a new one:

 Press and hold the Envoy menu button (on the right side of the Envoy).  Release the button when the LCD window displays Enable Device Scan.

b. Check the power line communications. The

number of “Level” bars on the Envoy LCD Level/Devices screen should be three or more. (The illustration shows three bars.) If there are fewer than three bars, see “Power Line Communication Troubleshooting” on page 28. If the communication check isn't running, start a new one:

 Press and hold the Envoy menu button (on the right side of the Envoy).  Release the button when the LCD window displays Enable Communication Check.

NOTE: The Envoy may display “Priority Scan is Active” on the LCD screen during the device

scan.

c. Check that the Envoy LCD shows a complete device count after about 20 minutes. If it does not,

see “Power Line Communication Troubleshooting” on page 28.

d. Check that all microinverters are discovered. As soon as all microinverters at the site have been

discovered, use the Envoy Device Scan Control menu to stop the device scan:

 Press and hold the Envoy menu button (on the right side of the Envoy).  Release the button when the LCD window displays Disable Device Scan.

NOTE: The number of devices shown in the Device Scan screen may not match the number of devices shown on the Home screen until the device scan is complete.

NOTE: For sites with neighboring Enphase systems, do not allow a device scan to run overnight because it may discover neighboring microinverters when they first power-up in the morning. Always stop the device scan in the afternoon, before leaving the site.

e. Refer to “LCD Screen Display” on page 18 for more information.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

9. Wall Mount the Envoy (Optional)

NOTE: Before mounting the Envoy, it is best to perform a Communications check, as

described on page 21, to find the best location for your Envoy.

After you have positioned your Envoy for optimal communications and after it has detected all devices, you can mount the Envoy on a wall. To do this:

a. Use two drywall screws or wall anchors (not included) to affix the Envoy to the wall, mounted at

the dimensions shown. You will need two #8 screws (4.17 mm or 0.16 in. diameter); maximum screw head diameter is 8.9mm (0.35 in.).

b. Slide the Envoy onto the mounting screws, aligning the Envoy screw holes with the screws as

shown.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

10. Build the Virtual Array

When the system is energized and the Envoy detects at least one microinverter, create the virtual array in Enlighten from the installation map you created.

You can scan and upload the paper copy of the Installation Map, or you can use the ArrayGun feature from the Enphase Installer Toolkit to easily build and configure a system. Refer to

http://enphase.com/products/arraygun/ for more information.

To build the virtual array manually:

a. Log into Enlighten. b. Use Array Builder to create the

virtual array in Enlighten.

c. Use your installation map as

your reference.

To see the Array Builder demo, go to

http://enphase.com/support/videos.

Once the virtual array is built, Enlighten displays a graphic representation of the PV system. It also shows detailed current and historical performance information.

11. View System Performance in Enlighten

Once the array is built and the system is activated, you can log in to Enlighten to view site data. If you have not done so already, log in to Enlighten to view system data. Refer to “How the Envoy Works with Enlighten” on page 27 for more information.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

Envoy Installation and Operation

Priority Scan is Active. Devs: nnnn

Envoy Operation

First Scan for Microinverters

A newly installed Envoy automatically performs an initial scan to discover all of the microinverters that are installed and powered up at the site. This initial scan continues to search for new microinverters for eight hours from initial start up of the Envoy. This one-time scan is not repeated automatically. During the scan, you will notice some values increasing on the Envoy display.

NOTE: If the eight-hour scan expires before installation of microinverters is complete, you must initiate a new scan. To start a new device scan, see page 21 of this manual.

NOTE: If the Envoy was not factory built with software release 3.2, the initial scan will run for seven days. With release 3.2, the initial scan time was reduced from seven days to eight hours. If the Envoy upgrades to release 3.2 after an initial scan has begun, the initial scan duration remains at seven days.

WARNING: Stop the scan once all of the devices are detected (see page 14). For sites with neighboring Enphase systems, do not allow the device scan to run overnight because it may discover neighboring microinverters when they first power-up in the morning.

The Envoy identifies each device by its unique serial number. If a microinverter is added or replaced at the site, you must initiate a new scan so that the Envoy can discover the new microinverter. To start a new device scan, see page 21 of this manual.

After the Envoy has detected at least one new device, it automatically enters Priority Scan mode. The

LCD screen displays the following, where “nnnn” represents the number of microinverters (devices)

detected.

When the Envoy does not detect a new device during a polling interval (usually 5 minutes), it exits Priority Scan mode. If, subsequently, the Envoy detects another new device, it returns to Priority Scan mode. It remains in this mode until it again completes an interval where no new devices are detected.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

[e] Enphase Energy Booting [||||||]

Starting R3.2.0 2013/05/30 16:21:20

169.254.120.1 -Web 0W 0kWh 0



Communications check Searching Devices

192.168.2.140 +Web 0W 0Wh 0

Level: [ ] Devices: 2

Initializing Data 2013/05/30 16:21:20

LCD Screen Display at Initial Start Up

When the Envoy starts up for the first time, it goes through the initial boot sequence. During this initial boot sequence, the Envoy LCD screen displays startup progress as shown:

Initial Communications Check

The last two screens in the initial sequence alternate until the Communications Check ends, after 20 minutes. The Envoy normally displays "-Web" for two to three minutes after the first start up. It then sends the first report to Enlighten. When Enlighten responds, the Envoy displays “+Web”.

Envoy Installation and Operation

Subsequent Start Up

After a power outage or Envoy shut down, the Envoy is ready to work just five minutes after reapplying power. You will know the Envoy has completed booting and has started normal operation when it displays both an IP address and the “+Web” status indication in the LCD screen. The normal, postinstallation boot sequence is similar to the initial start

up, although the “Initializing Data” screen is not

repeated.

 2013 Enphase Energy Inc. 141-00011 Rev 05

+ 41 hidden pages

enphase Envoy Communications Gateway Installation And Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual