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A requirement by the 2014 NEC. Most inverters are equipped with an AFCI, as it enables the inverter to shut down for safety reasons, if an arc is detected. |
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Alerts |
Tigo customers can receive Email or SMS notifications about performance-related issues and monitoring interruptions. See monitoring package features for more information. |
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ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) |
A device or component that switches the power supply system between off-grid and on-grid modes, when it senses a circuit anomaly. |
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Bypass Diode |
Bypass diodes are located inside the junction box of a PV module. These diodes allow current to flow around shaded groups of cells to reduce voltage loss and minimize hot spots in the module. If a bypass diode fails, the module voltage will be consistently reduced while under load (usually in increments of 33%), which can be identified on the System View page under Voltage |
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Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) is the latest data logger generation for the Tigo system. The optimization and monitoring functions are similar to the original Cloud Connect, but the CCA has no physical interface (buttons, screen, etc). Instead, the device is App controlled. This allows for a smaller form factor that can be din-rail mounted inside of an inverter or in tight spaces. |
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CC (Cloud Connect) |
The Cloud Connect (CC) is a Tigo legacy product that provides communications and data logging for the Tigo system, with a complete physical interface (buttons, screen, etc). The CC also includes PIV functionality and WiFi capability. |
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Dashboard |
The first page on Tigo's Energy Intelligence (EI) Portal (Desktop version) is called the Installations page. It is also commonly referred to as a Dashboard, because it is the primary display point for all of the system(s) associated with the account. This macroscopic overview includes system names, IDs, total energy generated, and other environmental info. It is accessible to both the installer and system owner(s) when logging into their Tigo accounts. |
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Discovery |
Discovery is part of the commissioning process. It includes the downloading and implementation of the System Build (serial numbers, etc) that the installer has entered into their Tigo system in the Energy Intelligence (EI) app or portal. It is then, followed by an MLPE scan to locate and initialize communication with the optimizers. A discovery usually takes 15 mins to complete, but the subsequent scan for optimizers can take up to 24 hours (depending on the size of the system). |
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Duo |
The TS4-Duo is a Tigo legacy product. It is an MLPE that provides an add-on or retrofit solution that has similar functionality to the TS4-O series, while also allowing the unit to be attached to 2 PV Panels. The Duo cover with UHD-Core technology and expanded specifications supports a combined power of up to 700W. |
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EI (Energy Intelligence) |
EI (Energy Intelligence) is Tigo's monitoring and commissioning software. |
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Energy |
Total accumulated output in kilowatt hours (kWh) from any MLPE or system of MLPEs within a specified time frame. For instance, the standard landing page for System View shows the most recent totals for Energy production (so far). This can also be refreshed by clicking the Energy Button |
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The Gateway is a Tigo legacy product. It has been replaced with the TAP (Tigo Access Point) for replacement product. It is a rooftop transceiver device that is connected to the data logger (MMU, CC, CCA) via RS-485 cable. It sends and/or receives data and implements tasks via wireless communication with the Tigo MLPEs on the array. |
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Imp (Current at maximum power) |
The Current measurement of a PV-Module when a load is applied to the string. P (power) x I (current) = W (wattage) |
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Isc (Current at Short Circuit) |
The Current of a PV-Module when there is no load is applied. P (power) x I (current) = W (wattage) |
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Jbox (Junction Box) |
A Junction Box (commonly referred to as JBox) is the box or connection point on the backside of a PV-Module (solar panel). This is where the leads are collected in clips, that feed out to cables with standardized connectors. In most cases, the Bypass Diodes are located in the JBox. |
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MAC ID (Serial Number) |
A MAC (Media Access Control) ID is a unique address that is assigned to any Tigo hardware device that has a network interface controller (NIC). This address is used to locate and/or communicate data between hardware devices. For system build purposes, the address is also interchangeable with the hardware Serial Number (as it is simply a shorter version of the MAC ID). |
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Mesh |
A Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is a communications architecture made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. This structure allows each MLPE to act as a relay station for data signals (within the array). It improves performance by allowing data collection from up to 300 TS4 units (~100kW systems) with only a single TAP, or up to 900 TS4 units (~300kW systems) on a single CCA with multiple TAPs. It also extends the wireless range up to a 115ft (35m) in diameter. Mesh compliments the full Tigo Flex Data system (TAP, CCA, and UHD-Core TS4 units). |
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MLPE |
Module-Level Power Electronics are intelligent devices that affect the system on the PV-Module level (at the DC collection point). This class of panel-mounted devices includes the Tigo Flex family of products, as well as older legacy products, like the Tigo MM-ES and J-ES series. |
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MODBUS |
MODBUS is a communication protocol for manually connecting electrical devices within a data stream. Inverters and meters that are equipped with MODBUS, can report information to the Data Logger, for upload and display within the Energy Intelligence (EI) app or portal. |
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Module |
A "photovoltaic module" is an assembly of solar cells, sometimes also called a solar panel. |
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Monitoring Dashboard |
A display of total energy generated, number of installations, and other environmental info shown to installers and system owners when first logging in to the Tigo EI Website online monitoring portal. |
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MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) |
A technique used by inverters and charge controllers to maximize energy extraction as conditions vary. Some inverters can have multiple MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers) that manage portions of the array, independently of each other. Tigo Optimizing MLPEs work in conjunction with the inverter to determine the best possible operating conditions at the DC module level. See our Optimization article for more information. |
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NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Practitioners) |
The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a nonprofit professional certification organization that offers accreditation programs for photovoltaic and renewable energy professionals throughout North America. |
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NEC 2017 690.12 |
The USA’s National Electric Code (NEC) 2017 article 690.12 defines rapid shutdown requirements for all US residential and commercial systems. Read more about Tigo's Compliance with NEC 2017 |
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Optimizer |
Optimizer is a general industry term for DC to DC converters designed to maximize the energy yield from a PV system. Tigo’s TS4 Platform units are commonly referred to as optimizers, however only the TS4-O, TS4-S, and TS4-M have optimization capabilities. |
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Peak Power |
Peak power is the maximum power production capacity of the PV-modules on a system, multiplied by the number of modules in the system. |
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Power Factory |
On the Charts tab of the monitoring portal, this represents the total DC power produced by your system. |
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PLC (Power Line Communication) |
A method of transmitting data over power cables. Tigo's TS4-F and RSS Transmitter use PLC for rapid shutdown activation. |
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PIV (Predictive IV) |
A feature available in the TS4-O and TS4-L covers incorporating MPPT, Impedance Matching, and module behavior statistics for the greatest energy yield as well as selective deployment of optimization. |
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Power |
The realtime production amount, measured in kilowatts (kW), that any MLPE or System of MLPEs is producing at any moment. This view is available on the System View page by clicking the Power Button |
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PV Module |
A PV (Photovoltaic) Module is an assembly of solar cells, with a Jbox and connectors. This is sometimes referred to as a solar panel, but the panel itself is only a component of the fully manufactured PV Module. |
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Tigo systems are equipped with a safety shutdown feature that can be activated locally, remotely, or in some cases, automatically. Formerly known as PV-Safe. |
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RSD (Rapid Shut Down) |
Rapid Shut Down (RSD) is an electrical safety requirement set by the National Electrical Code (NEC). It is an autonomous response to loss of AC (or grid failure), that insures the PV System is producing less than 30 volts within 30 seconds of initiation. This reduces potential harm from electrical hazards and improves general safety conditions for First Responders, Fire Fighters, and Maintenance Crews. |
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Reclaimed Energy |
The Tigo Monitoring Account provides data on how much is recovered by using a system of Tigo Optimizing MLPEs. This Reclaimed data shows the amount of extra Power in kilowatts (kW) or Energy in kilowatt hours (kWh) hours that a PV system has harvested above the standard production (sans Optimization). This feature is a great way to review your ROI (Return on Investment), and it is displayed on: Basic Charts - Click System Energy Reclaimed link (upper right) |
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A standard protocol defining the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers for use in communication system. It is necessary for connecting multiple devices in series. Tigo systems use a 4-conductor, or twisted pairs on a multi-cable (like Cat-5), for the connection between the Gateway/TAPs and the Data Logger. |
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RSS Signal Detector |
A RSS (Rapid Shutdown System) Signal Detector is a functionality testing/confirmation device that senses power-line communication (PLC) signals coming from the transmitter source (i.e., Tigo’s RSS Transmitter) to Tigo’s UL-certified TS4-F (Fire Safety) units. It is a handheld failsafe tool that PV installers use to confirm that PV systems are compliant with National Electric Code (NEC) 2017 690.12 rapid shutdown specifications. |
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Tigo's RSS (Rapid Shutdown System) Transmitter completes the cost-effective rapid shutdown system architecture when paired with Tigo's UL-certified TS4-F (integrated) and/or TS4-R-F (retrofitted/add-on) solutions. The RSS Transmitter sends a signal to the TS4-F units to keep PV modules connected while powered on and supplying energy. |
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RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) |
A measurement of wireless signal strength between MLPEs and Gateway/TAPs that is visible to Tigo Support Agents (when troubleshooting system issues). Values that fall below 70 RSSI may indicate that the Gateway/TAP needs to be repositioned, or that additional Gateway/TAPs need to be added. See our article on TAP Placement for best practices. |
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The ability to choose from different features (including optimization) and place them where needed on your PV system. A feature unique to the TS4. |
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A PV module that comes pre-assembled with Tigo's electronics already installed in the junction box. |
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SunSpec Alliance |
SunSpec Alliance is a group of U.S. solar professionals who collaborate on solar initiatives and policies. Tigo’s TS4-F (Fire Safety) is compatible with all SunSpec signaling devices for activation with PLC to comply with NEC 2017 Rapid Shutdown. |
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System View |
The module-level view of power production through the EI (Energy Intelligence) portal. |
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System ID |
The identification number for a particular Tigo installation. |
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TAP (Tigo Access Point) |
A rooftop transceiver device that is connected to the data logger (MMU, CC, CCA) via RS-485 cable. It sends and/or receives data and implements tasks via wireless communication with the Tigo MLPEs on the array. This device replaces the legacy Gateway and provides the ability to utilize WMN (wireless mesh network). See Tap vs Gateway for comparisons. |
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Tigo Skill |
Tigo customers receive the benefits of Amazon's Alexa™ technology available on Amazon's Echo™ and other Alexa-enabled products when monitoring their PV systems. |
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TS4 (Tigo Series 4) |
This legendary MLPE product series provides multiple functionalities within a universal Retrofit or Jbox platform. TS4s can be installed on residential or commercial systems. See the full line of TS4 Optimizers here. |
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UHD-Core |
Tigo’s UHD-Core (Ultra-High Definition) technology is included in Tigo’s TS4 products. It features new design architecture and component rating, supports up to 90V / 12A max-input, and delivers superior performance. The result is a higher energy harvest/yield (with optimization efficiency up to 99.6% for any module up to 500W) and a major Return on Investment (ROI). |
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UL |
Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) is a global third-party safety science organization that certifies many different electronic devices. It is U.S. Based, but recognized world wide. Tigo products are UL certified for rapid shutdown compliance. To see the full list of Tigo UL Certified Products, login to your UL account here. |
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Vmp (Voltage at Maximum Power) |
The voltage of a PV-Module when a load is applied to the string. This data point is displayed on the System View by clicking the Voltage button P (power) x I (current) = W (wattage) |
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Voc (Voltage at Open Circuit) |
The voltage of a PV-Module when no load is applied. Used when calculating maximum string length. Smart modules with the longer strings feature can limit the output voltage so that more modules can be placed in a string. P (power) x I (current) = W (wattage) |