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Enphase’s latest IQ9N series microinverter has a maximum conversion efficiency of 97.95%
It has a built-in rapid shutdown function
According to the company, the microinverter is commercially available across a few European markets
US-based microinverter producer Enphase Energy, Inc., launched its latest microinverter, IQ9N, targeting the European residential market.
Among the product’s key features, the company emphasized the use of GaN-based power switching devices. GaN-based devices have a wider energy bandgap than silicon-based switching devices, resulting in a higher breakdown voltage, which in turn reduces operational power losses in high-voltage applications. This characteristic enables the microinverter to achieve faster switching and cooler operation while maintaining a conversion efficiency of up to 97.95%. It can carry up to 16 A DC from the connected residential PV module and deliver up to 427 VA power output (1-phase AC) at the individual module level. According to the company, it can also optimize real-time power output of a wide range of scenarios, partially shaded modules, complex roof layouts, and high-temperature environments.
The microinverter, with its individual MPPT tracker, continuously tracks the maximum power point of the shaded module, keeping the bypass diodes in forward bias and preventing triggering. It also optimizes real-time power output in a complex roof layout, where multiple roof sections have different module orientations and incident irradiance levels.
From a safety and resilience perspective, this microinverter is housed in a double-insulated, corrosion-resistant polymer enclosure with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +65°C. The system shuts itself down from the grid once it receives an anomaly signal, such as a fire ignition or a short circuit, via its built-in rapid shutdown (RSD) function. This module-level disconnection protects utility workers or first responders who come to address any local fault or shutdown from being shocked. Users can visualize and monitor module-level real-time generation and receive alerts by installing the Enphase App on their mobile devices.
According to the company, this microinverter is commercially available in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Luxembourg through Enphase distribution partners.
