Tigo Optimizers Explained: What They Do, Benefits, and Are They Worth It?

[@Sparkeee1978]

My TS4AO have been great for years. It's particularly helpful during snowfall, when some slides, and some doesn't.

[@bradnguyen9627]

Thank you for the details. I'm assuming that i would just need to install these are the PV module that is needed correct? I.e. i don't need to install it on all the PV module in the array of 10 solar panel.

[@SignatureSolar]

That is correct; however, we recommend installing them on all of the panels to optimize their performance.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

Is the EG4 12KPV compatible witu these ?

[@randya9143]

Yes

[@Snerdles]

What's the difference between the models like the TS4-A-O and TS4-A-F? Do they have other multi module units for cost savings like the TS4-A-2F? I've been leaning toward Hoymiles micro inverters due to the quad connection models and no need for a large central inverter, but haven't ruled out optimizers if the cost for panel level monitoring is good.

[@SignatureSolar]

The TS4-A-O is optimized for energy production and efficiency, while the TS4-A-F is focused on safety and rapid shutdown capabilities.

[@Snerdles]

@@SignatureSolar Seems the optimizer solution, since it still needs a massive inverter is still going to be vastly more expensive than something like the hoymiles micro inverters.

[@Berean68]

I bought the EG4 24k hybrid mini split w/ 7- 410w panels on a ground mount. Since I am not going into an inverter, but straight into the mini split, would these be of any use to me?

[@SignatureSolar]

Tigo optimizers could give you about 20% more power total, so it would be based on preference and budget :)

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the background on Tigo Optimizers. Do you know if they have RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)? Many optimizers have caused RFI in the past so I am wondering. All the best from Greenville, TX!

[@SignatureSolar]

Essentially, any device with current flowing through it will emit RFI. However, due to the voltage in each optimizer, interference is likely only if the affected device is very close to the array. In most cases, modern wire insulation effectively prevents interference 99% of the time.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@SignatureSolarthanks for your reply. I have seen Solar Edge optimizer shut form radio communication a city block away. If there is low level of interference such as a portable AM radio buzzes only within a foot but not multiple feet away it might be okay. Do you have any Tigo devices at your Sulphur Springs location? And would it be possible to come by to measure the RFI? Thanks. All the best from Greenvile.

[@SignatureSolar]

Yes! You're welcome to come by! We do not have equipment to measure RFI in store.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@SignatureSolar I can bring my radio that can check for noise

[@peterxyz3541]

I just bought some used PV panels.

[@Popejohnvicks]

Hi, I have Jinko 580w solar panels with Inverex 12kw 3Phase inverter, will Tigo optimiser work with this system?

[@SignatureSolar]

As long as it's 48v and rated to charge LiFePo cells, yes.

[@ronaldchong]

can TAPs be daisy-chained or do they all need to be connected to the CCA?

[@SignatureSolar]

Daisy chained :)

[@ronaldchong]

@@SignatureSolar nice! thx.

[@SignatureSolar]

You're welcome!

[@TheCrazyStudent]

I’m thinking about adding optimizers to my small off-grid setup to improve partial shading performance. I don’t need to make use of any monitoring features, all I want is for the optimizer to increase the energy yield of the specific panel it’s connected to. Can I hook up a Tigo optimizer between a panel and a charge controller and then have it do its magic without any other setup procedures? Does it work without an internet connection and without having to pair it to my phone? I’m looking for a stand alone plug-and-play optimizer solution for my system which only requires me to hook the optimizer up between the solar panel and the charge controller and that’s it. Can the Tigo optimizers be used in this manner, or do they require extra hardware and/or a 24/7 internet connection in order to work?

[@SignatureSolar]

Hi! The tigo optimizers are plug and play, just connect them and go. No internet needed but if you'd like to look at the panels, you have that option with the CCA and tap :)

[@TheCrazyStudent]

@@SignatureSolar Perfect! In that case I will pick up a few and try them out on my system. Thank you for your reply.

[@icemaniiscott]

Granted, I already purchased mine and will be installing, but I am pretty sure from my research that they are NOT required in unincorporated areas with no code compliance requirements... granted, I thought it a damn good idea, but a "requirement"? Not so much

[@tgbatg]

Does the optimizer function work without the cca or the tap module?

[@SignatureSolar]

No, they are required for the monitoring group.

[@ronaldchong]

how reliable is the wifi on a metal standing seam roof with direct-mount (no rails)? i'm looking to place 36 panels in a 9x4 configuration (about 55' x 15'). will one TAP cover them all? or would i need several?

[@SignatureSolar]

One TAP will cover it :)

[@jasongphillips]

The worth it is often related to $$$ not just watts. I wish that was covered. To distill it down, based on your test, for a 4 panel array you loose 1 panel worth of energy because of shading without optimizers. So 4 optimizers would give you a lot more watts. 4 optimizer is $160, if you add a panel you can do that for $150. So it is cheaper to add more panels than optimizers, and you also get even more power when not shaded. So it is both cheaper and you get more power by adding panels. This, of course, is not true in a maxed out PV setup, you can't just add more panels. Also adding panels adds other expense, like mounting. The new panel also needs to be out of the shade to work too.

[@SignatureSolar]

Thank you so much for your feedback!!

[@MrBobSanchez]

Are solar optimizers worth it in a strictly Off grid application?

[@SignatureSolar]

Yes, optimizers are always worth it, even just for cloud coverage :)

[@randya9143]

Do you have a trade in/up program to swap out the rsd tigo for the optimize ones ?

[@SignatureSolar]

No, I'm sorry, we do not.

[@SignatureSolar]

No, you may be able to return them.

[@gregoryfaith4303]

So, when your land line grid power goes down, the rooftop solar collectors are forced to shut down preventing a "backflow condition" to occur onto the land line grid wiring.. Got it. I wonder how many solar owners know this is installed into their solar panel system. When the grid goes down, so does your PV system too.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

They quickly find out the first time the grid goes out. That's why battery backup has surged in popularity.

[@theMekanik]

The TS4 is limited to how much power kan go into it…… so like you kant put a 1000 watt panel on it.

[@billy-go9kx]

No such thing as a 1000 watt panel.

[@theMekanik]

@@billy-go9kx Yes there is you gust don’t know about it. 😉

[@SignatureSolar]

We aren’t aware of/do not sell a 1000 watt panel

[@theMekanik]

First!!!! 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@theMekanik]

That doesn’t sound like Masons Voise. 😅