Additional Design Information

The information in this section dives into more detail about designing with Tigo on a diverse array of topics

• What to know about PV module Compatibility with TS4 MLPEs
PV Solar Module Compatibility Tigo's TS4-series MLPEs (module-level power electronics) are a technology that is compatible with many of the available PV-Modules on the market. However, there are sp... See more
• TAP Communication and Mesh Network
The TAP (Tigo Access Point) is Tigo's latest radio transceiver with integrated antenna. It replaces the Tigo Gateway product and has the same function. Like the Gateway, the TAP allows wireless com... See more
• Design Considerations for Uneven Parallel Strings
Tigo's optimizers (MLPE: TS4-A-O) can help to compensate for production losses due to uneven strings and PV-Module Mismatch, as long as the variance (between the parallel strings' output) remains b... See more
• Designing your TS4 system for different tilts, angles, and orientation
Does your roof have different angles/orientations?  Does your system have panels on different tilts? Does your system have different heights? This article provides recommendations on design in ord... See more
• AFCI Compliance
This article introduces the concept of AFCI Compliance, and confirms Tigo compatibility. Contents:  What is AFCI AFCI Triggers Retired (legacy) Products Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Are the T... See more
• Where can customers find local installers?
Depending on your installation type, use the methods below to find a recommended solar installer in your area.   Residential Installations: You can do an Internet search for the local solar instal... See more
• Can I access my system data without network connection?
The short answer is: No.At this time, the CCA does not offer direct exporting or data transfer from the CCA to another device, without network (Cloud) connection. Due to the proprietary nature of T... See more
• How to Calculate a PV Module's Voltage (Vmp) for Different Ambient Temperatures
Daily and seasonal temperature variances have a significant influence on the production capabilities of the PV-Modules in your array. Simply comparing the module specifications against the TS4 data... See more
• TAP vs Gateway
Gateway and TAP are functionally interchangeable, in nearly all systems. Gateways and TAPs  perform two-way wireless (radio) communication between a Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA), Cloud Connect, and... See more
• Monitoring Solutions for Combiner Box designs in Ground Mounted, Commercial and Utility Systems
How can MLPE Monitoring help in Combiner Box Designs? Tigo's Monitoring MLPE platform can provide insight into other aspects of the system. PV Combiner Boxes can offer DC OFF switches and/or fuses ... See more
• PV Module Overview
What is a PV Module?  The most common device in a system is the PV Module. PV modules are sometimes referred to as solar panels. However, the term only refers to the panel portion of the module (ex... See more
• Popular Testing Methods - PV-Modules and Strings
Contents: Overview Open Circuit Test Short Circuit Test  I-V Curve Tracer Earth Resistance Test Insulation Test   Overview There are many different methods of testing strings and PV Modules. Th... See more
• SMA SunnyBoy US-40 and TS4-L: Quick Design Reference
At the bottom of this article you'll be able to download the SMA's Quick Design Reference Tool (QDR) that provides string design and inverter selection recommendations in a simple, easy-to-use form... See more
• Complying with USA National Electric Code (NEC) 690.12 Rapid Shutdown
The National Electrical Code (section 690.12) sets the Rapid Shutdown (RSD) requirements criteria. This code changes from time to time, and compliance is required for all structure-mounted systems ... See more
• Inverter Compliance
All Tigo MLPE product (Smart Modules, Retrofit optimizers, etc.), are designed to work with any inverter for sale, at the time of Tigo product manufacturing. Tigo's technology is the only available... See more
• Determine Number of TAP and CCA Units
Overview The number of TAPs and CCAs required per system design, is determined by the size (number of PV Modules that require MLPE units), and the layout of the installation.     Determine Number... See more
• TS4-A Flex MLPE - Design Notes
This article introduces our TS4-A family of FLEX MLPE products. They include module level devices that offer wireless communication, or powerline communication (PLC) solutions. For Design Specific ... See more
• SMA Tigo Compatibility Guidelines
See the Inverter Compatibility Letters in the Downloads section of our website for the latest compatibility information for SMA. For UL testing visit: https://iq.ulprospector.com/en/_?p=10005,10048... See more
• Mix and Match Different PV Module Types
Tigo optimizers enable system designers to mix and match different PV-Module types within strings, and mitigate losses caused by mismatch. Here are some examples of mismatch: Panels made of differ... See more
• TS4 with Solectria Inverters
Using TS4 with Solectria Dual MPPT Residential Inverters Solectria residential inverters include an MPPT shading function. Tigo products perform best when this function is disabled, particularly in... See more