Improve the yield of your photovoltaic system: Tigo Energy optimizers

As electricity feed-in tariffs decrease, it might be worthwhile to improve the production capacities of your photovoltaic installation to compensate. Today, we focus on Tigo Energy optimizers. Considered market leaders, Tigo Energy offers complete optimization systems that not only increase an installation's yield but also limit its aging and enhance its security.

How Does It Work?

Tigo Energy optimizers maximize the output power of each module and provide data for each panel to verify its efficiency.

They generate efficiency gains by managing the MPP (Maximum Power Point) of each panel, thereby generating a maximum output power from the string. Weak panels are bypassed by creating a virtual current "tunnel," and the available production of these panels is included in the total production of the string. Using impedance matching techniques (i.e., optimizing the power transfer between the emitter and the receiver), they provide the inverter with a smooth curve for optimal operation. In doing so, and according to Photon Magazine, they significantly improve the average production of an installation:

• By 3.2% for an installation without shading
• By 20.8% for an installation with pole shading
• By 36.8% for an installation with horizontal shading.

By thus improving the profitability of a photovoltaic system, a Tigo Energy optimizer can allow reconsideration of projects abandoned due to shading issues and deemed unfeasible. It also offers the possibility of connecting uneven and differently oriented strings.

The Tigo Energy Maximizer systems are compatible with all modules and inverters. Most inverter manufacturers have approved them, such as SolarMax and Steca. The boxes are easy to mount without tools, and the MMU (Memory Management Unit) records and processes the data by communicating with these boxes.

A Complete System

The originality of the Tigo Energy systems, besides increasing the output power of each module and minimizing the impact of defective modules on the installation, is offering a complete monitoring service, panel by panel, to verify their efficiency. The MMU allows for quantitative and qualitative management of the installation and also facilitates its maintenance. Thanks to the Gateway, the collected data is transmitted via the internet. It is then possible to access software online that complements the system and to identify and isolate defective components for replacement. You can also set up alerts, generate maintenance reports, and access raw data to always keep an eye on your solar panels.

In terms of safety, Tigo Energy systems are equipped with a system called PV Safe, which allows the deactivation of the high-voltage bus for safe installation and maintenance. It can detect arcs, fire hazards, and electrical risks. Your installation will thus comply with safety standards, preventing some issues with adapting to new directives in this area.

The Tigo Energy Maximizer systems adapt to all installations, regardless of their size and power, to help you get the most out of your installation.

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