IQ8M vs IQ8MC

[am1954]

Does anyone understand the difference between the IQ8M and the IQ8MC micros? I’m getting different answers depending on who I ask. Enphase just said the “IQ8MC is for high current modules”. My distributor says "the IQ8MC will clip less".

When I compare data sheets, one big advantage I see is that IQ8MC has a Max Continuous output that is 0.02a lower, and therefore you can fit (12) of them on a 20a circuit, as opposed to only fitting (11) of the IQ8Ms. And it looks like the IQ8MC has a slightly larger MPPT Voltage Range.

But otherwise, the Max Continuous Output Power and the Max Continuous Output Current on the IQ8M seems to be higher.

Anyways, interested to hear how people are choosing between the two models

 

[jaggedben]

When I compare data sheets, one big advantage I see is that IQ8MC has a Max Continuous output that is 0.02a lower, and therefore you can fit (12) of them on a 20a circuit, as opposed to only fitting (11) of the IQ8Ms. And it looks like the IQ8MC has a slightly larger MPPT Voltage Range.
...

Yes these are the differences. Same for the whole IQ8 series (A vs. AC, H vs. HC, etc). With modules whose specs are compatible with the non-'C' model it makes no difference which one you use. The 'C' model accommodates some bigger wattage modules coming out.

The distributor is basically wrong.

 

[Zee]

Both produce 330W.

I see no reason the MC should accept higher W panels.

Yep 12 per circuit for the MC. Only diff. I can see....so far.

 

[jaggedben]

Sorry I missed that there's actually a difference on the AC output of the 'M' and 'MC'. That's not true of the 'A' and 'H' vs. 'AC' and 'HC' models. On those the only differences are the higher max DC input amps (14 instead of 12) and the MPPT range. The higher amps might get you a little more energy on some of the newer larger high efficiency cell modules. E.g. Silfab 440 with a Ipmax over 13 amps. Probably very marginal difference.