Tigo Enables 30% Longer PV Strings, Lowering costs, and Increasing Install Speed

Tigo Energy Inc. announced a new patented technology that enables 30% more modules in a series-connected string while still remaining within 600V or 1000V NEC safety norms. This new feature, introduced to Smart Modules optimized by Tigo Energy, significantly reduces balance of systems costs, such as wiring and combiner boxes, by reducing the number of strings required per installation. It also makes installation times faster. The new feature now comes standard from Tigo Energy’s Smart Module partners.

The patented feature, called Smart Curve, introduces a voltage limiting device directly in the module. This allows a module manufacturer to program the maximum voltage of their module in the factory. A typical 60-cell polycrystalline module, for example, could be programmed to a new Voc of 32V as compared to 38V for a traditional module. The maximum voltage does not change with temperature so the coefficient of temperature is 0%/K. This allows Smart Modules to be designed with 30% longer strings than a traditional module and represents approximately 5 cents per watt of BOS savings in the North American market.

“Tigo Energy believes that Smart Modules are the future of our industry,” said James Bickford, Director of Global OEM Accounts. “We are committed to working with our Smart Module partners to deliver the benefits of additional safety, energy harvest, and advanced O&M capabilities at minimal up-front cost. By working with module and inverter partners, we feel that there is significant value that Tigo Energy’s technology can bring at minimal up-front cost. Smart Curve represents a major step in achieving our vision.”

The Tigo Energy Smart Module solution will be featured by partners at Intersolar North America. Module and Inverter partners alike will display their newest products that work with Smart Modules optimized by Tigo Energy. Smart Curve has received certification from CSA and TÜV Rheinland for use worldwide and is shipping today with Tigo Energy’s Smart Module partners. The feature complies with existing NEC code.