Inverters

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter vs Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Side-by-side comparison based on specs, real pricing, and our crew's installation experience. Updated for 2026.

Enphase

Hoymiles

9.5

Choose Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter if:

Roofs with partial shade or multiple orientations
High-wattage panels up to 540W
Homeowners who want the safest DC architecture
Systems that may expand in the future

$170-200 per panel (included in system price)

7.5

Choose Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter if:

Budget-conscious installations without sacrificing per-panel optimization
Large systems where per-panel cost matters most
Homeowners who want microinverter benefits at string inverter prices
Systems with 4+ panels per string

$100-130 per panel (included in system price)

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T

Price

$170-200 per panel (included in system price)

$100-130 per panel (included in system price)

Warranty

25 years

12 years

Max Output

384W per microinverter

2000W (500W x 4 channels)

Peak Efficiency

97.3%

96.7%

CEC Weighted Efficiency

97.0%

96.5%

MPPT Range

29.5-45V DC

16-60V DC per channel

Output

240V AC, 60Hz

Operating Temp

-40°C to 65°C

Dimensions

8.8 x 6.9 x 1.1 in

10.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 in

Weight

2.4 lbs (1.08 kg)

5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)

Connectivity

Enphase Envoy (power line communication)

Hoymiles DTU gateway (Sub-1G wireless)

NuWatt Rating

9.5/10

7.5/10

Pros & Cons

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Pros

+384W peak output — handles panels up to 540W
+97.3% peak efficiency with advanced ASIC technology
+25-year warranty matches panel lifespan
+Sunlight Backup: generate solar during outages without battery
+Panel-level monitoring via Enphase app
+No high-voltage DC on roof (safer for firefighters)
+Made in USA version available (IQ8HC-DOM)

Cons

-Higher upfront cost than string inverters ($170-200/panel)
-One microinverter per panel required
-More components on roof = more potential failure points
-Requires Enphase Envoy gateway for monitoring

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Pros

+One unit handles 4 panels — fewer components, lower labor
+99.8% MPPT efficiency — best tracking in our lineup
+Lowest cost per panel of any microinverter option
+Independent MPPT per panel — still optimizes in shade
+6,000V surge protection built in
+Compatible with panels 300-670W

Cons

-12-year base warranty — shorter than Enphase's 25-year
-Smaller brand in North America — less installer familiarity
-If one unit fails, 4 panels go down (vs 1 with single micros)
-Less refined monitoring app than Enphase

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Each IQ8HC mounts directly under its panel on the racking rail. Our crew clips them in, runs the AC trunk cable, and connects to the Envoy at the main panel. The 384W output handles all panels in our lineup including the 470W REC and 475W Maxeon. Commissioning takes about 20 minutes through the Enphase Installer Toolkit app. The IQ8HC-DOM variant qualifies for domestic content ITC bonus.

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

The HMS-2000-4T mounts on the racking rail and connects to 4 adjacent panels via MC4. One unit replaces four separate microinverters, which cuts install time significantly. Our crew can install a 20-panel system with just 5 Hoymiles units vs 20 Enphase micros. The trade-off is the shorter warranty and less mature monitoring platform. Best for price-sensitive customers who still want per-panel optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter or Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter better?

The Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter scores 9.5/10 vs 7.5/10 in our rating. It excels at: roofs with partial shade or multiple orientations. The Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter is the better choice if: budget-conscious installations without sacrificing per-panel optimization. The right pick depends on your specific situation.

How much does the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter cost vs the Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter?

The Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter costs $170-200 per panel (included in system price). The Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter costs $100-130 per panel (included in system price). Both prices include professional installation by NuWatt Energy. State incentives may reduce your net cost — use our calculator for exact pricing.

Which has a better warranty?

The Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter has a 25-year warranty (25-year limited warranty backed by 1M+ hours of testing). The Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter has a 12-year warranty (12-year standard warranty (extendable to 25 years)). Enphase offers the longer warranty.

Does NuWatt install both the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter and Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from Enphase to Hoymiles later?

In most cases, yes. Switching inverter types requires rewiring — microinverters and string inverters use different DC architectures. This is a significant change best planned during initial installation. Contact NuWatt for a specific assessment of your system.

Related Comparisons

Inverters

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter vs SolarEdge Home Hub SE10000H

Inverters

SolarEdge Home Hub SE10000H vs Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Not Sure Which to Choose?

Our energy advisors help you pick the right equipment based on your home, energy usage, and budget. Free consultation — no obligation.

Get a Free Quote Try Instant Quote Tool

Back to all equipment comparisons

Loading NuWatt Energy...

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T

Price

$170-200 per panel (included in system price)

$100-130 per panel (included in system price)

Warranty

25 years

12 years

Max Output

384W per microinverter

2000W (500W x 4 channels)

Peak Efficiency

97.3%

96.7%

CEC Weighted Efficiency

97.0%

96.5%

MPPT Range

29.5-45V DC

16-60V DC per channel

Output

240V AC, 60Hz

Operating Temp

-40°C to 65°C

Dimensions

8.8 x 6.9 x 1.1 in

10.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 in

Weight

2.4 lbs (1.08 kg)

5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)

Connectivity

Enphase Envoy (power line communication)

Hoymiles DTU gateway (Sub-1G wireless)

NuWatt Rating

9.5/10

7.5/10

Pros & Cons

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Pros

+384W peak output — handles panels up to 540W
+97.3% peak efficiency with advanced ASIC technology
+25-year warranty matches panel lifespan
+Sunlight Backup: generate solar during outages without battery
+Panel-level monitoring via Enphase app
+No high-voltage DC on roof (safer for firefighters)
+Made in USA version available (IQ8HC-DOM)

Cons

-Higher upfront cost than string inverters ($170-200/panel)
-One microinverter per panel required
-More components on roof = more potential failure points
-Requires Enphase Envoy gateway for monitoring

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Pros

+One unit handles 4 panels — fewer components, lower labor
+99.8% MPPT efficiency — best tracking in our lineup
+Lowest cost per panel of any microinverter option
+Independent MPPT per panel — still optimizes in shade
+6,000V surge protection built in
+Compatible with panels 300-670W

Cons

-12-year base warranty — shorter than Enphase's 25-year
-Smaller brand in North America — less installer familiarity
-If one unit fails, 4 panels go down (vs 1 with single micros)
-Less refined monitoring app than Enphase

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter or Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter better?

How much does the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter cost vs the Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter?

Which has a better warranty?

Does NuWatt install both the Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter and Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from Enphase to Hoymiles later?

Update Location

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter vs Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Choose Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter if:

Choose Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Pros

Cons

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter vs Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Choose Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter if:

Choose Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Pros

Cons

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Enphase IQ8HC Microinverter

Hoymiles HMS-2000-4T Microinverter

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?