Enphase Energy Launches 215-Series Microinverter
Enphase Energy launched what it says is its most efficient and powerful technology to date, the 215-Series Microinverter, with a 25-year limited warranty. The first product in the 215-Series, the standalone M215 Microinverter, is immediately available for purchase in North America from Enphase’s authorized distributors. In addition to its new microinverter products, Enphase also launched the Engage System™, a patent-pending mechanical and electrical interconnection system for streamlining solar installations.
"The all-inclusive third generation Microinverter System delivers a set of innovations that – coupled with now over 750,000 units shipped – clearly establishes Enphase as a trusted brand in solar," said Paul Nahi, CEO of Enphase Energy. "Our new offering delivers exactly what installers have been asking for – a proven, no-compromise microinverter system that sets the bar for efficiency, is simple to install and is guaranteed for the 20 to 25 year expected lifetime of the solar system."
All 215-Series Microinverters incorporate Enphase’s third generation technology, which was specially developed to maximize the performance of 60-cell photovoltaic modules. According to the company, the M215 is the only microinverter to achieve a weighted power conversion efficiency of 96% (CEC). At 215Wac, the new microinverter has an output that is 13% higher than previous generations, enabling compatibility with high-power 60-cell modules.
Available in North America with CSA certification and soon in Europe with VDE certification, the 215-Series Microinverter now addresses a large and growing global solar market. The 215-Series ACM model further simplifies installation by eliminating rack mounting, a separate system ground wire and dc cable management.
With the new 215-Series Microinverter comes the "plug and play" Engage System, which further simplifies the Enphase microinverter installation process. This new size-to-fit cable comes with built-in connectors that can support an entire 4kW system on a single branch. Providing installers ultimate flexibility and requiring no special equipment or training, the Engage Cable can be cut to length and also comes with additional cable termination and splice kits to further reduce balance of systems requirements.
"We’re a strong believer in Enphase microinverters for their reliability, high performance and ease of installation," said Michael Flood, Director of Operations and Logistics for SolarUniverse, Inc. "As one of the first installers of the new M215, we like the cabling system as it’s lightweight, quick to install and reduces cable waste with its flexible cut-to-length design."
The M215-Series Microinverter and Engage System are now shipping in North America, with the European model available for purchase in the second half of 2011. Enphase-enabled ac modules from leading module manufacturers are expected to ship in the first half of 2012.
More news and information regarding the latest developments in Smart Grid electronics can be found at Darnell’s SmartGridElectronics.Net.
