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Enphase D380 Inverter Series

The Enphase micro inverter system shifts DC to AC conversion from a large, centralized inverter to a compact unit attached directly to each solar module in the power system. Distributing the conversion process to each module makes the entire solar power system more productive, reliable, and smarter than traditional inverter systems.

The Enphase D380 TwinPack is comprised of two Enphase micro inverters in a single enclosure and an innovative cabling system, further reducing Balance-of-System costs and installation time. The new design offers a black anodized housing which improves aesthetics and allows for better thermal dissipation. The D380 TwinPack is optimized for commercial but is applicable to both commercial and residential installations.

Enphase micro inverters provide maximum power point tracking (MPPT) at each solar module maximizing energy harvest at all times, even during variable light conditions. Forget about string design, marginal designs, co-planarity, and matching modules. With the Enphase micro inverter system additional modules can be added as needs and budgets grow without requiring the replacement of a large centralized inverter.

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The D-380 dual module inverter automatically detects 208 and 240 volt electrical services and configures itself.

For the D380’s, there is no install kit. One needs to purchase the appropriate number of one drop and three drop trunk cables, an end cap, an interconnection cable, and a junction box mounting bracket. Important Note: While the D380’s automatically select output voltage, the 3-drop trunk cables must be ordered for either 240 volt or 208 volt. The 1-drop cable is universal voltage, as well as the interconnect cable (Which we believe should be called a termination cable, which more clearly identifies its use). Both of these inverters can be specified with either Tyco Solarlok or MC4 connectors for the solar module connections.

For applications outside the temperature range of -25C to +75C, the system designer should verify that the module voltage and/or current will not exceed the microinverter model's nameplate ratings under all expected environmental conditions. The module specification sheet contains all of the necessary module information to make this determination. The ASHRAE Handbook is the recommended source for weather data for a particular location.

The appropriate module power rating for a given application depends on the specifics of that installation. The "Module Rightsizing" white paper, available from the Enphase downloads page, outlines the specific factors considered when determining optimum module power rating. It also provides a comparison of energy harvest of 216W and 235W modules in three different geographic locations. This white paper demonstrates that with the best location, optimum tilt, and regular cleaning, a 235W module paired with a 190W microinverter lost 0.61% of the maximum potential energy harvest.

A generally accepted practice is to use a module with an STC power rating of 1.2 times the ac power output rating of the inverter. Many system designers use a multiplier of 1.25 or 1.3. For an M190 this would suggest a module power rating of 228 to 250 watts. The correct multiplier for your application will depend on the specifics of the installation, as outlined in the "Module Rightsizing" whitepaper.

Connector Type:
MC4 Locking -S12
Tyco SolarLok -S13

MC-4 compatible (S12) connectors:

- Positive DC output of the PV module (+) connects to microinverter connector labeled
negative (-).

Tyco (S13) connectors:

- Positive DC output of the PV module (+) connects to microinverter connector labeled
positive (+).

It is important to verify the correct connector type when purchasing from your distributor.