Enphase IQ9N-A-INT427VA single-phase microinverter with MC4 inputs

Overview

The IQ9N-A-INT is Enphase's 427VA microinverter for the EMEA market, built for high-current modules: it takes up to 16A of input current, 600W of DC power and modules with a short-circuit current up to 20A, all within an 18–60V input window. European efficiency is 97.44%. Eight units fit on a 20A single-phase branch and 24 on three-phase, and an IQ Gateway must remain connected for the units to operate and be monitored.

• 427VA rated output per module
• 16A input current, 600W max. DC input
• 97.44% European efficiency, under 25dBA noise
• IP67, -40…+65°C, altitude up to 3000m
• Expands existing IQ7 and IQ8 systems, with conditions
• Up to 25-year warranty with internet-connected IQ Gateway

How it works

The IQ9N converts the output of one PV module to 230V AC at 50Hz with its own maximum power point tracker, so each module produces independently of shading or mismatch on its neighbours. Inputs are limited to 60V DC, which avoids high-voltage strings on the roof. The unit uses an isolated high-frequency transformer stage and communicates with the IQ Gateway over the AC wiring by power line communication.

Compared with the IQ8 Series, the input current rises to 16A (25A short-circuit, 20A module Isc with the 1.25 safety factor) and the continuous output to 427VA. This suits the newer high-current modules that would clip harder on a 380VA microinverter.

Key features

The housing measures 214×176×30.8mm, weighs 1.1kg, is double insulated to Class II and rated IP67 for wet locations, with natural convection cooling and a noise level below 25dBA. European weighted efficiency is 97.44% and night-time consumption 40mW. Advanced grid functions cover power export limiting, phase imbalance management, loss-of-phase detection and Q(U) and cos φ(P) control, partly requiring an IQ Gateway Metered or an IQ Relay.

Installation and compatibility

A 20A branch takes up to 8 units on single-phase or 24 on three-phase, and each IQ Cable section is limited to 7 units single-phase or 15 three-phase. Mount the unit under the module with 19mm clearance to the roof and 13mm to the module, or 300mm from the module edges when mounted vertically; it may also be installed in-plane with facade modules. The DC port mates only with Stäubli MC4 connectors.

IQ9N can join an existing IQ7 or IQ8 system on the same gateway in solar-only systems or with IQ Battery 5P, but IQ7 or IQ8 units cannot be added to an IQ9N site. An IQ Relay provides grid-code interface protection: EN 50549-1 in the EU, VDE-AR-N 4105 in Germany and, in Italy, CEI 0-21 with the IQ-RELAY-2-3P-ITA and an IQ Gateway.

Monitoring and settings

IQ9N units must stay connected to an IQ Gateway: the system periodically checks the link and the microinverters may stop working without it. One IQ Gateway or IQ Combiner manages up to 300 units and is required to apply the grid profile. Commissioning is done with the Enphase Installer App, which scans serial numbers and registers the system, while owners monitor it in the Enphase App.

Questions and answers