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TAP Placement and Layout Requirements

  • Updated

Important

Following these placement practices is critical for reliable monitoring and rapid shutdown communications. Ignoring these recommendations can result in communication failures and additional service calls.

Contents: 

  1. System Architecture: TAP and CCA
  2. The Tigo Mesh Network
  3. What Can Block the TAP Signal
  4. TAP Count: Residential
  5. TAP Count: Commercial
  6. CCA Count and Assignment

Introduction

This guide explains how to plan a reliable TAP layout and assign Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) units for Tigo TS4 systems in residential and commercial installations.

Proper TAP placement is essential for reliable monitoring and Rapid Shutdown operation. Following the practices in this guide helps ensure every TS4 device can communicate with the system before the installation is commissioned.

For commercial systems or complex roof layouts, Tigo recommends using the Green Glove Service. This free service includes a pre-installation review of your TAP layout, installation support, and a post-installation verification to help ensure reliable system operation.

Click here for more information: Green Glove Service

Please include:

  • Array layout
  • String configuration
  • Inverter datasheet
  • PV module datasheet
  • Any additional project documentation 

System Architecture: TS4, TAP and CCA

A Tigo TS4 system consists of three primary components that work together to provide module-level monitoring and Rapid Shutdown.

TS4-A-O 725W front.png

TS4

Installed on each PV module, the TS4 provides optimization, monitoring, Rapid Shutdown, or a combination of these features, depending on the model. TS4 communicates wirelessly with a nearby TAP.
TAP new Outlined HiRes.png

Tigo Access Point (TAP)

Installed within the PV array, the TAP serves as the wireless communication hub between TS4 devices and the CCA. It collects monitoring data from TS4 devices and relays commands between TS4 devices and the CCA.
CCA Outlined Hi Res.png

Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA)

The CCA is the system controller. It collects monitoring data from all TAPs, uploads system performance to the Tigo monitoring platform, and manages Rapid Shutdown operation.

 

How TS4 Devices Communicate

Each TS4 communicates wirelessly with nearby TS4 devices, creating a communication path back to the TAP. This mesh network allows a single TAP to communicate with TS4 devices across the entire array, not just the devices closest to it.

For reliable communication, the TS4 devices must form a continuous communication path between the TAP and every module in the array.

Large gaps in the array, such as roof valleys, HVAC equipment, skylights, or separate roof sections, can interrupt this communication path. When this happens, TS4 devices beyond the gap may lose monitoring data or Rapid Shutdown communication.

If the array layout prevents a continuous communication path, install an additional TAP to restore coverage. The following sections explain the placement rules and provide examples of common installation scenarios.

Why a Reliable Communication Path Matters

Each TS4 communicates wirelessly with nearby TS4 devices, creating a communication path back to the TAP. This mesh network allows one TAP to communicate with TS4 devices across the array, not just those closest to it.

For reliable communication, TS4 devices must form a continuous path between the TAP and every module in the array.

Large gaps in the array, such as roof valleys, HVAC equipment, skylights, or separate roof sections, can interrupt this path. TS4 devices beyond the gap may lose monitoring data or Rapid Shutdown communication.

What Can Interrupt Communication?

Roof Ridges and Hips

A roof ridge or hip blocks wireless communication between roof faces.

Required Action: Install one TAP on each roof orientation.

Parapet Walls

Concrete or masonry parapet walls block wireless communication.

Required Action: Install a separate TAP for modules located on opposite sides of a parapet wall.

HVAC Equipment

Large rooftop HVAC equipment can block or weaken wireless communication.

Required Action: If the HVAC equipment prevents a continuous communication path, install an additional TAP beyond the obstruction.

Chimneys, Skylights, and Dormers

Raised roof features can interrupt the communication path between TS4 devices.

Required Action: If these obstructions separate sections of the array, additional TAP coverage may be required.

Large Gaps in the Array

Gaps greater than 10 m (33 ft) between groups of modules interrupt the communication path.

Required Action: Install an additional TAP whenever a gap prevents TS4 devices from communicating with one another.

Changes in Roof Height

A change in roof elevation of more than 1 m (3 ft) is treated as a communication barrier.

Required Action: Install a separate TAP on the lower roof section whenever this height difference exists.

Roof Materials

Metal roofs and some tile roofing materials can reduce wireless communication performance.

Residential TAP Placement

For residential installations, install the TAP within the PV array. The following rules will help you determine the correct number and placement of TAPs.

Rule 1: One TAP per Roof Orientation

Install one TAP on each roof face that contains PV modules with a different orientation. A roof ridge blocks wireless communication between roof faces, so each orientation requires its own TAP.

🟢 East-facing array   🟣 West-facing array


 

Rule 2: Adjacent Roof Faces That Can Share One TAP

Some adjacent roof faces can share a single TAP. Install the TAP near the transition between the two roof faces when communication is not blocked by a roof ridge or valley.

 Two roof planes one TAP.png

 
Rule 3: Install an Additional TAP for Roof Height Changes

Install a separate TAP for any section of the array that is more than 1 m (3 ft) below the main roof level.

Common examples include:

  • Step-down garage roofs
  • Lower porch or patio roofs
  • Arrays on lower building sections

 

 
TAP Placement Requirements

Follow these best practices when selecting the final TAP location within each coverage area.

  • Install the TAP within the PV array. Do not install the TAP in an attic or another location outside the array.
  • Place the TAP near the center of its assigned array to provide the most consistent communication coverage.
  • Maintain at least 10 m (33 ft) between TAPs to minimize wireless interference.
  • Avoid installing the TAP near roof ridges, chimneys, dormers, or the edge of the array whenever possible.

Commercial TAP Placement

Commercial systems vary widely in size and roof layout. Use the following examples to determine the correct number and placement of TAPs.

Maintain a minimum spacing of 10 m (33 ft) between TAPs to minimize wireless interference.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are the most common commercial installation. Modules are typically installed on ballasted or tilted racking systems.

Required Action

  • Install one TAP near the center of each continuous array section.
  • If any portion of the array extends more than 18 m (59 ft) from the TAP, divide the array into additional coverage zones and install another TAP.
  • Install an additional TAP whenever a parapet wall, large HVAC equipment, or a module gap greater than 10 m (33 ft) interrupts the communication path.


Metal or Tile Roofs

Metal and tile roofs reduce wireless communication range compared to concrete or membrane roofs.

Required Action:

  • Limit TAP coverage to 13 m (43 ft) from the TAP.
  • Follow the same placement rules used for flat roofs, but expect to install additional TAPs to maintain reliable communication.
  • Treat each roof orientation as a separate coverage area. Do not attempt to cover modules on opposite sides of a roof ridge with a single TAP.

Ground-mounted, Carport, or Elevated Arrays

Ground-mounted, carport, and elevated arrays provide the best wireless communication conditions because there are fewer obstructions between TS4 devices.

Required Action

  • A single TAP can typically provide coverage for modules within 35 m (115 ft).
  • Ensure the array forms a continuous communication path with no gaps greater than 10 m (33 ft) between groups of modules.
  • If any portion of the array extends beyond 35 m (115 ft) from the TAP, install an additional TAP to provide coverage.

 

Multi-Building or Multi-Roof Installations

When PV modules are installed on separate buildings or roof sections separated by open space, each building or roof section requires its own TAP.

Required Action

  • Install at least one TAP on each building or isolated roof section.
  • Connect all TAPs to the same CCA using RS-485 communication wiring, when supported by the system design.
  • Do not rely on wireless communication to bridge open spaces between buildings or separate roof sections.

CCA Capacity and Assignment

The CCA manages monitoring and Rapid Shutdown communication for every TS4 device assigned to it. Correct CCA assignment is essential for reliable system operation.

CCA Capacity

One CCA supports:

  • Up to 7 TAPs
  • Up to 900 TS4 devices

If a system requires more than 7 TAPs or 900 TS4 devices, install an additional CCA.

TAP Capacity

One TAP supports:

  • Up to 300 TS4 devices

This limit assumes the TAP is installed according to the placement requirements described in this guide.

Residential Systems

Most residential installations require:

  • 1 CCA
  • 1 to 3 TAPs
  • One inverter

Assign all TAPs to the same CCA.

Commercial Systems

Large commercial systems may require multiple TAPs and multiple CCAs.

Required Action

  • Assign no more than 7 TAPs to each CCA.
  • Assign no more than 900 TS4 devices to each CCA.
  • Follow the MPPT assignment requirements described in the next section.

How many TAPs and CCAs are there in Commercial systems?

The fundamental rule: every MPPT and all strings connected to it must belong to a single CCA. An MPPT must never be split across two CCAs.

Splitting an MPPT means neither CCA has full control of it. When Rapid Shutdown is triggered, one CCA de-energizes its share while the other may not respond in time, leaving some modules energized — a safety non-compliance condition.

  • Recommended: one CCA per inverter
    Each inverter gets its own CCA. All MPPTs and strings are unambiguously under one controller. Rapid Shutdown is clean and complete.
  • Allowed: one CCA for multiple inverters
    Permitted if no single MPPT is split across two CCAs. Typically, viable for smaller commercial systems with a low TAP count.
  • Not allowed: any MPPT split across two CCAs
    Explicitly prohibited. Verify CCA assignment at the string level before commissioning.

 

 

 

 

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