Installation manual for the Tigo EI Inverter, including instructions for the EI Battery, ATS, and Energy Meter
The TS4-A-O MLPE require the installation of the Tigo Access Point (TAP) to achieve rapid shutdown and module-level monitoring functionality. The TAP is the point of communication between the inverter and the MLPE. Inmost cases, only one TAP is required. The Tigo TAP Placement Tool can be used to help determine the best location and number of TAPs required for a particular installation: https://smart.tigoenergy.com/tap/
Supplies required: TAP
The TAP mounts on the back of a centrally located PV module.
TAP placement example:
The TAP attaches to the module frame using the built-in bracket. Mounting holes are also available for use with frameless modules.
Place TAP within 10m of any TS4-A-O in the array, with a maximum distance of 10m between TS4-A-Os and 35m from TAP to farthest TS4-A-O.
Supplies required: ¾” conduit and associated fittings
The left COM port (9) is used for multiple communications connections; e-stop, TAP, energy meter. Make sure to plan for the additional connections that will need to enter this port. Run conduit to Com port (9) and use appropriate fittings to ensure a water-tight fit.
Tools required: 1/8” flat screwdriver
Supplies required: 4-conductorRS485 (18-22AWG), cable ties
Use 4-conductor RS485 (18-22AWG) cable with shield between TAP and inverter. If multiple TAPs are required connect the TAPs in series.
1) Run the RS485 cable from the TAP down to the inverter.
2) Strip approximately 1.2in (3cm) of the outer jacket of the cable. The individual conductors do not need to be stripped, only the cable jacket.
3) Connect black to -, red to +, blue to B and gray to A on the TAP terminals.
4) The TAP includes standard screw wire terminals or quick connect terminals:
a. To connect using the screw terminals: Insert the conductors into the appropriate terminal and tighten, using the 1/8” screwdriver, to 0.34Nm/3.04lb-in.
b. To connect using the quick connect terminals: Use the 1/8” flathead screwdriver included in the TAP package to press the conductors into the quick connectors.
One terminating resistor comes with each TAP, terminated between the A and B data terminals. Only the last TAP in the series should contain this terminating resistor.
At the inverter, the RS485 terminates on the communication board above the DC disconnect using a 4-pin connector. This 4-pin connector comes connected to its terminal. Remove the connector from the terminal to complete the wiring.
Insert the wires in the same order as the TAP: (from top to bottom) Gray (A), Blue (B), Red (+), Black (-). Insert the 4-pin connector into the terminal as shown:
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety disclosures in this document are based on Tigo Energy, Inc.’s (“Tigo”)experience and judgment and may not cover all contingencies. If further information is required, a Tigo sales office should be consulted. Sale of the product shown in this document is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the Tigo warranty or other contractual agreement between Tigo and the purchaser.
THERE ARE NO UNDERSTANDINGS, AGREEMENTS, WARRANTIES,EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSEOR MERCHANTABILITY, OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT IN ANY EXISTINGCONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. ANY SUCH CONTRACT STATES THE ENTIRE OBLIGATION OFTIGO. THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL NOT BECOME PART OF, OR MODIFY ANYCONTRACT BETWEEN, THE PARTIES.
In no event will Tigo be responsible to the purchaser or user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damage or loss whatsoever, including but not limited to injury to persons, damage or loss of use of property, equipment or power systems, cost of capital, loss of power, additional expenses in the use of existing power facilities, or claims against the purchaser or user by its customers resulting from the use of the information, recommendations and descriptions contained herein. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
The following safety symbols are used in this Installation and Operations manual. Please review these symbols and their meanings before installing or operating the system.
On the inverter
Save these instructions.
The Tigo EI Inverter and TS4 module-level power electronics (MLPE) have been designed, evaluated, and certified as a Photovoltaic Rapid Shutdown System (PVRSS) complying with the 2017 and 2020 editions of the National Electric Code (NEC). All conductors both inside and outside the array boundary will contain reduced voltage, below 30VDC within 30 seconds.
Where rapid shutdown is required, all PV modules connected to an EI Inverter must be connected to a TS4-A-O or TS4-A-F to provide rapid shutdown functionality. Buildings with PV systems requiring rapid shutdown shall have permanent labels located at the service equipment to which the system is connected, or an approved readily available location. The label on the right is included in the inverter packaging.
The Rapid Shutdown Initiation Device is required to be labeled per NEC 690.56(C)(2). This label shall be on or within 3 feet of the initiation device and contain the words “RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM”. The label shall be reflective, written in all capitalized letters and have a minimum height of 9.5mm (3/8 in) in white on red background.
The Energy Intelligence Inverter is Tigo’s hub to energy independence. The EI Inverter is a single-phase energy converter which manages the PV energy produced, converts the energy to AC for immediate use in the home or backfed to the utility grid. When paired with the Tigo EI Battery, the inverter manages the battery charging and discharging based on the user’s preferences and/or local requirements. The EI Inverter operates with Tigo’s TS4 MLPE products to provide PV module-level optimization, safety, and the most granular module-level monitoring in the industry. When used with Tigo’s EI Monitoring platform the entire energy system is monitored and managed through automatic alerts in case of any issues or abnormalities.
The EI Residential Solution includes the following components:
1. EI Inverter – The TSI-7.6K-US and TSI-11.4K-US inverters may be installed as grid-tied only or as an energy storage system when paired with the EI Battery. The inverter converts the PV array’s DC energy to AC for use in the building and when paired with an EI Battery, acts as the battery management unit.
2. TS4 – Tigo’s MLPE, the TS4-A-F provides module-level rapid shutdown. The TS4-A-O provides module-level monitoring, rapid shutdown, and best-in-class module-level optimization with Tigo’s patented Predictive IV.
3. EI Battery (optional) – The LFP battery is designed for use specifically with the EI Inverter. Up to four battery enclosures may be installed with the EI Inverters.
4. EI ATS (optional / required when batteries are used) – The EI ATS is an automatic transfer switch which switches the home loads from grid + Solar/battery usage to solar/battery usage only when the grid goes down. This is a required component to any energy storage system when connected to the utility grid as it prevents the potential for dangerous backfeed on the utility’s conductors.
5. Energy Meter – (optional / required when batteries are used) – The energy meter monitors the import and export of energy into the home’s electrical system. This allows the inverter to determine when and how much energy is required from the battery to serve connected loads.
6. EI Platform – Accessible through the web or mobile app, the EI Platform provides visibility into system and module performance. The EI mobile app is also used for commissioning the EI Residential Solution.
When possible, transport the inverter in its original packaging, facing up and do not expose to inclement weather or unnecessary shocks and vibrations. If the original packaging cannot be used, a box of similar size, without damage, and can accommodate the weight of the inverter may be used. Take precaution to ensure the packaging is fully closed and reasonably weather tight.
To store the inverter, select a dry environment with ambient temperatures of -22°F to 149°F (-30°C – 65°C).
This manual includes installation references to all five separate components of the complete Energy Intelligence Residential Solution: MLPE, inverter, battery, ATS and energy meter. Not all components are necessary for the proper operation of the EI Inverter and sections not pertaining to an individual installation may be skipped.
Installation of the equipment can take place concurrently, although the EI Inverter is the hub of all equipment in this system. Where a workstream can split off from the main efforts of inverter installation a QR code will be provided directing to the appropriate product’s documentation.
When receiving delivery of the inverter, examine the packaging for damage. If the packaging appears to have damage through the box and into the contents, refuse delivery and notify the vendor immediately. If damage appears external only, open the box and inspect for any product damage and/or missing parts.
