Technical data

Envoy Installation and Operation

Other Elements in the Enphase System

The Enphase Microinverter is a fully integrated device that converts the DC output of the PV module into

electric-utility compliant AC power. In addition to performing the DC to AC conversion, it maximizes the

PV modules' energy production by using a sophisticated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

algorithm. This integrated system maximizes energy harvest, increases system reliability, and simplifies

design, installation and management.

The Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis system analyzes the per-module data

collected by each communicating microinverter. Enlighten automatically detects any shortfall in

energy production, identifies possible causes, and suggests solutions. Enlighten constantly

monitors every microinverter connected to the Envoy.

How the Envoy Communications Gateway Works

Installation and operation of the Envoy requires no special computer or networking knowledge, nor

any specialized equipment. The Envoy simply connects to the on-site router for communications

with the Enphase Enlighten monitoring and analysis website. The Envoy communicates with the

individual microinverters using the existing power lines in the residence or business.

After the Envoy is installed and completes its initial scan, it maintains an internal database of all

known Enphase Microinverters at the site it manages. At regular intervals, the Envoy polls each

microinverter for its energy data. Using the site’s broadband router, the Envoy then forwards that

information to the Enphase Enlighten monitoring and analysis website. The Envoy also reports any

error conditions that affect it or the microinverters. You can view both energy data and error

conditions in the Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis system.

The Envoy incorporates power line and Internet communications functions. As shown in the

following diagram, one side of the Envoy communicates with the microinverters through power

lines at the site. The other side of the Envoy communicates with the Internet using a standard

Ethernet/network cable plugged into your broadband router.