I NS TA L L A TI O N A N D O P E R A TI O N MA NU A L Envoy Communications Gateway 141-00011, Rev 05
Envoy Installation and Operation Contact Information Enphase Energy Inc. 1420 N. McDowell Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94954 http://www.enphase.com info@enphaseenergy.com support@enphaseenergy.com FCC Compliance This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Envoy Installation and Operation Table of Contents Important Information ................................................................................................................. 5 Read this First .................................................................................................................................. 5 Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 5 Audience .................
Envoy Installation and Operation Issue: The Envoy has Good Signal Strength but is Too Far from the Router ........................... 31 Issue: Internet Traffic is Slower After Installing an Ethernet Bridge........................................... 31 DHCP versus Static IP Addressing ............................................................................................ 32 MAC Filtering....................................................................................................................
Envoy Installation and Operation Important Information Read this First Follow the instructions in this manual. These instructions are key to the installation and maintenance of the Enphase Envoy® Communications Gateway (Envoy). To ensure the safe installation and operation of the Envoy, note the following safety symbols that appear throughout this document to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety instructions.
Envoy Installation and Operation The Enphase Envoy Communications Gateway The Envoy® Communications Gateway is an integral component of the Enphase® Microinverter System™. It operates between the Enphase Microinverters and the Enphase Enlighten® web-based monitoring and analysis software. The Envoy functions as a gateway and monitors the microinverters that are connected to the PV modules. The Envoy collects energy and performance data from the microinverters over on-site AC power lines.
Envoy Installation and Operation Other Elements in the Enphase System The Enphase Microinverter converts the DC output of the PV module into grid-compliant AC power. In addition to performing the DC to AC conversion, it maximizes the PV modules’ energy production by using a sophisticated Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This integrated system maximizes energy harvest, increases system reliability, and simplifies design, installation and management.
Envoy Installation and Operation Envoy Installation Planning and Preparation Review the following preinstallation checks and sizing considerations before you install the Envoy. System Sizing The Envoy is capable of servicing a large system of Enphase Microinverters. This number varies with Envoy model. Check the model number (SKU) on the Envoy box, or on the back of the Envoy, to determine which model you are installing.
Envoy Installation and Operation Installation Flow 9 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation Install the Envoy To install the Envoy, perform the following steps while referring to the diagram shown. BEST PRACTICE: When powered up and connected for the first time, the Envoy may retrieve an automatic upgrade from Enphase. Because this upgrade may take up to 20 minutes, connect the Envoy first at the site (connect to both AC power and the broadband router) so that it performs the upgrade well before the solar module installation is complete.
Envoy Installation and Operation 2. Register the Envoy Register the Envoy at the beginning of the PV installation. a. Use your previously issued username and password to log in to in Enlighten. If you haven’t registered, go to www.enphase.com and click Enlighten Login. b. At the installer dashboard, click Add a New System. If you have already registered the site, find the system under Installations in Progress. c. Under System, enter the system name, type and installer reference (optional). d.
Envoy Installation and Operation 3. Find a Location for the Envoy Enphase recommends that you place the Envoy as close to the load center as possible. This ensures that the Envoy receives the strongest possible communications signal from each microinverter. Place the Envoy indoors or in an environmentally protected location. For wall mounting instructions, see “Wall Mounting” on page 15. a. Locate an indoor AC outlet close to the site’s load center. b.
Envoy Installation and Operation 5. Connect Power Line Communication Bridges (if required) If you need to locate the Envoy away from the router, at a distance where an Ethernet cable is not practical, use power line communication bridges with the Envoy or purchase a wireless Ethernet bridge. Bridges allow the Envoy to communicate with the broadband router without the need for additional Ethernet cabling.
Envoy Installation and Operation 7. Install the Modules and Microinverters a. Install the PV modules and the microinverters as directed by the installation manuals. b. Use the ArrayGun to scan the microinverters. For more information, go to http://enphase.com. c. As an alternative, you can manually build the map: peel the removable serial number label from each microinverter and affix it to the respective location on the map 8. Check the Envoy’s Progress a.
Envoy Installation and Operation 9. Wall Mount the Envoy (Optional) NOTE: Before mounting the Envoy, it is best to perform a Communications check, as described on page 21, to find the best location for your Envoy. After you have positioned your Envoy for optimal communications and after it has detected all devices, you can mount the Envoy on a wall. To do this: a. Use two drywall screws or wall anchors (not included) to affix the Envoy to the wall, mounted at the dimensions shown.
Envoy Installation and Operation 10. Build the Virtual Array When the system is energized and the Envoy detects at least one microinverter, create the virtual array in Enlighten from the installation map you created. You can scan and upload the paper copy of the Installation Map, or you can use the ArrayGun feature from the Enphase Installer Toolkit to easily build and configure a system. Refer to http://enphase.com/products/arraygun/ for more information. To build the virtual array manually: a.
Envoy Installation and Operation Envoy Operation First Scan for Microinverters A newly installed Envoy automatically performs an initial scan to discover all of the microinverters that are installed and powered up at the site. This initial scan continues to search for new microinverters for eight hours from initial start up of the Envoy. This one-time scan is not repeated automatically. During the scan, you will notice some values increasing on the Envoy display.
Envoy Installation and Operation LCD Screen Display at Initial Start Up When the Envoy starts up for the first time, it goes through the initial boot sequence. During this initial boot sequence, the Envoy LCD screen displays startup progress as shown: [e] Enphase Energy Booting [||||||] Initializing Data 2013/05/30 16:21:20 Initial Communications Check The last two screens in the initial sequence alternate until the Communications Check ends, after 20 minutes.
Envoy Installation and Operation Normal Operation Once the Envoy completes a scan, normal operation begins or resumes. At this point, the indicators in the LCD screen show current values for your system. This is the home screen: 192.168.2.140 +Web 2407W 783kWh 25 It may be a few minutes before energy data appears or increases on the home screen after starting up the Envoy or initiating a scan. Information shown during normal operation includes: Local IP address, for example: 192.168.2.
Envoy Installation and Operation 3. To select a menu item, release the Menu button when the desired menu item appears. The menu continues to cycle as long as you are pressing the Menu button. The Exit Menu option returns to the normal (default) display, usually the Home screen. See the following sections for detailed procedures.
Envoy Installation and Operation Initiating a Scan for New Microinverters If you add additional microinverters to an existing system or replace a microinverter, you must run a scan to detect the new devices. To initiate a scan after you add new microinverters to an existing Enphase system, perform the following steps.
Envoy Installation and Operation 1. Press and hold the Menu button on the right side of the Envoy to bring up the Envoy menu on the LCD screen. 2. When the LCD screen displays “Enable Communication Check”, release the Menu button. Enable Communication Check The LCD screen then reads: Comm check enabled for 20min The Envoy begins a 20-minute communications check to assess the signal strength between the Envoy and the microinverters detected at the site.
Envoy Installation and Operation Viewing the Grid Configuration To view the grid configuration (trip points profile) for the site, do the following. NOTE: While Priority Scan is active, power production, power line communication level, and grid profile information screens continue to display on the Envoy LCD screen. 1. Press and hold the Envoy Menu button. After two seconds the Envoy menu appears. 2. Continue holding the Menu button.
Envoy Installation and Operation (n)are propagating with (local spec) Number of microinverters that are in the process of being set and the name of the specification being used. (n)devices have failed Number of devices that failed to be set with a grid profile. Checking grid config Select to exit Updating grid configuration data. 4. Press the menu button to exit this menu. Getting a New IP Address The Get New IP Address menu item makes the Envoy request a new IP address from the Ethernet router.
Envoy Installation and Operation Enabling a Connection to Enphase The Enable Connection to Enphase menu item creates a secure connection to Enphase allowing Enphase personnel to troubleshoot the system remotely. To open a connection to Enphase: 1. Press and hold the Envoy Menu button. After two seconds the Envoy menu appears. 2. Continue holding the Menu button. When the LCD screen displays “Enable Connection to Enphase”, release the Menu button.
Envoy Installation and Operation Viewing the Envoy Serial Number The View Serial Number menu item displays the serial number of the Envoy. To view the serial number: 1. Press and hold the Envoy Menu button. After two seconds the Envoy menu appears. 2. Continue holding the Menu button. When the LCD screen displays “View Serial Number”, release the Menu button.
Envoy Installation and Operation How the Envoy Works with Enlighten The Envoy operates between the Enphase Microinverters and the Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring software. The Envoy collects energy and performance data from the microinverters and forwards that data to Enlighten, via the Internet, for reporting. Once you have registered the system and successfully installed the Envoy, Enlighten will set up an account for the site owner.
Envoy Installation and Operation Troubleshooting The following sections describe possible problems and solutions. For information on system status and event messages, see “Event Messages” on page 51. For more extensive information, refer to Troubleshooting an Enphase Installation at http://www.enphase.com/support. WARNING: Do not attempt to repair the Enphase Envoy; it contains no user-serviceable parts.
Envoy Installation and Operation Issue: Envoy Displays Zero Bars The following conditions may exist. Has a device scan been run while the array was active? The Envoy may have run a device scan on power-up when the array was not connected to the grid or when the array was not powered by sunlight. Run another scan during daylight hours. Check that the circuit breaker(s) for the PV array are in the “ON” position.
Envoy Installation and Operation Network Basics and Troubleshooting To the Local Area Network (LAN), the Envoy is just another host on the network, much like a personal computer. Enphase offers technical support at support@enphaseenergy.com for Envoy issues, but Enphase's Support responsibility does not extend to the premises network or LAN. Issue: IP Address Problems When the Envoy first boots up, it is configured to perform a DHCP broadcast, requesting an IP address from a DHCP source.
Envoy Installation and Operation Issue: LCD Screen Displays "Scanning Inhibited" This message displays after an installer has used the Installer's Toolkit to provision the Envoy. Leave the Envoy in this condition for normal operation. If you need to re-enable scanning, contact Enphase Customer Support (support@enphaseenergy.com). Issue: The Envoy has Good Signal Strength but is Too Far from the Router You may need to use power line communication bridges or a wireless Ethernet bridge.
Envoy Installation and Operation DHCP versus Static IP Addressing If the site owner prefers not to use DHCP, the Envoy can be set up to use a static IP address. Use the Envoy’s web-interface to navigate to the ADMINISTRATION page. The Username is “admin”, and password is “admin”. Click the “Network Connectivity” menu item. This allows you to see if the Envoy is using DHCP or Static-IP and to change this setting if needed. Click “Check Network Connectivity” to view the Envoy connections.
Envoy Installation and Operation The Envoy connects to these servers using their DNS names. If you add firewall rules for Envoy reporting, Enphase recommends using the DNS names rather than the underlying IP addresses. This is because the IP addresses are subject to change without notice. WARNING: Do not change the Envoy DHCP setting to use a static IP address unless you also reserve the same IP address on your broadband router. See the section on DHCP Reservations in your router's setup manual.
Envoy Installation and Operation Envoy Local Interface The Envoy relays data to Enlighten, and connection to the Enphase Enlighten web-based monitoring and analysis software requires an Internet connection. However, if there is no broadband router at the installation site, you can communicate directly with the Envoy using the Ethernet port and a personal computer with a web browser.
Envoy Installation and Operation Home Screen The home screen provides a system overview and shows the current status of the microinverters that have been identified by this Envoy. From this screen, you can access other screens in the interface. This screen includes information on web connection, microinverter count and various other data.
Envoy Installation and Operation Production Screen To view system energy harvest statistics for your system, click Production from the Envoy home screen to navigate to the production screen. Inventory Screen To view a listing of the devices in your system, click Inventory from any screen to navigate to the inventory screen. 36 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation Administration Screen The Administration screen of the Envoy local interface contains several configurable options. Click Administration to access this menu. NOTE: For Envoy performance reasons, Enphase does not recommend giving the Envoy a publicly accessible IP address. However, if you must place the Envoy on a public-facing IP address, Enphase recommends that you change the Administration password to disallow unauthorized modification to your Envoy.
Envoy Installation and Operation Change or View the Grid Profile Many Enphase Microinverters have field-adjustable voltage and frequency trip points. Trip points are input voltage or frequency values that trigger the microinverters to shut down when the values are exceeded. If the local utility requires adjustments to these trip points, you can set up the system to use an alternate Grid Profile (set of trip points).
Envoy Installation and Operation 3. From the Administration menu, select Device Grid Configuration. If no alternate device grid configuration has been applied, the following Device Grid Configuration screen appears, which indicates that the microinverters are using the factoryinstalled grid profile. This screen allows a licensed solar professional to select and apply the appropriate trip points for the solar installation. 39 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation If an alternate device grid profile has been applied, the following screen appears. 4. Select a Country regulatory specification. 5. Select a Grid profile appropriate for your region. 6. Make note of the Envoy serial number and the authorization number on the screen. You will need this information in the following steps. 7. Click the link to the Enlighten website. (If you do not already have an account, click Enlighten Login at the Enlighten website to register.
Envoy Installation and Operation 9. Enter the Envoy serial number. 10. Enter the authorization number from the Envoy Interface. 11. Click Get Token. 12. Copy the token. Copy this token. 13. Paste or enter the token in the Grid Profile screen. 14. Click Apply Grid Profile. This propagates the settings to the microinverters. 41 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation The Apply Profile screen appears. This screen shows the Grid Profile Status for each microinverter. Initially the status for each unit is shown as un-set, soon followed by a status of "propagating." After approximately 10 minutes, the status is "set." This screen also allows you to generate a report to confirm that the microinverters have been set with an updated grid profile. 15. Click View Device Profile Report. The Device Profile Report screen appears. 16.
Envoy Installation and Operation 17. Use your browser to send this report to your printer or to save it to a file. After printing or saving the file, you can send it to the local regulatory agency to verify the trip point settings. The report will look like the following example. 43 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation 44 2013 Enphase Energy Inc.
Envoy Installation and Operation Clear GFI Tripped Condition This condition occurs only with the M215, M190, D380, M210, M200, and M175 microinverters. A solid red status LED on the microinverter indicates a ground fault (GFDI) error. The LED will remain red and the fault will continue to be reported by the Envoy until the error has been cleared. If a microinverter registers a GFI Tripped condition, you can attempt to clear this condition through the Envoy Interface.
Envoy Installation and Operation 3. In the clear-gfi box, select set. 4. Click Send Command to complete this task. Clear DC Resistance-Low Condition This condition occurs only with the M250 microinverter. A solid red status LED on the microinverter indicates this condition. The LED will remain red and the fault will continue to be reported by the Envoy until the error has been cleared.
Envoy Installation and Operation NOTE: Do not click or select the box under the column labeled Select. 2. Click on the serial number of the unit showing the DC Resistance Low - Power Off condition. The Control Flags screen appears. CAUTION: The other control flags (reboot and cmd-alert) on this screen should be used only when recommended by Enphase. Their functions are: reboot - reboots the inverter cmd-alert - clears a condition flag for a command sent 3.
Envoy Installation and Operation 4. Click Send Command to complete this task. Set Up Device Scan Control The “controlled” device scan differs from other Envoy device scans in that it allows control over the scan period, scanning method, and the number of devices. When first installed, the Envoy initiates an eighthour scan. This initial scan is the only scan needed for most systems.
Envoy Installation and Operation 2. Enter a Scan Duration in days:hours:minutes (e.g., 0:00:60 to indicate zero days, zero hours, and 60 minutes). The scan duration depends on many factors, such as number of devices to be detected and quality of power line communication. You may want to start with a one-hour scan and increase the duration as needed. 3. Although optional, it is best practice to enter a value for Total Devices. Enter a value in this field.
Envoy Installation and Operation ZigBee Device Configuration Use the ZigBee Device Configuration menu option only if you are also installing an Enphase compatible GE i210+ Revenue Grade Meter (RGM). For complete installation instructions, refer to the Metering and Management Solution Installation and Operation Manual at http://www.enphase.com/support. Set the Time Zone (optional) Ordinarily, the Envoy obtains the time zone setting from Enlighten.
Envoy Installation and Operation Event Messages The following table lists messages that the Envoy local interface displays to indicate various conditions. These messages appear on the computer screen when your computer is connected to the Envoy local interface. Where message is displayed: Description Events Screen Inventory Screen AC Frequency Changing Too Fast AC Frequency Changing Too Fast Recommended Action: No action is required unless the condition persists.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Description Events Screen Inventory Screen AC Voltage Out Of Range AC Voltage Out Of Range Recommended Action: This condition should correct itself. No action is required. Description: The microinverter reports that the AC voltage coming from the utility is either too low or too high as specified by applicable regional standards.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Events Screen Inventory Screen Recommended Action: To clear this error using the Envoy interface, follow the directions on page 46. The insulation resistance (IR) sensor can be reset via the Enphase Envoy's Device Conditions and Controls page, or Enlighten’s Current Issues page. Note that the condition will not clear after sensor reset if the failure is still present.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Events Screen Description Inventory Screen Description: The Envoy has started a software upgrade to the indicated microinverter. Download to module begun Recommended Action: This process may take a few minutes. No action is required. Description: The Envoy has successfully delivered a software upgrade to a microinverter. Download to module ended Recommended Action: No action is required.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Events Screen Inventory Screen Grid Profile Incompatible Grid Profile Incompatible Description Recommended Action: Your microinverters may need to have a software upgrade in order to be compatible with the selected grid profile. (The selected grid profile defines operating parameters that are compatible with your utility service.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Events Screen Inventory Screen Grid Offset Low Grid Offset Low Description Recommended Action: No action is required unless the condition persists. Description: The average current to the grid is too low for the configured grid profile. When the microinverter is operating normally, no DC current is injected into the grid. If the DC current is too low (negative), this may indicate an issue with the microinverter.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Events Screen Inventory Screen Microinverter failed to report Failed to report Description Recommended Action: Ignore occasional instances of this event. Communication usually recovers on the next reporting cycle. If communications do not recover immediately, ensure that the Envoy is plugged in very near the load center.
Envoy Installation and Operation Where message is displayed: Description Events Screen Inventory Screen Over Temperature Over Temperature Description: The microinverter is too hot and is not producing power. This very rare condition usually clears without intervention. Recommended Action: No action is required unless the condition persists. If it persists, contact Enphase Energy customer support.
Envoy Installation and Operation Technical Data Communications Interface Power line Enphase proprietary Ethernet 10/100 auto-sensing, auto-negotiation USB (one or two ports, depending on Envoy model) USB 2.0 interface, auto-sensing, auto-negotiation Monitoring capacity Model number (SKU) ENV-120-01 can monitor up to 500 Enphase Microinverters. Model number (SKU) IEMU-03 can monitor up to 250 Enphase Microinverters. Power Requirements AC outlet 120 VAC, 60 Hz Power consumption 2.