You installed Enphase IQ7 microinverters when you went solar. Maybe it was a few years ago. They’ve worked well, and now you’re thinking about expanding your system. But you hit a wall.
You found out that newer IQ8 microinverters couldn’t be used with your older setup. Not without doubling up on hardware or ripping out what you already had.
That’s always felt unfair, hasn’t it? Well, now there’s good news.
Enphase has released a software update that changes everything. You can now mix IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters on the same system using your existing IQ Gateway. No extra gateway. No full system overhaul. No nonsense. And we’re installing them side-by-side at PSC Energy.
In this article, you’ll learn the following:
- What Changed: IQ7 + IQ8 Compatibility
- How the Enphase IQ7 and IQ8 Upgrade Works
- Why This Matters for Homeowners
- FAQ: Mixing Microinverters
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what changed, how it works, and what you need to check with your installer to take advantage of this new upgrade.
What Changed: IQ7 + IQ8 Compatibility
Until recently, Enphase IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters could not work together on the same solar system. The main problem was communication.
IQ8s use a newer version of power line communication (PLC), which allows devices to send data through the electrical wiring in your home. IQ7s use an older version of that technology.
That made them incompatible with each other when using the same IQ Gateway, which is the small box that monitors and manages your system.
Because of this, homeowners with IQ7 microinverters had limited options. If they wanted to expand their system, they had to:
- Add more IQ7 microinverters (if they could still find them),
- Replace all their microinverters with IQ8s (which were expensive), or
- Run two separate systems with two gateways (which adds cost and complexity).
This was frustrating for many homeowners, especially since IQ8s were already available in other markets. But now, that’s changed.
Enphase has rolled out a software update that solves this problem. The update lets IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters work together under a single system using one IQ Gateway or System Controller 3INT. This update is now available in Australia, along with other regions like India, South Africa, and the Philippines.
With this change, homeowners can expand their solar setup with the latest generation of microinverters without replacing or duplicating existing hardware.
The system can now manage both types of devices, generate power, store it (if a battery is added later), and even supply energy during grid outages, all from a single, unified setup.
This is a big deal. It opens the door for more flexible upgrades, better system performance, and smoother integration with future products.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about Enphase microinverters, you might want to check out the following article titled, Pros and Cons of Enphase Microinverter Solar Systems.
How the Enphase IQ7 and IQ8 Upgrade Works
To mix IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters on the same system, no new hardware is required. What you need is the right software.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
- Your installer updates the IQ Gateway: Your existing IQ Gateway requires a new version of software; specifically, version 8.3.5225 or later. This software enables IQ7 and IQ8 devices to communicate with each other on the same system.
- The Installer App must also be updated: The person installing or upgrading your system must use version 4.8 or higher of the Enphase Installer App. This is the tool used to set up and configure your solar system.
- Adding IQ8s is a familiar process: Once the software is confirmed to be up to date, adding new IQ8 microinverters is straightforward. The installer finds your existing system, taps into the device configuration section, and increases the number of devices. They then scan the serial numbers of the new IQ8s, just like they would with a brand-new system.
- Commissioning the system: Once the new devices are added, the installer connects to the IQ Gateway using something called AP mode. This step makes sure the setup is saved correctly and the gateway is ready to manage the mixed system.
Software is the key: The only way IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters will work together is through this software update. If the gateway hasn’t been updated, the system won’t work as expected.
This process enables you to expand your system with modern microinverters, eliminating the need for two gateways, new infrastructure, or removing your existing gear. It’s a simple change, but one that unlocks a lot of flexibility.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the cost of an Enphase solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Does a Microinverter Solar System Cost?
Why This Matters for Homeowners
This update is significant because it eliminates one of the biggest headaches for solar homeowners who opted for Enphase early.
Here’s what it solves:
- You don’t have to replace your existing system: If you’ve already invested in IQ7 microinverters, you can now keep them and still take advantage of newer IQ8 devices.
- You can upgrade without waste: Instead of removing and tossing perfectly good equipment, you can build on top of what you have. This is better for your wallet and better for the environment.
- You avoid unnecessary costs: Running two systems meant buying another gateway, which adds costs to your system. That’s now unnecessary.
- You can future-proof your setup: If you’re considering batteries, EV chargers, or more panels later, this update makes it easier to grow your system over time.
This change puts more control back in your hands. It rewards early adopters and gives new solar buyers confidence that their investment won’t become obsolete.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about how the inverter lifespan affects the price of your solar system, you might want to check out the following article titled, Microinverters vs. String Inverters vs. Powerwall 3: How Inverter Lifespan Affects Price.
Final Thoughts and What You Should Do Next
If you already have an Enphase IQ7 system and you’ve been thinking about expanding, this update changes the game. You can grow your system using the latest tech, and you don’t have to replace the equipment you already paid for.
Here’s what to do next:
- Check with your installer to see if your IQ Gateway is eligible for the software update.
- Plan your expansion with IQ8 microinverters. Now you can mix the two types with confidence.
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades. If anyone tells you that you need a second system or a complete replacement, they may not be aware of this update.
This compatibility fix is a smart move from Enphase. It gives more people the option to expand their systems without starting from scratch. It also helps protect your original investment, which is what good technology should do.
If you’re still unsure whether your system qualifies or want to explore your options, now is a good time to have that conversation with your solar provider.
Ready to expand? Talk to PSC Energy and make sure your system is set up to take full advantage of this update. You’ve already made a smart choice by going solar. Now you can make it even better.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the price of solar batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Are Solar Batteries? A Full Breakdown of Prices, Rebates, and Value in 2025.
FAQ: Mixing Microinverters
Can you mix Enphase IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters?
Yes, you can mix IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters on the same solar system. Enphase released a software update that makes this possible. Before the update, these two microinverter models could not work together on one gateway because they used different communication systems. Now, with the latest software installed, both types can operate on the same system without problems.
What software version is needed to mix IQ7 and IQ8?
To mix IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters, your system must run Enphase software version 8.3.5225 or higher. This version lets the older and newer microinverters talk to each other through the same IQ Gateway. Your installer must also use the Enphase Installer App version 4.8 or higher to complete the setup.
What hardware do I need to mix Enphase IQ7 and IQ8?
You only need one IQ Gateway or an IQ System Controller 3INT. You do not need to buy extra hardware if you already have one of these devices. This update allows both types of microinverters to work together without needing a second gateway or a complete system replacement. Just make sure your gateway is compatible and updated.
How do I check if my IQ Gateway has the right software version?
Your installer can check the software version by opening the Enphase Installer App. They should tap the menu at the bottom of the screen and then go to the settings tab. The version number will appear at the top. If the gateway is not running version 8.3.5225 or higher, they can tap the update button to install the latest version.
Do I need a new IQ Gateway to use IQ8 with IQ7?
No, you do not need a new gateway. As long as your current IQ Gateway supports the latest software update, you can use it to manage both IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters. This saves you from buying and installing a second gateway, which used to be necessary before the software update.
Can I add IQ8 inverters to my existing Enphase system?
Yes, you can add IQ8 microinverters to your current system if you already have IQ7s installed. The new software makes this possible. Your installer will add the new IQ8s through the same process they used to set up your original system. They will scan the serial numbers of the new inverters and connect them to the system through the updated gateway.
Will I save money by mixing IQ7 and IQ8 inverters?
Yes, mixing IQ7 and IQ8 microinverters can save you money. You do not have to remove or replace your existing IQ7s, and you avoid the cost of buying and installing a second gateway. The software update lets you keep what you already have and expand your system using the latest technology. This reduces waste and lowers installation costs.
Should I upgrade my whole system to IQ8?
You do not need to upgrade your entire system to IQ8 unless you have a special reason. IQ7 microinverters are still reliable and work well. If your current system is performing as expected, you can keep your IQ7s and simply add IQ8s where needed. Full upgrades make sense in some cases, but for most homeowners, mixing the two types is the smarter choice.
