Enphase IQ8AC Microinverter, 240V/208V, 366VA Peak – IQ8AC-72-M-US
SKUIQ8AC-72-M-US
The Enphase IQ8AC is a microinverter: a small inverter that mounts under one solar panel and turns that panel's DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity, the kind your home and the utility grid use. Each solar panel gets its...
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Product Overview
The Enphase IQ8AC is a microinverter: a small inverter that mounts under one solar panel and turns that panel's DC (direct current) electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity, the kind your home and the utility grid use. Each solar panel gets its own IQ8AC.
It is rated for 349 VA of continuous output (366 VA peak) on a 240 V split-phase home service, the standard setup in most U.S. houses. It can also connect to 208 V single-phase service at slightly lower output. Enphase lists commonly used panel pairings of 295 to 500 watts.
The IQ8AC is part of the Enphase Energy System. Microinverters on a circuit connect to one Enphase IQ Cable, and they report to an Enphase IQ Gateway over the home's power wiring (power line communication). When the system is installed with an Enphase IQ System Controller 2 or 3, Enphase says IQ8 microinverters can keep producing power during a grid outage.
Best For
- Grid-tied home solar: Converts solar power for use in the home and for sending extra power back to the utility. Ships with settings that meet the IEEE 1547 grid-connection standard, and the installer can change grid settings through an IQ Gateway.
- Roofs with panels facing different directions or with some shade: Each panel has its own microinverter with its own MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking, which keeps each panel working at the voltage that produces the most power), so panels aren't wired together in one long high-voltage DC string.
- Solar with battery backup: As part of a full Enphase system with an IQ System Controller 2 or 3 and Enphase IQ Batteries, the solar array can keep producing power while the grid is down.
- Buildings with 208 V service: Rated for 208 V single-phase (line-to-line) connections, with 345 VA continuous output.
Key Features & Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Microinverter (one per solar panel), Enphase IQ8 Series |
| Manufacturer part number | IQ8AC-72-M-US |
| Peak output power | 366 VA at 240 V / 350 VA at 208 V |
| Maximum continuous output power | 349 VA at 240 V / 345 VA at 208 V. This is the output the microinverter can sustain continuously. |
| Grid connection | 240 V split-phase (L-L) or 208 V single-phase (L-L), 60 Hz |
| Maximum continuous output current | 1.45 A at 240 V / 1.66 A at 208 V |
| Maximum units per 20 A branch circuit | 11 at 240 V / 9 at 208 V. This limits how many panels can share one circuit. Local rules may set a lower limit. |
| Commonly used panel pairings | 295–500 W panels |
| MPPT voltage range | 28–45 V. The panel's working voltage should fall in this range for full output. |
| Operating range; start voltage | 18–58 V; 22 V minimum / 58 V maximum start voltage |
| Maximum input DC voltage | 60 V. The panel's voltage must never go above this, including on cold mornings. |
| Maximum continuous input DC current | 14 A |
| Maximum module Isc | 20 A (the panel's short-circuit current must be at or below this) |
| CEC weighted efficiency | 97.0% at 240 V / 96.5% at 208 V. On average, about 97% of the panel's DC power comes out as usable AC power. |
| Connectors | Stäubli MC4 DC connectors (panel side); Enphase AC connector (IQ Cable side) |
| Communications | Power line communication (PLC) to an Enphase IQ Gateway |
| Rapid shutdown | UL Listed as PV rapid shutdown equipment; conforms with NEC 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023 section 690.12 when installed according to Enphase's instructions |
| Grid standards | CA Rule 21 (UL 1741-SA), IEEE 1547:2018 (UL 1741-SB 3rd Ed.), UL 62109-1 |
| Outdoor rating | NEMA Type 6, outdoor; Class II double-insulated polymer enclosure; approved for wet locations |
| Cooling | Natural convection, no fans |
| Ambient temperature range | −40°F to 149°F (−40°C to 65°C) |
| Dimensions and weight | 8.3 × 6.9 × 1.2 in (212 × 175 × 30.2 mm); 2.43 lb (1.1 kg) |
| Warranty | Limited warranty of up to 25 years (see Enphase warranty terms) |
What You May Also Need
Usually required
- Solar panels: One panel per microinverter. Check that the panel's voltage and current fit the IQ8AC limits using Enphase's module compatibility calculator before ordering.
- Enphase IQ Cable and cable accessories: The IQ8AC's AC side uses an Enphase AC connector, and microinverters on a circuit connect to one Enphase IQ Cable. Enphase sells IQ Cable with different connector spacings, such as Q-12-10-240 (1.3 m), Q-12-17-240 (2.0 m) and Q-12-20-200 (2.3 m); choose the spacing that fits your panel layout. Enphase's IQ Cable data sheet also lists an IQ Terminator (Q-TERM-10) for unused cable ends and IQ Sealing Caps (Q-SEAL-10), one for each unused connector on the cable.
- IQ Gateway (ENV2-IQ-AM1-240) or an IQ Combiner with a built-in gateway: Enphase uses the IQ Gateway to set grid settings during installation and to give the system monitoring and an internet connection.
- Solar mounting hardware: Rails, roof attachments and clamps to hold the panels. Follow your racking manufacturer's instructions for where and how to mount the microinverters.
May be required
- Breakers and AC disconnects: Enphase requires AC-side protection of no more than 20 A per branch circuit. Your local code or utility may also require an AC disconnect.
Optional upgrades
- Enphase IQ Battery (such as the IQ Battery 5P) and IQ System Controller 3: Needed if you want backup power. Enphase says the IQ8AC can produce power during an outage only when the system is installed with an IQ System Controller 2 or 3. Enphase now lists the IQ System Controller 2 as end-of-life, so choose the IQ System Controller 3 for new purchases (or the IQ System Controller 3G, which adds generator support).
Check current manufacturer documentation before combining components, especially batteries, inverters, communications equipment and system-control hardware.
Important Considerations
- Check panel fit first. The panel must stay at or under 60 V DC and 20 A short-circuit current. A panel's voltage rises in cold weather, so check it at your site's lowest expected temperature. Enphase's module compatibility calculator is the reference.
- Branch circuit limits. Up to 11 IQ8AC units fit on a 20 A circuit at 240 V, or 9 at 208 V. Local requirements may lower that number.
- Backup is not automatic. Enphase says the IQ8AC can produce power during a grid outage only when it is installed with an IQ System Controller 2 or 3. Plan for that equipment if backup matters to you.
- Mixing with older IQ7 microinverters. IQ8 units can be added to some existing IQ7 systems under Enphase's rules, but IQ7 units cannot be added to a site that already has IQ8 units on the same gateway. Mixed systems lose some IQ8-only features.
- Grid settings. The microinverter ships with IEEE 1547 default settings. Your utility or local inspector may require different settings, which the installer sets through an IQ Gateway.
- Installation. The rapid shutdown listing applies only when the system is installed according to Enphase's instructions. Follow local electrical code and your utility's interconnection rules.