Thanks for the great video. Just replaced one of my inverters. Fyi the serial number is on them, just along one of the sides in a not so easy spot to see. Take care!
Thanks for posting - new to me house with a 20 panel array, of which 5 are bad. New micro inverters ordered and in hand, but your explanation on the enphase monitoring process was invaluable - I had no idea. Again, much appreciated!
Yes, same experience here. Good service. I think now they no longer need you to return the old inverters. I asked them and they said not to bother. They can see from monitoring at their end the inverter is bad.
Nice... I like all the details you give in your videos. Thank you very much. thinking about buying used ones, IQ7 which I can get for $40 each used of course. Just I worry I don't realize all the parts I need. I have only a 5 solar panel system at least for now. So this setup has to hook up to its own breaker right? Any extra advice appreciated. I thought I was going to do grid tie, however, this setup seems much smarter indeed.
For a small system I think micro inverters are the way to go. Easy to add in the future. Yes - any PV system will need it's own breaker (as far from the main on the busbar as possible).
As you say, disconnecting a micro inverter from the proprietary cable does require a special tool. Generally you will order one from the distributor when you get the inverters (the "M" line of micro inverters tool cost about $20 and you can still get them on E-Bay), the newer tools are less than $5. We always suggest that when you finish installing the system, zip tie the tool to the rails under the array so you can find it again when and if you need it (might be years later).
If your inverter is Enphase - I believe it will be 25 years. Other manufacturers will have other time periods - but often offer an extended warranty option for a fee.
definitely NOT the experience I am having with Enphase. They try to push you to the installer to do the work. $400 to replace an under warranty iq7a which I already pulled. And something blah blah if I do the work myself then warranty is void.. Dont buy Enphase!
As you say, Enphase is moving away from the DIY market (one of their former selling points) and requiring that certified installers put in and work on their systems. Understandable, as they become more complex with integrated communications, smart switches and batteries. But still annoying if you like to do it yourself. You can become an approved installer (for your own system) - but that requires you going through a considerable amount of Enphase training. The training is free and well worth the investment of time - but these systems are no longer simple and easy for an untrained homeowner to install.
Awesome video, gonna try and replace an inverter myself instead of paying 150.00 to have it done.
I keep seeing reports on how good Enphase products and services are, so glad my installer selected Enphase IQ8A's along with other Enphase gear.
Thank you so much for this video! I was able to complete the swap and a bonus, I don't have to return the old ones.
Thanks for the great video. Just replaced one of my inverters. Fyi the serial number is on them, just along one of the sides in a not so easy spot to see. Take care!
Thanks for posting - new to me house with a 20 panel array, of which 5 are bad. New micro inverters ordered and in hand, but your explanation on the enphase monitoring process was invaluable - I had no idea. Again, much appreciated!
you got 5 bad already?
5 panels out of 20 went bad? That is a 25% defect which normally does not happen even after 20 years
This is why Enphase is the best.
Thanks for the video, very helpful!!
Enphase has a fantastic customer service. They will dominate.
Great video 👍👍👍
Good video. Did the new microinverter ever start delivering more power?
Actually the new inverter seems to deliver about 10% more power than the older ones.
Yes, same experience here. Good service. I think now they no longer need you to return the old inverters. I asked them and they said not to bother. They can see from monitoring at their end the inverter is bad.
Great video. Researching Engage, your information very helpful. Thank you.
Nice... I like all the details you give in your videos. Thank you very much.
thinking about buying used ones, IQ7 which I can get for $40 each used of course. Just I worry I don't realize all the parts I need. I have only a 5 solar panel system at least for now. So this setup has to hook up to its own breaker right? Any extra advice appreciated. I thought I was going to do grid tie, however, this setup seems much smarter indeed.
For a small system I think micro inverters are the way to go. Easy to add in the future. Yes - any PV system will need it's own breaker (as far from the main on the busbar as possible).
Hi, where did you get the tool to remove the cable?
As you say, disconnecting a micro inverter from the proprietary cable does require a special tool. Generally you will order one from the distributor when you get the inverters (the "M" line of micro inverters tool cost about $20 and you can still get them on E-Bay), the newer tools are less than $5. We always suggest that when you finish installing the system, zip tie the tool to the rails under the array so you can find it again when and if you need it (might be years later).
Can you help install my replacement?
My contract says 10 years on the inverter, not 25 years. Can you confirm this.
If your inverter is Enphase - I believe it will be 25 years. Other manufacturers will have other time periods - but often offer an extended warranty option for a fee.
And the old M series will be replaced with an IQ series micro!
Yeah - nice surprise.
definitely NOT the experience I am having with Enphase. They try to push you to the installer to do the work. $400 to replace an under warranty iq7a which I already pulled. And something blah blah if I do the work myself then warranty is void.. Dont buy Enphase!
As you say, Enphase is moving away from the DIY market (one of their former selling points) and requiring that certified installers put in and work on their systems. Understandable, as they become more complex with integrated communications, smart switches and batteries. But still annoying if you like to do it yourself. You can become an approved installer (for your own system) - but that requires you going through a considerable amount of Enphase training. The training is free and well worth the investment of time - but these systems are no longer simple and easy for an untrained homeowner to install.
Mark my words: none of these will last 25 years 😂