These cutting-edge solar microinverters optimize energy production and enable panel-level monitoring. The IQ7 is designed primarily for grid-tied solar installations. On the other hand, the IQ8 microinverter offers grid-independent backup power. In this blog, we’ll focus on the differences between these microinverters like Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 price, specs, warranty, and failure rate.
Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8: Exploring the Next Generation of Solar Microinverters
Enphase Energy was founded in 2006 and since then has been regarded as one the leading microinverter manufacturer in the world. It currently has two families of microinverters: the IQ7 series and the IQ8 series. To understand the difference between Enphase IQ7 and IQ8, let’s first talk about each one in detail.
Enphase IQ7
Enphase IQ7 is the previous generation of microinverters from the company. They have a built-in rapid shutdown. In case of an outage, this built-in shutdown system helps the microinverter keep the solar system completely isolated from the grid. However, it also means that you’ll not be able to use the power generated by the solar panels during a utility grid outage.
One good feature of the IQ7 series is its remote updates that allow the system to automatically respond to changing grid requirements. With over a million hours of rigorous testing backing its performance, the IQ7 microinverter boasts an impressive peak efficiency of 97%.
Enphase IQ8
Just like the IQ7, the Enphase IQ8 series also has dependable features but it comes with the newest limited backup power capability called the sunlight backup.
During a power outage, electrical safety standards mandate that a solar system must be fully disconnected from the grid. In most cases, this means that without batteries, the energy generated by your solar panels during the outage goes unused. However, thanks to the innovative Sunlight Backup technology, solar system owners can now harness the power produced by their panels during an outage, even in the absence of batteries.
In the event of a grid outage, IQ8’s sunlight backup provides conditional backup power without batteries. When an outage is detected, this microinverter immediately flips to the sunlight backup power which allows essential electrical loads to continue without pause. The microinverter creates its mini-grid which allows it to function with or without a connection to the utility grid.
The Sunlight Backup only works when the solar panels have sunlight. It doesn’t work in low light or at night. Furthermore, it’s important to note that Sunlight Backup may not supply sufficient power to support all electrical loads within your system. To address this and select the critical loads you want to be backed up, you’ll need to get a load control device. Now, let’s look at Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 performance.
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Enphase IQ7 Vs IQ8 Performance
The operating range of a basic Enphase IQ7 microinverter is 16 to 48V. It comes with an input power of 235 to 350 plus watts. It has a peak output power of 250 VA and a maximum continuous output power of 240 VA.
On the other hand, the operating range of a basic Enphase IQ8 is 16 to 48V. It comes with an input power of 235 to 350 watts. It has a peak output power of 245 VA and a maximum continuous output power of 240 VA.
Enphase IQ7 Vs IQ8 Price
Enphase IQ7 and IQ8 are broader series of Enphase microinverters. They have different models with different price tags. Let’s learn about Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 price via these models.
Enphase IQ7 Price
| Enphase IQ7 Model | Enphase IQ7 Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| IQ7 | $145.00 |
| IQ7+ | $164.50 |
| IQ7X | $182 |
| IQ7A | $194 |
| IQ7-PD72 | $79 |
| IQ7-PD84 | $79 |
Enphase IQ8 Price
| Enphase IQ8 Model | Enphase IQ8 Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| IQ8 | $166.50 |
| IQ8+ | $ 189 |
| IQ8M | $ 209.50 |
| IQ8A | $ 223 |
| IQ8H | $ 242 |
| IQ8H 208V | $ 299 |
So, generally, the price of IQ8 is higher than that of IQ7. Now, let’s also learn about Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 warranty.
Also See: What are Enphase Micro Inverter Problems?
Enphase IQ7 Vs IQ8 Warranty
Enphase IQ& microinverters have undergone millions of hours of power-on testing. They provide an industry-leading warranty of nearly 25 years. IQ8 Series microinverters have also redefined reliability standards. They also come with a 25-year warranty.
Enphase IQ7 Vs IQ8 Failure Rate
There isn’t much information available about Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 failure rates. However, Enphase microinverters generally are quite reliable with low failure rates.
Enphase IQ7 Vs IQ8 Specs
Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8 specs are mentioned in this table-
| Specification | Enphase IQ7 | Enphase IQ8 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Power | 250 VA | 245 VA |
| Backup Power | Not designed for backup power | Designed for backup power as part of the Ensemble system |
| Rapid Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| Peak Efficiency | 97% | 97.7% |
| Technology | Previous generation | Ensemble energy management system |
| Price | Comparatively Cheaper | Comparatively Costlier |
| Warranty | Up to 25 years | Up to 25 years |
This IQ7 vs IQ8 specs tables should have given you a brief overview of these microinverters. After learning this, let’s try to find out if Enphase IQ8 is compatible with IQ8.
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Is Enphase IQ8 Compatible with IQ7?
It is not possible to integrate or mix the IQ8 Series Microinverters with earlier generations of Enphase microinverters such as the IQ7 Series, IQ6 Series, etc. in the same IQ Gateway system. This should have explained if Enphase IQ8 is compatible with IQ8 or not.
Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8: Which One is Best?
Depending on your needs and price preferences, you can choose between Enphase IQ7 vs IQ8. If you want to stick to a cheaper price, then IQ7 is an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you weigh quality over price, go for IQ8, which is a superior option.
If backup power is not a necessity for you and occasional outages are manageable, the IQ7 would likely be the most suitable choice. If you happen to live in a region that experiences frequent power outages, considering the IQ8’s Sunlight Backup feature might prove to be a worthwhile investment.
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