Technical data

Envoy Installation and Operation
Copyright  2012 Enphase Energy 141-00014 Rev 03
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Other Elements in the Enphase System
The Enphase Microinverter is a fully integrated device that converts the DC output of the PV module into
grid-compliant AC power. In addition to performing the DC to AC conversion, it maximises the PV
modules' energy production by using a sophisticated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm.
This integrated system maximises energy harvest, increases system reliability, and simplifies design,
installation and management.
The Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software 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
Enphase Microinverter connected to the Envoy and is essential for monitoring and troubleshooting.
How the Envoy Communications Gateway Works
Installation and operation of the Envoy require no specialised equipment or unique computer or
networking expertise. To the Local Area Network (LAN), the Envoy is just another host on the network,
much like a personal computer. 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.
As part of the commissioning process, installers must use the Envoy to configure the microinverters
with an appropriate grid profile setting. Otherwise, the microinverters will not begin producing power.
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 Enlighten.
The Envoy also reports any error conditions that affect it or the microinverters. You can view both energy
data and error conditions in Enlighten.
The Envoy incorporates power line and Internet communications functions. As shown in the 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.