Shade is a problem for solar design. Persistent and permanent shade can create hotspots on cells causing them to burn out.
Enphase addresses this problem with micro-inverter technology; a system where each panel has its own inverter. This means each panel is completely independent of the panels around it. So if one panel is shaded, the unshaded ones adjacent to it will not be affected. Also, because of the independence of each panel and inverter combo, Enphase makes it possible to put panels on very complex roofs with small sections where a full string of panels cannot be mounted.
Enphase is a complete system based on a fully granular topology. Enphase not only make the inverter but the trunk cable, the Envoy control system and the Enlighten monitoring system. For many people working in solar design, Enphase is the pinnacle of solar power systems even in situations where micro-inverters are not necessary.
The series of micro-inverter currently in use is the IQ7 series which has been designed specifically for Australian standards. Each inverter is mounted on the rail under each panel and output AC electrical current. This eliminates the need for rooftop DC isolators and all the extra safety infrastructure that DC requires making for a safer and much more reliable system.
Every Enphase system works via the proprietary trunk cable into the Envoy control module and control over this as well as comprehensive system monitoring is done through the Enlighten software. An Enphase system coupled with one of our panels will give you the most elegant, reliable and scalable solution available anywhere.