User: Hv&Lv
Asked on: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 4:00 pm EDT
Answered on: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 4:01 pm EDT
Question: I have a customer at our utility that purchased a house with solar panels. They are the enphase M190 microinvertors.Out of three arrays she has maybe one panel producing, but small amounts. I’m talking about 13 kWh in a year.The invertors are blinking red on the roof, under the panels. Is there a way to reset them? And the envoy(?) app. How do the microinvertors communicate to the app?No combiners?I've looked all over this house and all I see are the three array wires going straight into a panel, and feeding breakers backwards.Any advice or information?
Okay, this sounds like a system with some serious issues. Let's break down the troubleshooting and advice
Understanding the System
Enphase M190 Microinverters
These are older microinverters. Each one converts the DC power from a single solar panel into AC power right on the roof.
Blinking Red Light
This is a critical error indicator for Enphase microinverters. It indicates a problem. (Details on specific blink codes below)
Envoy (Now called Enphase IQ Gateway)
This device is crucial. It's the communication hub for the entire system. It collects data from the microinverters (production, errors, etc.) and sends it to Enphase's cloud-based monitoring system, which the customer sees in the app.
Communication
Microinverters talk to the Envoy primarily via power line communication (PLC). They send data over the existing AC wiring in the house.
No Combiners? The fact that you don't see combiners is typical for microinverter systems. Each microinverter outputs AC, and these AC circuits are then connected in parallel at the main service panel. "Array wires going straight into a panel, and feeding breakers backwards"
This is how a microinverter system should be wired. The AC output of each array is connected to a dedicated breaker in the main service panel. The "backwards" feeding refers to the power flowing into the panel from the solar system.
Troubleshooting Steps (In Order of Importance)1. SAFETY FIRST! Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO)
Before doing anything involving electrical panels, breakers, or wiring, ensure you follow proper LOTO procedures. Turn off the main breaker and any breakers feeding the solar system. Verify power is off before touching anything. If you're not qualified to do this safely, hire a licensed electrician. Working with electrical systems is dangerous.
PPE
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) – safety glasses, insulated gloves, etc.2.
Locate and Identify the Enphase IQ Gateway (Envoy) Absolutely Critical
Without this, you can't properly diagnose the system or see what the microinverters are reporting.
Where to Look
Near the main electrical panel. Sometimes near the internet router. Check utility room, garage, or anywhere else electrical equipment might be located.
What to Look For
It's usually a small, wall-mounted box, often white or gray. It will have some indicator lights. It should be labeled "Enphase" or "IQ Gateway" or "Envoy".
Get the Serial Number
Note down the serial number of the IQ Gateway. You'll need this for troubleshooting and to access the Enphase Enlighten monitoring system.3.
Check the IQ Gateway's Status Once you find the IQ Gateway, check its indicator lights. Refer to the Enphase documentation for the specific meaning of the lights. Common lights include: Power
Indicates the unit is powered on.
Communication
Indicates connection to the internet and Enphase servers.
Internet Connection
Ensure the IQ Gateway has a stable internet connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). If it doesn't, the system can't report data or receive updates. Try restarting the router and the IQ Gateway.4.
Access Enphase Enlighten (If Possible) Customer Account
The homeowner should have an Enphase Enlighten account. If they don't, they'll need to contact Enphase customer support to get it set up, using the system's serial number.
Check System Status
Log into Enlighten. It should show you which microinverters are online, their production, and any error codes. This is the best way to diagnose specific problems.5.
Understanding the Red Blinking Lights on the Microinverters Important
A constant red blink is a general fault indication.
More Information Needed
Ideally, determine how the light is blinking: Is it a slow blink, a fast blink, a series of blinks, etc.? This will help you pinpoint the problem. You can get more specifics at this link:[https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/M190-Installation-and-Operation-Manual-EN-US.pdf](https://enphase.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/M190-Installation-and-Operation-Manual-EN-US.pdf)
Common Causes of Red Blinking
Communication Issues
The microinverter can't communicate with the IQ Gateway. This can be due to distance, obstructions, or interference.
Grid Voltage/Frequency Issues
The microinverter isn't seeing the correct voltage or frequency from the grid.
Internal Fault
The microinverter itself has failed.
DC Voltage Issues
Problem with the DC voltage from the panel to the Microinverter6.
Possible Reset Procedures (Proceed with Caution) AC Disconnect/Reconnect (Power Cycling)
This is the first thing to try. Turn off the breaker(s) in the main panel that feed the solar arrays. Wait 5-10 minutes. Turn the breaker(s) back on. This will power cycle the microinverters. Watch the lights to see if they reset.
IQ Gateway Reboot
Restart the IQ Gateway by unplugging it from power for a few minutes and then plugging it back in.7.
Voltage and Continuity Testing SAFETY WARNING
This should be done by a qualified electrician only. Working with live circuits is dangerous.
Test AC Voltage
Check the AC voltage at the breaker for each array. You should see voltage when the sun is shining. Low or no voltage indicates a problem.
Test DC Voltage
Carefully test the DC voltage at the microinverter input (where the solar panel connects). You should see voltage from the solar panel. No voltage indicates a problem with the panel or wiring.
Continuity Testing
With the system completely powered down and disconnected, perform continuity tests on the wiring to check for breaks or shorts.8.
Panel Inspection Visually Inspect Panels
Look for any signs of damage – cracks, delamination, discoloration, etc.
Check Connections
Ensure all wiring connections are tight and corrosion-free.9.
Isolate the Problem If you have multiple arrays, try disconnecting one array at a time (at the breaker) and see if the other arrays start working. This can help you isolate which array is causing the problem.10. Contact Enphase Support If you've gone through the above steps and still can't resolve the issue, contact Enphase support directly. They have specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose and troubleshoot microinverter systems. Provide them with the IQ Gateway serial number and any error codes you've observed. Be prepared to provide the home owner's information for verification of ownership of the system. Enphase Support Number
1-877-797-4743
Important Considerations
System Age
M190 microinverters are relatively old. It's possible that some or all of them have simply reached the end of their lifespan.
Warranty
Check if the microinverters are still under warranty. Enphase microinverters typically have a 25-year warranty, but confirm the specific terms.
Professional Help
If you are not a qualified solar installer or electrician, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional to diagnose and repair the system.
Regarding the 13 kWh/year Production
This is extremely low. A properly functioning system with that many microinverters should be producing significantly more power. It's a clear indication of a major problem.
In summary, your first step must* be to locate the Enphase IQ Gateway and determine if it's communicating and reporting errors. From there, you can start to systematically diagnose the issue.
Good luck! This will likely require some patience and careful troubleshooting. Flag for review