SunPower AC Module

A microinverter is a small electronic device that sits beneath each solar panel. It’s main task is to convert direct current (DC) from your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that you can use in your home or export to the grid.

SunPower AC modules are currently available only in select countries. For more information contact us (https://sunpower.maxeon.com/int/contact-us) or call our toll-free number: tel: 00 800 855 81111.

No, export limiting functionality is not yet compliant with RD 244/2019. Most installations with Enphase microinverters are residential scale (below 15kW) and are easily accepted without this compliance.​

Each microinverter is a single phase device. Three-phase installations are constructed with single phase microinverters distributed across the phases. The inverter will monitor power consumption at each phase using the CTs connected to the Envoy-S communications gateway, limiting grid export to the defined level, either on a per phase or aggregate basis as required.​

Enphase microinverters offer export control by reducing power production at each microinverter to maintain export to a defined power level—which can be zero for a zero-export site. The microinverters do not offer control of surplus power beyond export to the electricity network.​

Some customers have achieved some clever customised DIY solutions for re-directing surplus power using Enphase APIs, however, Enphase does not currently offer products that re-direct surplus power.​

A simulated PV system performance has been evaluated in Madrid with the following results for roofs with limited space available:

• 30% more power on the roof
• 42% higher performance
• Half the degradation

In a space unconstrained situation also in Madrid:

• 10% higher yield
• Half the degradation
• Similar cash flows
• Lower risk for future maintenance

SunPower systems will also benefit from leading warranty coverage—up to 40 years in the case of SunPower Maxeon AC panels. Enphase microinverters are warranted for 25 years. For assumptions and a personalized simulation, please contact us to be connected to a SunPower installer.​

Yes, AC modules can be installed on Delta grid arrangement with 230V between phases. No additional transformer equipment is required for typical LV connections.
Alongside the microinverters that are supplied as part of the PV module, installers will need to purchase Q cables, cable accessories and the Envoy-S communications gateway.​
Contact your Sales Manager to access additional installer tools to learn more about site design and balance of system requirements.

In addition to the AC module, installers will need to purchase Q cables, cable accessories, and the Envoy-S communications gateway.​
Contact your Sales Manager to access additional installer tools to learn more about site design and balance of system requirements.

All AC module installations must be internet connected for the monitoring to receive the 25-year microinverter warranty. This internet connection reports data to the Enphase monitoring platform, Enlighten on a per microinverter/module basis.

The performance of each microinverter and module is visible to the installer via Enlighten and alerts are provided for any faulty equipment, such as an under-performing PV module or a faulty microinverter.

No, the microinverter is detachable from the PV module so each component can be serviced separately.

If an issue is detected via the Enlighten monitoring platform, please contact Enphase Customer Support. If the issue is related to the microinverter, Enphase will provide any service required under their warranty coverage. If Enphase determines the issue is related to the panel, the service will be transferred and supported by Maxeon Solar Technologies under the appropriate SunPower panel line warranty.

The Enphase three-phase Q Cable allows balanced and automated power management of each phase. Alternatively, when using three single-phase cables, care must be taken to balance the phases by installing a similar number of panels on each phase.
The Envoy-S communications gateway can also provide phase imbalance monitoring to ensure authorised limits are not exceeded. The Envoy is able to manage PV power production at the microinverter level to maintain balance within set limits.

In single-phase, 10 microinverters can be connected. In a three-phase installation, up to 30 microinverters can be connected on a single 20A three phase circuit breaker. Larger systems can be constructed with multiple AC branch circuits.

If the microinverter (or the associated PV module) should fail, only that PV module is offline. The remainder of the system continues to operate as normal – a key benefit of AC modules.​

AC solutions are compatible with AC energy storage solutions. When using Enphase Storage, you can see the energy flows on Enlighten, Enphase’s system monitoring application. If you choose a different storage solution provider, you will need to use their monitoring application to see the energy flows of the battery.​

With a string inverter there is a single point of failure. If the string inverter fails, the entire array is offline. However, with a microinverter each individual PV module has its own dedicated inverter. If the microinverter (or the associated PV module) should fail. only that PV module is offline while the remainder of the system continues to operate.​

Enphase microinverters have a publicly stated defect rate of 0.05%, which equates to 1 in 2000. Given that the Enphase defect rate is better than most string inverters, this results in a PV installation with higher reliability and a higher overall system uptime over the life of the array.

Additionally, Enphase microinverters have an estimated useful life of more than 25 years, compared with string inverters that typically last around 10 years. 

SunPower AC solutions offer higher yield, easier and faster installation, and greater flexibility. There are also other benefits such as reliability, shading advantages and low-light power responses.

All grid-connected modules with integrated inverters must comply with all the requirements and tests established in parts 1 and 2 of the UNE-206007 Report. Prior to the connection and/or contracting of self-consumption, and as indicated in section 4 of part 2, this compliance must be certified by a certification body accredited according to UNE-EN 1S0/IEC 17065.