TAP Placement

The TAP (Tigo Access Point) is a wireless antenna that allows communication between the Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) and the TS4 optimizers.

A Tigo-optimized PV system consists of four key components (also see below):

1. Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA)
2. TAP
3. Smart Modules (or other Tigo-equipped modules)
4. Inverter

The number of TAPs and Cloud Connect Advanced units needed for a system are determined by both the number of modules and the size and layout of the installation.

The TAP is Tigo's latest wireless antenna.  It replaces the Gateway wireless antenna.  For the differences, see our article TAP vs Gateway.

TAP basics

Up to seven TAPs can be connected in series to each Cloud Connect Advanced using RS-485 cable (not included.)

Each TAP can communicate with up to 300 Tigo TS4 units, or up to 600 PV modules if equipped with TS4-R-Duo units.

With the TAP, the TS4s act as repeaters.  For the signal to hop, the TS4s must never be more than 10m (33ft) apart.  So, if there is a gap between modules, make sure the gap is within these limits.  This is shown below with the green arrow.

The range of a TAP, with hops, is a maximum of 115ft (35m) line of sight. If modules are located more than 115ft (35m) from the TAP, or if there are physical obstructions throughout the array such as HVAC units, or roof gables, use additional TAPs. 

For best results:

• TAP needs to be placed within 33ft (10m) of at least five TS4s
• Allow 50ft (15m) line of sight spacing between TAPs
• Place TAP near the center of the array

Below is an illustration of the hop distance between the TAP and optimizers.

Below is an illustration of the range and scale of a TAP/Mesh layout, using average 60-cell size modules.  In this example, there are over 500 modules within range of the TAP, much more than the limit of 300 per TAP.  Since this array is 560 modules, we would need two TAPs.  As you can see, we would have a lot of freedom in placing them.

For a more complete understanding of how TAP works, see our article TAP and Mesh.

For instructions on installing TAP, see our Interactive Installation and Safety Manual.

For more information concerning design and installation using TAP, see the articles Determine Number of TAP and Cloud Connect Units.

See also the article Opening and Closing TAP.