This article introduces the Tigo Optimizer (TS4-A-O and TS4-X-O) with these frequently asked questions. Is there a question we missed? Tell us!
General (Warranty, compatibility)
- What is the warranty for Tigo MLPE products?
- Does Tigo have an Inverter compatibility list?
- Which connectors are compatible with Tigo MLPE devices?
- Can I use cable jumpers or adaptors to connect the PV module leads to the TS4?
Design and configuration
- What is the optimizer's maximum output voltage?
- Can I install the optimizers without the monitoring devices (CCA and TAP)?
- What are the design considerations when using Tigo optimizers?
- Is it possible to install optimizers only on specific modules in the array or do all modules need an optimizer?
- Is it possible to use two different PV module types in the same string if they are connected to an optimizer?
- Is it possible to arrange the same string of solar modules in multiple orientations when using the Tigo optimizers?
- Are there special design requirements when using the TS4 optimizer with bifacial modules?
Application
- What is the expected power or energy gain when using Tigo optimizers?
- How does the TS4-O optimizer work?
- "Can I perform an IV curve test on a PV array with Tigo Optimizers connected to the modules??"
- Which PV simulation software already has Tigo Devices included to run my project?
- Is there a guide for using Tigo equipment in PVsyst for analysis?
- Does Tigo provide a PVsyst .pan file?
Rapid Shutdown
- What other equipment do I need to activate rapid shutdown on TS4-O/-S units?
- How does the Tigo Rapid shutdown feature work when using TS4-O/-S MLPE?
- Which US rapid shutdown safety regulations do the TS4-O/-S units comply with?
GENERAL (Warranty, compatibility)
Q: What is the warranty of Tigo MLPE products?
TS4 units have a 25-year warranty when equipped with the Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) and the Tigo Access Point (TAP). If they are not equipped with monitoring devices, the warranty is limited to 5 years.
Tigo Energy's limited warranty documents are on Tigo's Downloads Page under the Warranties section: tigoenergy.com/downloads#s-warranties. The current warranty was updated for products purchased on or after May 22, 2024. The original warranty documents for legacy products (those purchased before May 22, 2024) can be found here: Tigo Archived Warranties (tigoenergy.com/archived-warranties).
Q: Does Tigo have an Inverter compatibility list?
Tigo products are virtually compatible with any inverter. This allows solar installers to choose their preferred inverter to pair with Tigo optimizers and rapid shutdown devices.
Although Tigo MLPE can work with any inverter, we must ensure they are operationally compatible. Tigo began testing our MLPE with inverter brands worldwide and issuing Compatibility Letters between specific inverters and Tigo MLPE. These letters are found here:
- https://www.tigoenergy.com/inverter-compatibility
- https://www.tigoenergy.com/downloads?type-detail=Compatibility%20Letter
More about compatibility can be found in this article: https://www.tigoenergy.com/post/blog-what-inverters-work-with-tigo-mlpe-virtually-all-of-them
Q: Which connector is compatible with Tigo MLPE devices?
All Tigo TS4 standard units are equipped with Stäubli Multi-Contact original connectors. Stäubli original connectors are available with an MC4 1000V rating or EVO2 1500V. You are encouraged to consult with your distributor to verify the suitable version for your application. Tigo also allows personalized connector versions. For more details, the Sales team should be contacted.
Q: Can I use jumpers on the TS4 units to connect the cables of the PV module from the JB?
Tigo completely supports the use of cable jumpers in PV installation with Tigo MLPE units. Units will still be covered under Tigo's limited warranty. Compatible connectors are required as per Tigo and the PV module manufacturer's indication.
DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION
Q: What is the maximum output voltage?
Because of its electrical architecture, the optimizer's output voltage is never higher than the PV module's Voc.
Q: Can I install the optimizers without the monitoring devices?
Tigo Optimizers have exclusive built-in impedance matching technology that allows the optimization feature to kick in as soon as the PV module is connected. Because of this, optimizers don’t need the Tigo monitoring kit to work.
Tigo strongly suggests considering installing the TAP and CCA communication kit to monitor the operation and performance of your plant continuously and to get all the benefits of:
1. Plant monitoring down to the modular level
2. Modular safety, allowing electronic disconnection on each element of his system, bringing the string voltage down to 0V and 0A in less than 30s
3. Advanced and comprehensive Tigo support.
4. 25-year warranty on Tigo product (optimizer) instead of 5 years
5. Ability to upgrade remotely should there be new firmware available.
You can find more info about it here https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/204333388-The-Tigo-CCA-Kit
Q: How are string configurations and designs made with Optimizer?
The rules to be followed with Tigo are the same as those in typical PV installations. The string configuration with optimizer will be the identical one without the Optimizers, therefore no changes in number of PV modules per string must be done. For more information, there is an entire section on Designing over this link https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/categories/200231058-Design
Q: Can I install the optimizer only on some of the PV modules in the string?
Partial deployment features strategically placed TS4 MLPEs applied only to PV modules that may be experiencing shade issues. The remaining PV modules are wired directly to each other. This deployment only applies to systems that do not require a full system Rapid Shut Down (RSD) solution.
Partial deployment must only be used when a string has its own MPPT and is actively independent of any other string. Partial deployment of optimization on parallel strings is NOT supported.
The following examples reinforce this rule.
When using a single string per MPPT, optimization can be partially deployed on the shaded modules (using TS4-O).
Partial Deployment of optimization on parallel strings within a single MPPT is NOT supported. In this case an optimizer must be applied on all PV modules of the MPPT.
Q: Can two different PV module types be placed in the same string?
It is possible to use optimizers to place in series PV modules with different electrical characteristics. This is a supported and viable application with our product. Please make sure of all the following conditions:
• If you apply the optimizer in only some of your PV modules, you must follow our partial deployment rules. Specifically, the optimizer can be only applied on some modules only if there are no parallels on the string concerned (i.e., on the same MPPT) https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/4618530325139-TS4-Systems-Partial-Deployment.
• If you apply the optimizer to only some of your PV modules, you must install it at least on the modules with the lowest current (respect the 25% delta, as suggested in the previous point). Be aware that Tigo always suggests adopting full deployment of the optimizer in all PV modules of your system.
• The different types of PV modules in series must have an Imp current that does not differ by 25%. You would need to verify the data sheet of the selected modules. https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/203419277-Mix-and-Match-Different-PV-Module-Types
Q: Is it possible to place solar modules in multiple orientations using the Tigo Optimizer?
Tigo Optimizers are tailored for many solar system challenges, helping your installation to work at its best production point. Tigo Optimizers effectively address the complexities of multiple orientations, ensuring maximum energy capture and enhancing overall solar system performance. This adaptability is particularly valuable in situations where uniform alignment is challenging. Their unique impedance-matching technology enables each module to operate independently, optimizing performance even when facing different directions or tilts.
To ensure the best production, we advise reading the entirety of the following article, which includes our recommendations and describes the application in several scenarios: https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/209345667-Designing-your-TS4-system-for-different-tilts-angles-and-orientation.
Q: How do I design a system with Tigo optimizers when I have bifacial module?
With Tigo, the project designer must configure the inverter and optimizer according to the following:
• Ambient condition (altitude, temperature, irradiance, etc)
• System structure (for example, if the PV modules are roof mounted, bifacial gain is usually 0%)
Bifacial gains must be considered in any system with Tigo optimizers. Specifically, the max current Imp with the Tigo Optimizer must be 15A and 20A, respectively, with 700W and 800W versions.
APPLICATION
Q: What is the expected gain from your power optimizers?
The expected gain from using power optimizers can vary significantly depending on the specific characteristics of each solar power system. Factors such as cloud shading, orientation differences, cell-level shadowing, environmental obstructions, manufacturing tolerances, thermal gradients, bypass diode failures, uneven soiling, voltage drops, varying rates of degradation over time, and accumulated wear all contribute to the complexity of predicting gains.
Given this complexity, accurately forecasting the overall gain over time is challenging. However, some studies provide insights based on average conditions:
• A Tigo study on over 18,000 systems reports an average energy gain of 6.6% using Tigo optimizers. You can view the study here : Reclaimed Energy Flier.
• The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducted a study on Partial-Shading Assessment of Photovoltaic Installations via Module-Level Monitoring, which also sheds light on the potential benefits of optimization. You can access the study here.
Q: How does the optimizer work?
Tigo optimizers use Predictive IV and impedance matching technologies to provide the best PV module setup to generate its maximum energy. Tigo's patented Predictive IV and impedance-matching technology solves the issues caused by varying output (through regulation of voltage and current output) by creating a parallel path for current to flow around the weaker modules. This effectively enables an optimal energy flow throughout the string. More information can be found in this article: https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/203180067-Optimization-with-Predictive-IV-and-Impedance-Matching.
Q: Can an IV curve test be performed on an array with Tigo Optimizers connected to the modules?
Tigo’s TS4-A-O is a module-level optimizer that uses Tigo’s patented PIV technology to ensure each module operates at its maximum power point. This feature is active when the optimizer is connected to the PV module.
When using an IV curve tracer, the optimizer will attempt to optimize as the equipment scans the module’s curve. For this reason, an IV curve tracer connected to the optimizer will not produce an accurate IV curve.
Additionally, some IV curve tracing equipment will scan to the module’s Isc, which can cause the optimizer to go into protective mode and disable the module’s output from the string. This presents unusable results for the IV curve tracing equipment.
At this time, it is not recommended to use IV curve tracing equipment with Tigo’s optimizers as the results will not be representative of the module’s state of performance.
Q: Which PV simulation software already has Tigo Devices included to run my project?
Insun, Pvsyst, PV sol, Archeolis, Helioscope, Aurora
Q: Is there a Guide for PV syst?
A comprehensive guide following the user step-by-step in the addition of the Optimizer is available here https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/215348938--GUIDE-Modeling-Tigo-in-PVsyst
Q: Can you share a .pan file for PV syst?
As defined in PVsyst, Optimizers are only managed internally, and external files like *.PAN or *.OND files cannot be created. Optimizers are special devices with different properties for each manufacturer. Adding or modifying an optimizer in old versions of PVsyst is not possible.
The 500W TS4-O optimizer is available on PVsyst, and PVSyst version 7.2.5 or higher has the 700W product.
RAPID SHUTDOWN
Q: What do I need to activate rapid shutdown?
Tigo Rapid Shutdown with TS4-O/-S units requires Tigo monitoring equipment to function. "Rapid Shutdown" refers to the automatic shutdown function of TS4-equipped systems and is possible only when Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) is installed on the same breaker as the inverters in the system. (see figure) This setup is certified for shutting down the output leads of every module equipped with a TS4 in the system in under 30 seconds. TS4 units comply with NEC 2017, 2020, and 2023 690.12 Rapid Shutdown specifications when installed with the Tigo Cloud Connect datalogger or an inverter with a built-in Tigo CCA.
Each Tigo unit will activate the Rapid shutdown functionality only when they are first detected during the discovery process of the CCA.
Q: How does Tigo Rapid shutdown work in TS4-O/-S?
Once Rapid shutdown is fully activated all TS4s receive the keep-alive signal from the CCA, thought the TAP communication. The keep-alive signal is being sent continuously and ensures that the PV modules continue to output power in the string. Once AC power is lost, the CCA will stop sending keep-alive signal, therefore TS4s assign to that CCA will immediately disconnect the PV modules from the string.
Q: To which US safety regulation TS4-O/-S units comply to?
TS4 units comply with NEC 2017, 2020, and 2023 690.12 Rapid Shutdown specifications when installed with the Tigo Cloud Connect datalogger or an inverter with a built-in Tigo CCA.