Split aspect with only one aspect optimised?
Hello,
I have a string being installed of six 390W panels split 50/50 between an East and a South facing aspect. I queried this with my installer (a national company in the UK) who suggested fitting three Tigo TS4-A-Os to this string.
My understanding from what reading I can find, is that this would require a Tigo optimiser per panel to allow both aspects to produce without being hampered by the shaded aspect. Am I missing something whereby just 3 Tigo optimisers could be used across these 6 panels? My installer insists they can.
Many thanks for any advice,
Ayla
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Hi Ayla! Whatever the outcome, could you please drop a line here reporting it in summary? I have a very similar configuration (3* SW + 3*SE) with six TS4-A-O but the case is still pending with Tigo.
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Hello Ayla, your installer is correct. You do not need to install optimizers on every module, only the ones affected by shade. We also support multiple orientations. We have a Help Center article titled TS4 - Methods of Deployment that talks about the different ways to mix and match the Tigo TS4s. You will need a CCA and TAP for this application.
However, since you have only 3 modules on each side of the roof, the installer must ensure the array will reach the PV start voltage in a reasonable amount of time. The PV Start specification is on the inverter datasheet.
I would recommend installing the TS4-A-S on the other 3 modules so that you can have full visibility on the entire array, and not just half of it. This TS4 does not optimize but it does allow for monitoring and provides a rapid shutdown solution. I don't know what that product costs in your area, but it would be worth it.
We do have an updated article about design considerations for multiple orientations that should be posted in the next few hours. I will add it to the discussion. Thank you for the question!0 -
Thanks very much for your response Greg and for those links. I've read and watched them all to try and explain how my installer (Glow Green) have elected to fit my system.
My question to the installer (and to you please), is when the sun is just rising the 3 panels facing East (with optimisers) will be producing, won't the 3 panels facing South (which my installer insists don't need optimisers) on the same string be dragging down the string? I still can't explain why it would work and both of the subcontractor electricians who have so far installed my system agreed that this would be dragged down first thing in the morning (or at least, working sub-optimally). Are they just hoping I won't notice that I'm not getting great production early in the day?
Many thanks again,Ayla
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Hi Ayla, it gets a bit more complicated when we start talking about the effects of multiple model orientations on the same string since we now need to take the PV inverter behavior into consideration.
Although the different orientations (caused mismatch) will have an impact on module production, it is so small that it isn't worth considering in the grand scheme of your yearly production.
If the south facing modules are unshaded then installing our optimizer will have little effect on their production. However, if you want to add monitoring to those 3 modules so that you can see the production of your entire array (which is what I would recommend) then you can install the TS4-A-S on those 3. They are cheaper than the TS4-A-O optimizers and you will have the benefit of a completely monitored array.
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Hi Alya,
I would also suggest you have a look at this article where the topic of different orientations is extensively analyzed. https://support.tigoenergy.com/hc/en-us/articles/209345667-Designing-your-TS4-system-for-different-tilts-angles-and-orientation
Also, I have created a ticket for you. One of our agents will check your design based on the inverter specifications.
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