enphase IQ 7, IQ 7X Quick Install Manual

QUICK INSTALL GUIDE

Installing Enphase IQ 7, IQ 7+ and IQ 7X Microinverters

To install Enphase IQ Series Microinverters, read and follow all warnings and instructions in this guide and in the Enphase IQ 7 and IQ 7+ Microinverter
Installation and Operation Manual at: enphase.com/support. Safety warnings are listed on the back of this guide.

The Enphase Microinverter models listed in this guide do not require grounding electrode conductors (GEC), equipment grounding conductors (EGC), or
grounded conductor (neutral). The microinverter has a Class II double-insulated rating, which includes ground fault protection (GFP). To support GFP, use
only PV modules equipped with DC cables labeled PV Wire or PV Cable.

IMPORTANT: Enphase IQ Series Microinverters require the Q Cable and are not compatible with previous Enphase cabling. An IQ Envoy is required to
monitor performance of the IQ Microinverters. The Q Accessories work only with Enphase IQ Series Microinverters.

PREPARATION

A ) Download the Enphase Installer Toolkit mobile app and

open it to log in to your Enlighten account. With this app,
you can scan microinverter serial numbers and connect
to the Enphase IQ Envoy to track system installation
progress. To download, go to enphase.com/toolkit or
scan the QR code at right.

B ) Refer to the following table and check PV module electrical compati-

bility at: enphase.com/en-us/support/module-compatibility.

Model DC connector PV module cell count

IQ7-60-2-US MC-4 locking type Pair only with 60-cell modules.

IQ7PLUS-72-2-US MC-4 locking type Pair with 60- or 72-cell modules.

IQ7X-96-2-US MC-4 locking type Pair only with 96-cell modules.

C ) In addition to the Enphase Microinverters, PV modules and racking,

you will need these Enphase items:

•

Enphase IQ Envoy (model ENV-IQ-AM1-240) communications
gateway or IQ Combiner+ (model X-IQ-AM1-240-2): required to
monitor solar production

•

Tie wraps or cable clips (Q-CLIP-100)

•

Enphase Sealing Caps (Q-SEAL-10): for any unused connectors on
the Enphase Q Cable

•

Enphase Terminator (Q-TERM-10): one needed at the end of each AC
cable segment

•

Enphase Disconnect Tool (Q-DISC-10)

•

Enphase Q Cable:

Cable model Connector

spacing*

Q-12-10-240 1.3m Portrait (all) 240

Q-12-17-240 2.0m Landscape (60- and 96-cell) 240

Q-12-20-200 2.3m Landscape (72-cell) 200

PV module
orientation

Connectors
per box

*Allows for 30 cm of cable slack.

D ) Check that you have these other items:

•

AC junction box.

•

Tools: screwdrivers, wire cutter, voltmeter, torque wrench, sockets,
and wrenches for mounting hardware

E ) Protect your system with lightning and/or surge suppression devices. It

is also important to have insurance that protects against lightning and
electrical surges.

F ) Plan your AC branch circuits to meet the following limits for maximum

number of microinverters per branch when protected with a 20-amp
over-current protection device (OCPD).

Maximum*
IQ Micros
per AC
branch
circuit

IQ 7 Micros

(240V single phase)

16 13 12

IQ 7 Micros

(208V single phase)

13 11 10

IQ 7+ Micros

(240V single phase)

IQ 7+ Micros

(208V single phase)

IQ 7X Micros

(240V single phase)

IQ 7X Micros

(208V single phase)

* Limits may vary. Refer to local requirements to dene the number of

microinverters per branch in your area.

G ) Size the AC wire gauge to account for voltage rise. Select the correct

wire size based on the distance from the beginning of the Enphase Q
Cable to the breaker in the load center. Design for a voltage rise total of
less than 2% for the sections from the Enphase Q Cable to the breaker
in the load center. Refer to the Voltage Rise Technical Brief at

enphase.com/support for more information.

Best practice: Center-feed the branch circuit to minimize voltage rise in

a fully-populated branch.

terminator

junction box

Tie wraps or
cable clips

Enphase
IQ Series Micro

Enphase
Q Cable

AC connector

DC connector

Enphase
disconnect
tool

INSTALLATION

Position the Enphase Q Cable

1

A ) Plan each cable segment to allow connectors on the Enphase Q Cable

to align with each PV module. Allow extra length for slack, cable turns,
and any obstructions.

B ) Mark the approximate centers of each PV module on the PV racking.

C ) Lay out the cabling along the installed racking for the AC branch circuit.

D ) Cut each segment of cable to meet your planned needs.

WARNING: When transitioning between rows, secure the cable to

the rail to prevent cable or connector damage. Do not count on the

Position the Junction Box

2

A ) Verify that AC voltage at the site is within range:

Service Type and Voltage: L1 - L2

240 V Split-Phase 211 to 264 VAC
208 V Single Phase 183 to 229 VAC

B ) Install a junction box at a suitable location on the racking.

C ) Provide an AC connection from the junction box back to the electricity

network connection using equipment and practices as required by local
jurisdictions.

connector to withstand tension.

Create an Installation Map

4

Create a paper installation map to record microinverter serial numbers
and position in the array.

A ) Peel the removable serial number label from each microinverter

and afx it to the respective location on the paper installation map.

B ) Peel the label from the IQ Envoy and afx it to the installation map.

C ) Always keep a copy of the installation map for your records.

Afx serial number labels

Manage the Cabling

5

A ) Use cable clips or tie wraps to attach the

cable to the racking. The cable must be
supported at least every 1.8 m (6 feet).

B ) Dress any excess cabling in loops so

that it does not contact the roof. Do not
form loops smaller than 12 cm (4.75
inches) in diameter.

Cable clip

Mount the Microinverters

3

A ) If the Enphase DC bulkhead connectors are not already attached to

the microinverters, attach them now. Make sure they are fully seated.

B ) Mount the microinverter bracket side up (as shown) and under the

PV module, away from rain and sun. Allow a minimum of 1.9 cm
(0.75 inches) between the roof and the microinverter. Also allow 1.3
cm (0.50 inches) between the back of the PV module and the top of
the microinverter.

WARNING: Install the microinverter under the PV module to avoid

direct exposure to rain, UV, and other harmful weather events. Do

C ) Torque the mounting fasteners (1/4-inch or 5/16-inch) as follows.

Do not over torque.

•

6 mm (1/4 inches) mounting hardware: 5 N m (45 to 50 in-lbs)

•

8 mm (5/16 inches) mounting hardware: 9 N m (80 to 85 in-lbs)

•

When using UL 2703 mounting hardware, use the manufacturer’s
recommended torque value

not mount the microinverter upside down.

Connect the Microinverters

6

A ) Connect the microinverter. Listen for a click as the connectors

engage.

B ) Cover any unused connectors on the AC cable with Enphase

Sealing Caps. Listen for a click as the sealing caps engage.

WARNING: Install sealing caps on all unused AC connectors as

these connectors become live when the system is energized.

Sealing caps are required for protection against moisture ingress.

DC connector

AC connector

To remove a sealing cap or AC connector, you must use an Enphase
disconnect tool.