enphase M250, M190, M215, D380, M210 Troubleshooting Manual
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
1
Installer’s Guide to Troubleshooting
an Enphase System
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
2
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
Product information is subject to change without notice. All trademarks are recognized as the property of
their respective owners.
User documentation is updated frequently; Check the Enphase website
(
http://www.enphase.com/support) for the latest information.
For warranty text, refer to
For Enphase patent information, refer to http://enphase.com/company/patents/.
© 2014 Enphase Energy Inc. All rights reserved.
http://www.enphase.com/warranty.
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
3
Table of Contents
Important Safety Information ......................................................................................................................... 5
Read this First .................................................................................................................................. 5
Product Labels ................................................................................................................................. 5
Safety and Advisory Symbols .......................................................................................................... 5
Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 5
General Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Microinverter Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Engage Cable and Accessory Safety .......................................................................................................... 7
Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting Topics ................................................................................................................................. 9
Envoy and Communications Issues ............................................................................................................ 11
Envoy Issues .................................................................................................................................. 11
A physical Ethernet connection is not practical at the site ......................................................................... 11
LCD is completely blank ............................................................................................................................ 12
LCD displays “Reset Clock” ....................................................................................................................... 12
LCD displays “Envoy Failure” .................................................................................................................... 12
LCD displays "Scanning Inhibited" ............................................................................................................ 12
Networking and Internet Issues ..................................................................................................... 13
Issue: Wireless Adapter Wi-Fi Problems ................................................................................................... 13
Issue: How Set Up Wi-Fi without Wi-Fi WPS ............................................................................................. 13
LCD shows a non-routable/self-assigned IP address AND shows “-Web” ................................................ 15
The Envoy is using a static IP and cannot get a web connection .............................................................. 17
LCD periodically shows “-Web” for minutes or hours at a time. ................................................................. 17
LCD shows a valid IP, but also shows “-Web” ........................................................................................... 17
The router or DSL modem at the site has only one Ethernet port .............................................................. 17
Internet service is not available on site ...................................................................................................... 18
Are my power line communication bridges working? ................................................................................. 19
Issue: Internet Traffic is Slower After Installing a Bridge ........................................................................... 19
Asoka PL9650 ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Asoka PL9660-Q1 ................................................................................................................................. 19
ReadyNet EN200 .................................................................................................................................. 19
Tenda P200 .......................................................................................................................................... 20
The Envoy cannot get a “+Web” even though all premises networking is intact ........................................ 20
Can I use a dial-up Internet connection with the Envoy? ........................................................................... 20
Power Line Communication Issues between the Envoy & Microinverters ..................................... 21
Microinverters are not detected, or, power line communication level is low or poor .................................. 22
How to identify an interfering load ............................................................................................................. 24
The Envoy is in a circuit on the primary load center, the solar circuits are on a downstream subpanel .... 24
Power line communications with a Line-side Tap (or Supply-Side, or PLC) Installation ............................ 25
Multiple Envoys and Filtering ..................................................................................................................... 25
Using a Transformer to Isolate Communication Domains ......................................................................... 25
Using an Aftermarket Filter to Isolate Communication Domains................................................................ 26
How to Get Training on Enphase Power Line Communication .................................................................. 26
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Microinverter and PV Module Issues .......................................................................................................... 27
Microinverter LEDs ......................................................................................................................... 27
Startup LED Operation .............................................................................................................................. 27
Post-Startup LED Indications..................................................................................................................... 27
The Microinverter LEDs are flashing red ................................................................................................... 28
The Microinverter LEDs are flashing orange ............................................................................................. 28
The Microinverter LEDs are not lit ............................................................................................................. 28
Power Production ........................................................................................................................... 28
The unit under review shows low production. ............................................................................................ 28
One unit shows 0W of production but adjacent units are productive ......................................................... 29
About Open-Circuit Voltage ....................................................................................................................... 30
Other Checks............................................................................................................................................. 30
The PV modules are dark and no production displays in Enlighten ........................................................... 31
Enlighten does not allow me to select the PV module ............................................................................... 31
View the PV module production history ..................................................................................................... 31
Run a report to view production history ..................................................................................................... 31
View module production history ................................................................................................................. 32
There is an event or alert message on the system .................................................................................... 32
Messages and Alerts ................................................................................................................................... 33
ACFOOR (AC Frequency Out of Range) ....................................................................................... 33
ACVOOR (AC Voltage Out of Range) ........................................................................................... 34
ACVOOR in an entire branch or multiple branches ................................................................................... 34
ACVOOR in only a few microinverters ....................................................................................................... 36
Critical Temperature ....................................................................................................................... 37
DC Resistance Low – Power Off ................................................................................................... 37
DC Too Low ................................................................................................................................... 39
DC Too High .................................................................................................................................. 40
Device Produced No Power ........................................................................................................... 40
Envoy not Reporting ....................................................................................................................... 40
Gateway Failure ............................................................................................................................. 40
GFI Tripped .................................................................................................................................... 41
Grid Gone ....................................................................................................................................... 42
Microinverter Failed to Report ........................................................................................................ 43
Over Temperature .......................................................................................................................... 43
Zigbee Device Failed to Report ..................................................................................................... 43
Zigbee USB Stick Removed .......................................................................................................... 43
Best Practices ............................................................................................................................................. 44
Installation sequence ..................................................................................................................... 44
Care of the solar array ................................................................................................................... 44
How do I clean the solar array? ................................................................................................................. 44
How do I maintain the solar array? ............................................................................................................ 44
Will a grid-tied solar array provide power during a power outage? ............................................................ 44
Will the array provide power during when it is snowing or hailing? ............................................................ 45
Can I add solar panels to the solar power system later? ........................................................................... 45
Other Questions? ...................................................................................................................................... 45
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
5
Important Safety Information
Read this First
This manual contains important instructions for installers to use during installation and maintenance of the Enphase®
Microinverter System™.
Product Labels
The following symbols appear on the product label and are described here:
WARNING: Hot surface.
DANGER: Risk of electrical shock.
Refer to product instructions.
Safety and Advisory Symbols
To reduce the risk of electric shock, and to ensure the safe installation and operation of the Enphase® Microinverter,
the following safety symbols appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety
instructions.
DANGER! This indicates a hazardous situation, which if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
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.
WARNING! This indicates a situation where failure to follow instructions may result in burn injury.
NOTE: This indicates information particularly important for optimal system operation. Follow
instructions closely.
Safety Instructions
General Safety
CAUTION: Before installing or using the Enphase Microinverter, read all instructions and
cautionary markings in the technical description, on the Enphase Microinverter System, and on the
photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Do not use Enphase equipment in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer. Doing so may cause death or injury to persons, or damage to equipment.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Be aware that installation of this equipment includes risk of
electric shock. Do not install the AC junction box without first removing AC power from the Enphase
System.
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. The DC conductors of this photovoltaic system are ungrounded
and may be energized.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Always de-energize the AC branch circuit before servicing.
Never disconnect the DC connectors under load.
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WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Only use electrical system components approved for
wet locations.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Only qualified personnel should troubleshoot, install,
or replace Enphase Microinverters or the Engage Cable and Accessories.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Ensure that all AC and DC wiring is correct and that
none of the AC or DC wires are pinched or damaged. Ensure that all AC junction boxes are
properly closed.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Do not exceed the maximum number of
microinverters in an AC branch circuit as listed in the manual. You must protect each microinverter
AC branch circuit with a 20A maximum breaker.
WARNING: Do not connect Enphase Microinverters to the grid or energize the AC circuit(s) until
you have completed all of the installation procedures and have received prior approval from the
electrical utility company.
NOTE: To ensure optimal reliability and to meet warranty requirements, the Enphase Microinverter
System must be installed according to the instructions in this manual.
NOTE: The AC and DC connectors on the cabling are rated as a disconnect only when used with
an Enphase Microinverter.
NOTE: Protection against lightning and resulting voltage surge must be in accordance with local
standards.
NOTE: Many PV modules have a central stiffening brace. In these cases, do not position the
connector and microinverter at the exact centre of the PV module. Instead, position the drop
connectors so that the connectors do not conflict with the braces.
NOTE: Completely install all microinverters and all system AC connections prior to installing the PV
modules.
Microinverter Safety
WARNING: Risk of Skin Burn. The body of the Enphase Microinverter is the heat sink. Under
normal operating conditions, the temperature is 15°C above ambient, but under extreme conditions
the microinverter can reach a temperature of 80°C. To reduce risk of burns, use caution when
working with microinverters.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. If the AC cable on the microinverter is damaged, do
not install the unit.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Do not attempt to repair the Enphase Microinverter;
it contains no user-serviceable parts. If it fails, contact Enphase customer service to obtain an RMA
(return merchandise authorization) number and start the replacement process. Tampering with or
opening the Enphase Microinverter will void the warranty.
WARNING: Risk of Equipment Damage. The M215 and M250 may be paired only with 60-cell PV
modules.
WARNING: When pairing with M250 (M250-60-2LL-S22, S23, or S24) or M215 (M215-60-2LL-S22IG, S23-IG, or S24-IG), the PV module DC conductors must be labeled “PV Wire” or “PV Cable”.
WARNING: Risk of Equipment Damage. You must match the DC operating voltage range of the PV
module with the allowable input voltage range of the Enphase Microinverter.
WARNING: Risk of Equipment Damage. The maximum open circuit voltage of the PV module must
not exceed the specified maximum input DC voltage of the Enphase Microinverter.
WARNING: Risk of Equipment Damage. The microinverter must be installed under the module, out
of rain and sun. Do not mount the microinverter in a position that allows long-term exposure to
direct sunlight or in a vertical orientation that allows water to collect in the DC connector recess. Do
not install the microinverter black side up or vertically, with the DC connectors facing up.
WARNING: Be aware that only qualified personnel may connect the Enphase Microinverter to the
utility grid.
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NOTE: The Enphase Microinverters has field-adjustable voltage and frequency trip points that may
need to be set, depending upon local requirements. Only an authorized installer with permission
and following the requirements of the local electrical authorities should make adjustments.
NOTE: The Enphase Microinverter works with single-phase or three-phase electrical service.
Engage Cable and Accessory Safety
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. The Engage Cable terminator cap must not be installed while
power is connected.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. When stripping the sheath from the Engage Cable,
make sure the conductors are not damaged. If the exposed wires are damaged, the system may
not function properly.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Do not leave AC connectors on the Engage Cable
uncovered for an extended period. If you do not replace the microinverter immediately, you must
cover any unused connector with a sealing cap. Sealing caps may not be reused.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Risk of fire. Make sure protective sealing caps have been
installed on all unused AC connectors. Unused AC connectors are live when the system is
energized by the grid. Sealing caps may not be reused.
WARNING: Use the terminator only once. If you open the terminator following installation, the
latching mechanism is destroyed. Do not reuse the terminator. Do not circumvent or manipulate the
latching mechanism.
CAUTION: When installing the Engage Cable, secure any loose cable to minimize tripping hazard.
NOTE: Check the labeling on the Engage Cable drop connectors to be sure that the cable matches
the electrical utility service at the site. Use 208 VAC Engage Cable at sites with three-phase
service, or use 240 VAC Engage Cable at sites with single-phase service.
NOTE: There are two release-holes in the drop connector on the cable. These are not for mounting
but are used to disconnect the connector. Keep these release holes clear and accessible.
NOTE: When looping the Engage Cable, do not form loops smaller than 4.75 in. (12 cm) in
diameter.
NOTE: If you need to remove a sealing cap, you must use the Enphase disconnect tool or a
screwdriver. Sealing caps may not be reused.
NOTE: When installing the Engage Cable and accessories, adhere to the following:
Do not expose the terminator cap or cable connections to directed, pressurized liquid (water
jets, etc.).
Do not expose the terminator cap or cable connections to continuous immersion.
Do not expose the terminator cap or cable connections to continuous tension (e.g., tension
due to pulling or bending the cable near the connection).
Use only the connectors and cables provided.
Do not allow contamination or debris in the connectors.
Use the terminator cap and cable connections only when all parts are present and intact.
Do not install or use in potentially explosive environments.
Do not allow the terminator to come into contact with open flame.
Make sure that all terminator cap seals are seated correctly in the wire organizer.
Fit the terminator cap using only the prescribed tools and in the prescribed manner.
Use the terminator to seal the conductor end of the Engage Cable; no other method is
allowed.
NOTE: Do not use the shipping cap to cover unused connectors. The shipping cap does not
provide an adequate environmental seal. Enphase sealing caps are required to protect against
moisture ingress.
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
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Overview
This document describes troubleshooting flows and procedures only. For product and installation
information, refer to
Troubleshooting areas covered in this document include:
Envoy and Communications Issues
Microinverter / PV Module Issues
Messages and Alerts
Best Practices
Use the troubleshooting table on page 9 to find information on a problem according to category:
Production issues
Envoy not reporting
Microinverter not reporting
General troubleshooting
http://www.enphase.com/support.
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Troubleshooting Topics
Topic
Page
Production issues
ACFOOR (AC Frequency Out of Range)
33
ACVOOR (AC Voltage Out of Range)
34
When an entire branch or multiple branches are impacted
34
When only a few microinverters are impacted
36
Critical Temperature
37
DC Too Low
39
DC Too High
40
Device Produced No Power
40
GFI tripped
41
DC Resistance Low – Power Off
37
Grid Gone
42
Over Temperature
43
The unit under review shows low production.
28
Why is one unit showing 0W production when adjacent units are productive?
29
Notes on Open Circuit Voltage
30
Other Things to Check
30
Envoy not reporting
Envoy not Reporting
40
Gateway Failure
40
LCD displays “Envoy Failure”
12
LCD periodically shows “-Web” for minutes or hours at a time.
17
LCD shows a good IP, but also shows “-Web”
17
LCD shows a non-routable/self-assigned IP address and also shows “-Web”
15
The Envoy cannot get a “+Web” even though all premises networking is intact
20
The Envoy is using a static IP and cannot get a web connection
17
Microinverter not reporting
Microinverters are not detected / Power line communication level is low/poor
22
Microinverter Failed to Report
43
My panels are dark in Enlighten and no production value is displayed
31
General
A physical Ethernet connection is not practical at this site
11
Are my power line communication bridges working?
19
Can I use a dial-up Internet connection with the Envoy?
20
Enlighten will not allow me to select the panel
31
Use the following table to find information on a problem by category.
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
10
Topic
Page
How to get further training on Enphase power line communication
26
How to identify an interfering load
24
I would like to see my panel’s production history
31
Internet service is not available on site
18
LCD displays "Scanning Inhibited"
12
LCD displays “Reset Clock”
12
LCD is completely blank
12
Run a report to view production history
31
The DSL modem at the site has only one Ethernet port, and it is being used
17
The Envoy is in a circuit on the primary load-center, the solar circuits are on a
downstream subpanel
24
The Envoy is slowing down other Internet traffic
19
The Microinverter LEDs are flashing orange
28
The Microinverter LEDs are flashing red
28
The Microinverter LEDs are not lit
28
There is an event or alert message on the system
32
This is a Line-side Tap (or Supply-Side, or PLC) Installation
25
Use the Graph widget to view production history
32
When do I need an additional Envoy?
25
Zigbee Device Failed to Report
43
Zigbee USB Stick Removed
43
Best Practices
Installation sequence
44
Care of the solar array
44
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
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Envoy and Communications Issues
Broadband
Router
Envoy
Power line
communication
bridges
Wireless
Router
Envoy
Wireless
Adapter
The following sections describe possible problems and
solutions. Areas include:
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
Envoy Issues
Networking and Internet Issues
Power Line Communication Issues between
the Envoy & Microinverters
WARNING: Do not attempt to repair the
Enphase Envoy; it contains no userserviceable parts. Tampering with or
opening the Envoy will void the warranty. If
the Envoy fails, contact Enphase customer
service to obtain an RMA (return
merchandise authorization) number and
start the replacement process.
Envoy Issues
A physical Ethernet connection is not practical at the site
The location for the Envoy yields a good signalstrength between the Envoy and the Microinverters
(over the power lines), but it is remote from the
router. An Ethernet cable from the broadband router
to this spot is not practical.
Try these solutions:
Use an Enphase Wireless Adapter (order
WF-01) as shown.
Use Enphase power line communication
bridges (order ELPC-01) with the Envoy as
shown.
Or, you can use a third-party wireless
Ethernet bridge (available at computer
stores).
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Troubleshooting an Enphase System
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LCD is completely blank
1. Try another outlet (just in case).
2. If this fails, the Envoy unit must be replaced. There are no field replaceable parts for the Envoy.
Contact Enphase Customer Support support@enphaseenergy.com.
LCD displays “Reset Clock”
If the Envoy has a current Internet connection, let it use this connection to retrieve an upgrade from
Enlighten. This may take up to 20 minutes, depending upon the speed of the connection. You may need
to contact Enphase Customer Support to initiate the upgrade.
LCD displays “Envoy Failure”
This message displays after the Envoy has tried unsuccessfully three times to initialize. This may happen
when the Envoy has been moved, and its initialization process interrupted.
1. Unplug the Envoy from the electrical outlet, and then plug it in again. Leave the Envoy in place for
at least 15 minutes.
2. If it continues to display Envoy Failure or if it never moves beyond the Initialization stage, contact
Enphase Customer Support.
LCD displays "Scanning Inhibited"
This message displays after an installer has used the Installer's Toolkit to provision the Envoy. Leave the
Envoy in this condition for normal operation. If you need to re-enable scanning, contact Enphase
Customer Support (support@enphaseenergy.com).
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
Troubleshooting an Enphase System
13
Networking and Internet Issues
The Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway operates much as another computer does. As such,
many of the troubleshooting steps for the Envoy are the same as those for other computers at the site.
Issue: Wireless Adapter Wi-Fi Problems
If the wireless installation fails, try these solutions:
Verify that the Envoy is at version "R3.8" or later. If needed, upgrade the Envoy as directed.
Verify that the wireless adapter is fully seated in the Envoy USB port.
Verify that the Envoy has two USB ports and that the USB adapter is in the left port (looking
at Envoy from the front). Envoys with only one USB port do not support Wi-Fi.
Remove power from all units in the chain, then apply power in this order: 1) modem, 2)
router, and 3) Envoy.
If the Envoy is installed in an enclosure and you are using the wireless adapter, that enclosure
must be plastic or fiberglass to allow wireless communication. Metal enclosures impede wireless
communication.
Stucco and plaster wall construction may contain metal mesh, which can affect wireless range. If
you cannot see your router or access point in the list on the Envoy, or cannot maintain a
connection, relocate the Envoy to be closer to your router or access point.
If you remove the wireless adapter, wait about 15 seconds before re-inserting it.
Issue: How Set Up Wi-Fi without Wi-Fi WPS
The Envoy with wireless adapter supports several wireless security protocols:
Wi-Fi WPS
WEP Open System
WEP Shared Key
WPA-PSK
WPA2-PSK
WPA-EAP
WPA2-EAP
If the router does not support Wi-Fi WPS or you do not wish to use Wi-Fi WPS, follow these steps to
establish a wireless connection using one of the listed protocols.
a. Verify that the wireless adapter is fully seated in the left USB port (looking at Envoy from the
front). Envoys with only one USB port do not support Wi-Fi.
b. Plug the included Ethernet cable either to a laptop directly or to a PC on the same broadband
router network.
c. Access the Envoy Administration page. Enter the IP address of the Envoy LCD in the Internet
browser.
d. Enter the default login credentials for the Administration menu:
Username: admin
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Password: admin
e. From the Administration menu, select Wi-Fi Configuration. This menu option is available only
when the wireless adapter is installed in a USB port on the Envoy.
f. The interface displays a list of available networks.
g. Click a network to select it and enter the password.
If you don’t see your network listed, the router
SSID broadcast may be blocked. If so, enter the
SSID (name) and password.
If your network is not blocked and not listed, click
Re-Scan to refresh the list of networks.
Status messages appear during the connection
process, including “Connection Test” and
Confirmation”.
h. Click Join Network when displayed.
After joining, the network displays in bold in the list of
available networks.
i. Disconnect the Ethernet cable.
Within two minutes, an updated IP address displays
on the Envoy LCD screen, indicating that a wireless
connection is established.
Within a minute, the Envoy LCD screen displays
+Web, indicating a successful connection to
Enphase.
2014 Enphase Energy Inc. August 2014
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