Commercial PV system with no service calls, 106% performance after 4 years

Background

Located in Mariposa, California—a historic Gold Rush town and gateway to Yosemite National Park—Pioneer Market & Pharmacy plays a vital role in providing food and medicine to residents and travelers alike. With California’s abundant sunshine and rising energy costs, the market took proactive steps to gain energy independence by investing in a solar energy system.

‍

Challenges

Grocery stores like Pioneer Market consume significant amounts of electricity due to refrigeration, air conditioning, and lighting. To offset these demands, the team aimed to install as much solar capacity as possible across their property—including solar carports and a densely packed rooftop array.

However, maximizing rooftop potential came with its own challenges:

• Shading from a parapet wall surrounding the roof reduced production along the perimeter.
• HVAC and refrigeration condensers created intermittent shading at various times of day.
• Code compliance and performance visibility were also critical, given the system’s size and complexity.

To overcome these obstacles, Pioneer Market chose Rakkar Development & Construction (RDC), a trusted local solar EPC based in Fresno, CA.

‍

Solutions

RDC designed and installed a 370 kW rooftop PV system using Risen 405W modules and SMA STP-60 inverters. To optimize energy production and meet safety and visibility requirements, they equipped each module with Tigo TS4-A-O optimizers. The Tigo solution solved three key challenges:

• Shade Mitigation: Tigo optimizers perform module-level Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), reducing energy losses from shade and mismatch.
• Code Compliance: The TS4-A-O meets rapid shutdown safety standards by limiting power at the module level when triggered.
• Module-Level Monitoring: With Tigo's EI App and EI Portal, both RDC and Pioneer Market can monitor performance down to the individual module, enhancing transparency and simplifying troubleshooting.

The Tigo system is anchored by two Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) units and Tigo Access Points (TAPs) for reliable communication and data logging. Tigo’s open-platform compatibility also ensured seamless integration with the SMA inverters.

‍

Results

Since commissioning in July 2021, the system has delivered:

• 2,200 MWh of lifetime energy production
• 130 MWh of Reclaimed Energy—a 6% energy gain thanks to Tigo’s optimization
• $40,000 in added energy value using an average PG&E commercial rate of $0.30/kWh

In addition to excellent production, it’s been nothing but reliable. “We’ve had zero service calls and a system producing 106%. This is what every installer and owner wants from a system.” - Taj Rakkar, President, Rakkar Development & Construction

With performance exceeding expectations, Pioneer Market is set for long-term solar success. In addition, both the site owner and installer can validate performance down to the module-level at anytime via the Tigo EI Portal and EI App.  

“This is a dream job,” added Taj.

‍

Equipment summary

• Rooftop capacity (kWdc): 370 kW
• Tigo Equipment used: 2 x CCA, + TS4-A-O
• PV Modules used: 914x Risen 405 W modules
• Inverter(s) used: SMA STP-60

‍

About Rakkar Development & Construction

Headquartered in Fresno, California, we serve commercial, residential and industrial clients locally and nationally. The cornerstones of our company are integrity, honor, and honesty – three distinct qualities that form the foundation of our relationships with our clients.

For more information, visit: rdcfresno.com