Enphase IQ8 vs IQ7 Microinverters – Which one should you buy?
It’s not as cut and dry as it might seem especially if trying to maximize your return on investment. Both Enphase microinverter options are excellent choices but there are clear differences in which models might be the best choice for you. Let’s jump right in and see if I can help you decide on which model ( the IQ7s or the IQ8s) is best for your goals.
What is a Microinverter?
Before learning about some of the best microinverters on the market, it is useful to know what a microinverter actually does. A microinverter turns direct current (DC), generated by your solar panels, into alternating current (AC) which can be used by your home.
Microinverters differ from standard inverters, or “string inverters”, because microinverters are smaller and are placed on the back of each solar panel. In contrast, string inverters with optimizers (such as SolarEdge) connect one central inverter to every solar panel. This means that if the inverter goes out, none of the panels will produce electricity unless the inverter is replaced.
For this reason, microinverters are generally preferred since individual units can be replaced without compromising the entire system. Microinverters also provide the advantage of being able to monitor the production of each individual panel and make expanding the system easier in the future.
Who is Enphase Energy?
Enphase Energy is one of the leading producers of microinverters. Their most recent product release, the Enphase IQ8, has made innovative changes to their previous series of microinverters, the Enphase IQ7. With this new model, there is a higher maximum current output and the ability to provide off-grid power to a home even without a backup battery system. Usually, during a blackout, solar systems shut down due to safety regulations, but the Enphase IQ8 has the ability to safely disconnect from the grid and continue to supply energy. To enable this capability an Enphase Smart Switch is required to detect blackouts and keep the flow of energy to the house/business while the sun is shining.
Enphase IQ7 Microinverters – Are they right for you?
There is a lot to cover and I am going to try to make this as quick and clear as possible. I am going to start with the IQ7 models first. Although this is the last generation of technology these microinverters offer great value.
If a cheaper price is all that matters to you, then the IQ7 is clearly the better choice. The IQ7 is the previous generation of microinverters from Enphase. With the built-in rapid shutdown, this microinverter keeps the solar system completely isolated from the grid during an outage and complies with electrical safety requirements. But this also means you will not be able to use power produced by the solar panels during a utility grid outage.
One helpful feature of the IQ7 is the remote updates, allowing the system to automatically respond to changing grid requirements. Plus, The IQ7 has more than a million hours of testing behind it and a 97% peak efficiency.
Enphase IQ8 Microinverters – Are they worth the extra cost?
IQ8 enables your solar system to generate power during an outage. If that is important to you then IQ8 is a clear winner.
The IQ8 series of microinverters offer all of the dependable features as the previous IQ7 generation with the newest capability of limited backup power without a battery bank. This exciting new function is called sunlight backup.
In the event of an outage, electrical safety requirements specify that a solar system is completely isolated from the grid. With most inverters, that means without batteries the energy produced by your solar system during the outage is useless. However, with the new sunlight backup technology, solar owners can now take advantage of the power produced by their panels during an outage, even without batteries
The IQ8’s sunlight backup offers conditional backup power, without batteries, in the event of a grid outage. The IQ8 immediately flips to the sunlight backup power when an outage is detected, allowing essential electrical loads to continue without pause. It essentially creates its own mini-grid, allowing it to function with or without connection to the utility grid.
NOTE: To capitalize on the Sunlight Backup you are required to have additional hardware.
You would need to purchase an Enphase Controller. This will drive the cost up even more. In most cases several thousand for the controller. It is important to know that if you plan on battery back up the IQ7 will require a smart switch. So if you are planning a system with battery storage than this cost is going to be associated with IQ7’s and IQ8’s.
A battery bank is better if backup power is required at night and on cloudy days. If you don’t require backup and are fine with occasional outages, going with the IQ7 is most likely your best option. However, if you live in an area with frequent power outages, the Sunlight Backup feature of the IQ8 could be worth the investment for peace of mind.
Comparing Enphase IQ8 to IQ7 Capacity
Compared to the Enphase IQ7, the IQ8 enables your solar system to generate power during an outage. Furthermore, IQ8 microinverters can match the power output of highly efficient panels, especially those panels that are larger than 60 cells, such as 66-cell, and 72-cell solar panels.
| Module Pairings | IQ7 Model | AC Peak Power | IQ8 Model | AC Peak Power |
| 235-350+ W | IQ7 | 250 VA | IQ8 | 245 VA |
| 235-440+ W | IQ7+ | 295 VA | IQ8+ | 300 VA |
| 320-460+ W | IQ7X | 320 VA | IQ8M | 330 VA |
| 235-510+ W | IQ7A | 366 VA | IQ8A | 366 VA |
| 235-530+ W | IQ8H | 384 VA |
Max Microinverters you can install per String/Branch
| IQ8 Model | Cells | 240v Max IQ8’s |
| IQ8 | Pair with 60 cell /120-half-cell modules | 16 |
| IQ8+ | Pair with 60 cell / 120-half-cell, 66 cell, or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 13 |
| IQ8M | Pair with 60 cell / 120-half-cell, 66 cell, or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 11 |
| IQ8A | Pair with 60 cell / 120-half-cell, 66 cell, or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 11 |
| IQ8H-240 | Pair with 60 cell / 120-half-cell, 66 cell, or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 10 |
| IQ7 Model | Cells | 240v Max IQ7’s |
| IQ7 | Pair with 60 cell /120-half-cell modules | 16 |
| IQ7+ | Pair with 60 cell /120-half-cell modules or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 13 |
| IQ7X | 96 | 12 |
| IQ7A | Pair with 60 cell /120-half-cell modules or 72 cell / 144-half-cell | 11 |
IQ8 Pros:
Seamless Backup During Outage
The IQ8 is set up to recognize grid events, such as a power outage, and offer backup without a battery. In the case of a power outage, the transfer switch is flipped, relying on sunlight backup only and preventing power from being sent out to the grid. This allows critical loads to seamlessly continue with power from the solar panels while the system is isolated from the utility grid.
Powerful New Technology
This new technology is what sets it apart from the IQ7. This technology allows owners to have some backup power without having to spend large amounts of money on a battery bank.
IQ8 Cons:
Backup Energy Limitations
The sunlight backup feature does have several limitations. Unfortunately, it will not provide enough power to back up all your loads. The amount of backup power available can vary, depending on cloud cover as well as sunlight intensity.
In the case of a cloud covering the solar panels, the system will need to drop off even more loads until the cloud moves. During a power outage at night, the IQ8 is unable to provide any backup.
Higher Costs
The exact price you will pay for the IQ8 varies, but it is more expensive than the previous generation of Enphase microinverters. In addition, it requires additional parts and products plus installation. Also, due to current constraints, the availability is somewhat limited.
The Conclusion
The choice between the IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters really depends on the goals you have for your solar system. Personally, I built my system using the IQ7+ models paired with 370w S-Energy solar panels. My goal was focused strictly on how fast I could get a return on my investment. However, if the IQ8 has been in the same price range as I got the IQ7+ microinverters for I would have definitely picked the IQ8. Even considering the Enphase Controller and newer Combiner box 4 added cost. I don’t think you can go wrong with either setup but in the world of technology, newer is better but know it is going to cost you.
Links you may find useful
IQ7 Manual: https://enphase.com/download/iq7-series-microinverter-installation-and-operation-manual
IQ8 Manual: https://enphase.com/download/iq8-series-microinverter-installation-and-operation-manual
Panels and Microinverter capability: https://enphase.com/installers/microinverters/calculator
Hey Justin, thanks for your channel and all the information you are putting out. Looking at putting up a solar system on my roof here near Kalamazoo, MI. We seldom loose power and wonder if the cost of a “controller” and the additional parts and installation is worth it. If I go with Hanwha Q-Cells Q.Peak DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400W, looks like a mpp of 300 and is the Enphase 8, +, m, a may all work for the 300 mpp, a good idea or go with a IQ7a. Any ideas? Plan on doing it myself and trying to keep it simple, will wire for future EV and maybe gas generator, but haven’t needed one in 20 years.