Additional Design Information

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

• PV module Compatibility with TS4 MLPE
  Tigo's TS4-series MLPEs (module-level power electronics) are a technology compatible with many of the available PV modules on the market. However, you must check specific compatibility charac... See more
• TAP Communication and Mesh Network
The TAP (Tigo Access Point) is Tigo's latest radio transceiver with an integrated antenna. It replaces the Tigo Gateway product and has the same function. Like the Gateway, the TAP allows wireless ... 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
• ESS Real Talk: Starting large loads
ed by 2 people Greg Smith 3 years ago One of the most common questions ESS designers have regarding ESS capabilities is whether the system can start large loads like air conditioners... See more
• Understanding Isc and Imp
When matching a Tigo TS4 with a solar module, it is important to know that the TS4's short-circuit current (Isc) and current at maximum power (Imp) specifications must be higher than the maximum Is... See more
• Frameless PV Module Installation (rail mounting and wire management)
  Frameless PV Modules can be a great option for installs, as they: Are aesthetically pleasing (slimline appearance). Are less expensive than traditional framed PV Modules. Have better performance... See more
• What inverter compatibility testing Criteria is used for Tigo's MLPEs (TS4s)?
This article defines the methods that Tigo uses to perform inverter compatibility tests and discusses the hurdles that Tigo strives to overcome in an ever-expanding market of solar products.    Cr... See more
• What is the Green Glove Service Program?
The Green Glove Service program is an offering by Tigo to provide an extensive review of planned or previously commissioned C&I and residential installations. For C&I (Commercial and Industrial) in... 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 (Voc) for Different Ambient Temperatures
Daily and seasonal temperature variances significantly influence the production capabilities of the PV modules in your array. Simply comparing the module specifications against the TS4 datasheet wi... 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
• 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 installation layout.   Determine the Number of TAP... See more
• Connecting AC Meters, Inverters or Sensors
Adding a meter, sensor, or Inverter to your system can provide multiple data views, leading to an enhancement of understanding. These optional products are usually very easy to connect, and can pro... 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
• Serial Communications: RS-485, RS-422 & RS-232
This article serves as a general overview of the differences between the following cables and their serial communication interfaces: RS-485 RS-422 RS-232 Cat-5 / Cat-6 The RS (or recommended stan... 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