Microinverter IQ 8 - Enphase

What does a microinverter do?
A microinverter turns direct current (DC), generated by solar panels, into alternating current (AC) that can be used by your home.

What is the difference between a microinverter and an inverter?
Microinverters differ from standard inverters, or "string inverters," because microinverters are smaller and are placed on the back of each solar panel. In contrast, string inverters with optimizers that connect a central inverter to each PV module. This means that if the inverter stops working, none of the panels will produce electricity until the inverter is replaced.
For this reason, microinverters are generally preferred since individual units can be replaced without compromising the entire system.

Monitoring a feature of the Enphase microinverter
Microinverters also offer the advantage of being able to monitor the production of each individual panel and make system expansion easier.

Enphase Energy IQ8 vs IQ7 Microinverter
Enphase Energy is a leading manufacturer of microinverters. Their newest product release, the Enphase IQ8, made innovative changes to their previous microinverter series, the Enphase IQ7. With this new model, there is a higher maximum current output and the ability to provide off-grid power to a home even without a backup battery system. Typically, during a blackout, solar systems shut down due to safety regulations, but the Enphase IQ8 has the ability to safely disconnect from the grid and continue providing power. To enable this feature you need an Enphase Smart Switch to detect blackouts and keep power flowing to your home/business while the sun shines.
When choosing between different microinverters, it is generally best to choose a microinverter that will generate slightly less power than the maximum power the panels can produce. This is because factors such as shading often cause panels to produce below their maximum output.