The smart-grid enabled Enphase IQ 7X inverter is a powerful solar device which belongs to the microinverters group due to its miniature size. It’s easy to install and extends the highest efficiency available to solar systems with 96-cell modules up to 460 watts.
The device also integrates well with Enphase IQ Envoy, Enphase IQ Battery, and the Enphase Enlighten monitoring and analysis software.
The Enphase IQ 7X is a solar inverter that offers you an autonomous single-panel solar system. It ensures each solar panel operates independently, which gives you plenty of flexibility with the number of panels you can install.
Unlike string inverters that work on multiple solar panels, microinverters such as the IQ 7X series allow you to observe each panel separately. This makes monitoring the solar system extremely manageable.
This Enphase IQ 7X inverter review will examine the following:
- Technical specifications,
- Inverter capacity,
- Key features,
- Advantages and limitations, and
- Compatible batteries.
Let’s get into it right away!
What is the Enphase IQ 7X Inverter?
The IQ 7X is a high-powered 320-watt inverter that works with 96-cell modules. It capitalises on semiconductor integration, thus ensuring higher reliability and enhanced economies of scale.
Its revolutionary cabling system uses two cables, making installation a breeze, unlike the retired M215 and M250 Enphase inverters that use four lines.
The inverters are manufactured by Enphase Energy, a US-based company at the forefront of providing customers with efficient solar solutions since its establishment in 2006.
The inverter is the most recent addition to their seventh-generation IQ platform in the IQ 7 inverter series.
There are currently two inverter models on the market: pure sine wave inverters and modified sine wave inverters.
A pure sine wave inverter converts DC power to AC output. It then increases the total output voltage (such as 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V) to attain an output voltage of 230 V for home appliance usage.
A pure sine wave inverter uses an electronic gadget called a transformer consisting of an iron core with two copper wire coils. These are the primary and the secondary coils.
The low voltage current enters through the primary coil, while the high voltage power exits through the secondary coil. This process delivers a high-quality current, so based on this, we can state that the IQ 7X inverter is a pure sine wave inverter.
Enphase IQ 7X Inverter Technical Specifications
The IQ format is a global Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), meaning only one inverter design is manufactured globally.
The product’s datasheet highlights the technical specifications for these IQ 7X inverters:
| Details | Technical Specifications |
|---|---|
| Peak output power | 320 VA |
| Input power | 320 – 460+ W |
| Max. continuous output power | 315 VA |
| Operating range | 25-79.5 V |
| Length | 212.00 mm |
| Width | 175.00 mm |
| Height | 30.00 mm |
| Weight | 1.08 kg / 2.38 lbs |
| Efficiency | 96.5 % |
| Compatibility | 96-cell PV modules |
What is the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter’s Output Capacity?
The IQ 7X features a peak output of 320 VA, with a maximum continuous output power of 315 VA and a maximum continuous output current of 1.37 A.
The nominal voltage for the entire IQ 7 series is 230 V, while the minimum and maximum output voltage range between 184 – 276 V.
What is the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter’s Efficiency?
The entire Enphase IQ 7 series, including the IQ 7X, boasts an outstanding efficiency rating of 96.5%.
How many MPP Trackers does the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter have?
Each microinverter connects to one PV module, which allows a single MPPT to control each of the respective PV modules.
This connection guarantees the maximum power obtainable from each single PV module, regardless of how other modules are affected by factors such as shading.
Does the Enphase IQ 7X Inverter come with an Internal DC Circuit Breaker?
The IQ 7X includes a DC circuit breaker with a current rating of 10 A.
Let’s say that the current emitting from the solar PVs exceeds 10 A. In that situation, the circuit breaker triggers, and your inverter’s input will be cut immediately to prevent significant damage.
Enphase IQ 7X Inverter Key Features
The IQ 7X pushes beyond the reliability standards of previous inverter generations. It suits high voltage modules up to 79.5 V but with a low current maximum of 10 A.
The main features of these inverters include:
- An easy installation process,
- Smart-grid readiness,
- Lightweight design,
- Optimised for high-powered 96-cell PV modules,
- Configuration to different grid profiles,
- A class II double-insulated polymeric enclosure,
- PLC (Power Line Communications) between components,
- Remote updates in response to changing grid requirements,
- Compatibility with Enphase IQ Envoy,
- Compliance with higher grid support, voltage, and frequency ride-through, and
- Over one million test hours to date.
What is the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter’s Warranty?
All IQ 7-series solar inverters include a 10-year warranty.
This warranty starts four months after Enphase ships the product to you. Several factors can void your warranty, such as not following the proper installation guidelines.
It’s important to know what procedures to follow, as outlined in Enphase’s warranty guidelines, to prevent any problems with possible claims.
Is the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter Safe and Reliable?
Enphase inverters are FCC compliant, meaning they are safe to install in residential settings without harmful interference.
As a higher power variant of the seventh generation IQ platform, the IQ 7X is a robust device. Grid-tied solar systems can benefit greatly from this easy-to-install, shade-tolerant inverter. This flexibility and reliable output make them solid investments for your rooftop.
However, these inverters do emit radio waves. If you install them incorrectly, they can cause harm. So, it’s critical to follow the instructions in the product manual.
Enphase IQ 7X Advantages
The numerous benefits to owning an IQ 7X inverter include:
- Ease of Installation
Installing the IQ 7X is quite straightforward due to its lightweight design. It weighs 1.08 kg and has an improved two-wire cabling system.
The inverter installation is more manageable than other models due to its plug-and-play technology. You only need to connect each Q cable from one unit to the next, while the final wire will terminate in a junction box.
- Reliability
The inverters have been tested in harsh weather and extreme climatic conditions. They’re designed to last the lifetime of a solar panel and feature a 10-year warranty as standard.
- Smart-grid Readiness
The IQ 7X inverters comply with fixed power, voltage, and frequency ride-through requirements. They also update remotely in response to any fluctuating grid requirements.
The inverters also meet CA Rule 21 (UL-1741 SA).
- Enphase System Monitoring
The inverters come with a separate system monitoring app called Envoy, which operates like any solar PV monitoring system.
This feature allows you to monitor each solar panel within the system. You can find out how much power each panel generates rather than examining the entire system.
With the Envoy monitoring hub for Enphase energy, it’s possible to set up, commission, and monitor the system remotely.
The company also monitors all systems registered globally from its headquarters in the US. This oversight is invaluable for monitoring fault conditions and continually improving its products.
- Improved System Performance
Solar systems can underperform if they’re affected by shading from trees, buildings, poles, antennas, etc. With the IQ 7X inverters, it’s possible to avoid such issues.
Since the panels aren’t linked together, it’s easier to monitor and optimise them individually, thus ensuring maximum power generation.
The power that solar panels are capable of generating can vary due to shading, dirt, and PV module mismatch.
String installations link several panels together. The system’s output can be significantly affected if one panel is performing poorly, shaded, or dirty. This interference will reduce the total power output.
Monitoring each IQ 7X panel separately ensures that each solar panel performs at its maximum and is never affected by the other panels’ lower performance.
These inverters are also highly reliable since they have fewer components and go through more than one million hours of vigorous testing.
- No Single Point Failure
If you’ve installed an extensive solar system with several panels, then the IQ 7X inverters ensure there’s no single-point failure.
If one panel is faulty, it won’t affect how the other panel operate. As a result, your power generation is far more likely to be consistent.
- Safer than Conventional Models
In a traditional inverter system, DC electricity enters from the top of the roof through wall cavities or the ceiling. It then enters an inverter which converts the DC power to AC power.
If one module is damaged, the system can turn into a hotspot. This dangerous situation can occur when a thermal runaway is affected by higher currents and voltage.
When it comes to the IQ 7X, the system panels produce DC electricity. It’s then immediately converted to AC power on the roof.
This makes it a safer option for your solar system because DC power usually can cause arcing due to cable damage.
When this happens, ensuring heat can result in fire hazards. However, fires are unlikely to occur in any solar system if the installation is performed correctly.
Also, just like all pure sine wave inverters, the IQ 7X ensures your sensitive electronics remain safe.
A pure sine wave inverter operates in solar off-grid and grid-connected systems. It offers a safe and consistent electric current, just like a standard utility grid.
These inverters utilise high-end electronic components to avail of a high-quality electric current. In contrast, modified sine wave inverters typically offer low-quality electric current due to their cheap composition.
Pure sine wave inverters are mainly used to power sensitive electronics, including LED TVs, microwaves, medical equipment, and refrigerators.
A modified sine wave inverter can power electronic appliances that are less sensitive, for example, water pumps and water heaters.
This means using a modified sine wave inverter in your home to power your appliances may not be a safe option.
With the IQ 7X inverters, your electrical accessories and appliances are guaranteed to be unaffected by electrical interferences.
- Long-term Investment Value
The IQ 7X features more advanced technology than a traditional string inverter unit despite its high upfront cost.
Over time, this will demonstrate better value due to its reliability and better performance, thus offering you a better payback.
- Compatibility with Various Roof Layouts
In the case of the IQ 7X inverters, you don’t have to group the solar panels together. It’s possible to have them mounted at different orientations and angles in case of odd roof layouts.
- Productivity
The inverters’ optimisation targets high-powered 96-cell PV modules. Its CEC efficiency rating of 97.5% is also impressive.
In addition, the IQ 7X inverters guarantee maximum energy production using a sophisticated MPPT algorithm. The algorithm allows for maximum PV module input power.
Enphase IQ 7X Limitations
Despite its various features, the IQ 7X isn’t without some minor flaws, including:
- Potential Costliness
The initial cost of installing a solar system with several inverters is usually high and can be prohibitive. This is because you need one inverter for every panel.
- Higher Chances of Failure
Since you’ll be required to install an inverter for each panel, the failure rate can increase if several panels or inverters fail collectively. This can be avoided if you install your panels and inverters correctly.
- Exposure to Extreme Salt Corrosion
Their rooftop orientation means that inverters like the IQ 7X are exposed to humidity, extreme heat, and salt mist, especially if your home is close to the ocean.
Such inverters are equipped to handle extreme weather conditions. Still, they can experience multiple faults with time due to harsh weather conditions.
Is the Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter CEC-Approved?
These Enphase IQ 7X solar inverters are approved by the Australian Clean Energy Council (CEC), with an efficiency rating of 97.5%.
The CEC in Australia handles the commercialisation of solar energy. Equipment approved by CEC is compliant with the Australian government’s guidelines and is safe for installation in Australian residences.
Can you Retrofit a Battery to Enphase IQ 7X Solar Inverter?
Solar systems with the IQ 7X microinverters are compatible with the Enphase IQ Batteries. This functionality makes retrofitting effortless.
The IQ batteries are state-of-the-art energy units that can drastically increase the performance of your residential solar system.
Is the Enphase IQ 7X Inverter Range Good? Our Opinion
Using the IQ 7X inverters has many advantages, especially where you need to monitor each panel individually.
As microinverters, they are more costly than string inverters if you’re installing an extensive solar system. If you have a limited budget, installing them can pose minor issues.
Microinverters have become more popular since the introduction of storage systems for the Enphase IQ. The ability to integrate solar batteries and backup generators seamlessly make them an alluring prospect. This function extends to partial as well as complete off-grid features.
So, if you want a reliable electric current, safety, and a high-performing system where monitoring is assured, the IQ 7X inverters are a terrific option.
You need to consult a reliable agent for the correct installation of these solar inverters. A certified installer will help you take advantage of solar incentives.
You won’t find a more dependable solar installer than Instyle Solar.
We’ve helped thousands of Australian homeowners save on electricity with solar power for many years. Contact us for a solar quote or home assessment.
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