Commercial Inverters

Commercial inverters convert DC power from a solar array into AC power that matches a building's three-phase electrical service. Before you compare brands, check what service the building has. Then match it to the grid connection the inverter's datasheet lists.

The commercial inverter we sell online right now is the Enphase IQ8P-3P microinverter for 120/208 V three-phase service. For three-phase string inverters, 480 V systems, or a full commercial bill of materials, send us a written quote request with your service voltage, roof or ground layout, and target system size.

Enphase IQ8P-3P at a glance

• Grid connection: 120/208 VAC (4-wire) three-phase, 60 Hz. Enphase says any other system voltage needs a transformer, and it is not for 240 V split-phase homes.
• Output: 475 VA maximum continuous (480 VA peak), CEC weighted efficiency 97.5%.
• Panels: one microinverter per module. Enphase lists commonly used pairings of 380 to 640 W, covering 54-, 60-, 66- and 72-cell modules and their half-cell versions.
• Branch circuits: up to 12 units per 20 A three-phase branch, per Enphase (local limits may vary).
• Monitoring: requires the Enphase IQ Gateway Commercial 2. The residential IQ Gateway is a different product.
• Rapid shutdown: UL Listed as PV rapid shutdown equipment. Enphase states it conforms with NEC 690.12 (2014, 2017 and 2020) when installed per its instructions.

Microinverters or a three-phase string inverter?

• Microinverters suit smaller commercial roofs with shade, several roof faces, or a need for panel-level monitoring. Each panel is converted on its own, so one shaded panel does not pull down the rest.
• Three-phase string inverters are another option for commercial arrays, available by written quote request. Rapid shutdown requirements depend on the inverter, the array and the code edition, so check NEC 690.12 with your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

What else a commercial microinverter system needs

• An Enphase IQ Gateway Commercial 2 for monitoring and communication.
• Enphase three-phase IQ Cable for each branch, chosen from Enphase's commercial design documents for the IQ8P-3P.
• A 20 A (maximum) breaker per three-phase branch, and in most cases an AC disconnect. See our inverter cable, breaker and fuse sizing notes.
• Racking, PV wire and grounding hardware. Our Enphase grounding note covers how microinverter systems are grounded.

Building on 240 V split-phase service instead? Browse our residential microinverters and grid-tie inverters.

Commercial inverter FAQ

Can I use the IQ8P-3P on a 240 V split-phase home?

No. Enphase designed the IQ8P-3P for 120/208 V (4-wire) three-phase service, and its datasheet says other system voltages need a transformer. For a 240 V home, use a residential IQ8 model such as the IQ8M, IQ8+ or IQ8HC.

How many IQ8P-3P microinverters fit on one branch circuit?

Enphase lists a maximum of 12 units per 20 A three-phase branch circuit. Your local code or AHJ may set a lower limit, so confirm it in your design.

Which gateway does the IQ8P-3P need?

The Enphase IQ Gateway Commercial 2. It talks to the microinverters over the AC wiring (power line communication). Enphase ties the 25-year limited warranty to an internet-connected gateway, so plan for a network connection on site.

Which solar panels work with the IQ8P-3P?

Enphase lists commonly used pairings of 380 to 640 W, covering 54-, 60-, 66- and 72-cell modules and their half-cell versions. Check the panel's voltage and current against the microinverter's input limits on the product page before you order.

Do you sell 480 V three-phase string inverters?

We don't have 480 V string inverters listed for online ordering right now. Send a written quote request with your service voltage and system size, and we'll reply with options and pricing.