PV Solar Module Compatibility
Tigo is an open-source technology that works with many of the available PV-Modules on the market. However, there are specific compatibility characteristics you want to check before purchase:
- Cable Length: Verify for landscape orientation and always for split j-box modules with short leads. The Tigo TS4 cable length for all products is 1.2 meters. For the TS4-A-2F in particular, the cabling is a bit more complicated, but it does come in various lengths. If you need help, reach out to us at se@tigoenergy.com.
- Connector Match: The existing testing standards for PV connectors, such as IEC 62852:2014 + A1:2020 and UL6703, were created for the design and testing of connectors of the same type or type family from one manufacturer. These standards always refer to the connection of socket and plug within a type family and not to the respective individual parts of a connector.
The National Electric Code article 699.33 requires all mating connectors to match in both type and manufacturer. Tigo's TS4 product comes standard with MC4 connectors manufactured by Stäubli. Mating these with any other manufactured connector products can result in a system inspection failure.
"Cross-connections and cross-mating components are not recommended and may lead to severe, costly damage." - Staubli.com - Electrical Characteristics: Verify that the max power, voltage, and current are within limits for the TS4 unit you want to use. You can find these values on the TS4 data sheets:
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- Voltage should be de-rated: Some PV-Module can exceed the TS4 Maximum Voltage (under cold weather conditions). For this reason, the temperature corrected max voltage of the module should be less than (or equal) to the max voltage listed on the TS4 data sheet. As long as the Imp at STC is less than or equal to the max current rating of the TS4, the module should be compatible.
With bifacial modules, you should use the MAX bifacial boost figures. These should also be de-rated in voltage as described above. If the datasheet does not clearly show max current with a bifacial boost, a worst-case consideration of a 20% boost should be factored in.
- Frame fit: Some PV-Modules on the market are too thin to accommodate the TS4 unit's frame mounting. The dimensions (below) are for the TS4-A series only (not the older TS4-R series).
The minimum dimensions in the illustration above must be observed for the TS4-A products to be properly mounted to the frame. If the frame is too shallow to accommodate the TS4-A units, the clips can be removed, and the TS4-A can be screw-mounted to the racking.
See: How do I remove the module clips from the TS4-A?
NOTE: The metal clip's engagement length depends upon the frame thickness. Contact Tigo if the metal clip engagement length is less than specified above.
Questions?
If you are in doubt, send the datasheet for the PV-Module to se@tigoenergy.com, and our engineers can confirm its compatibility with Tigo products.
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