Tigo EI Inverter Manual

Installation manual for the Tigo EI Inverter, including instructions for the EI Battery, ATS, and Energy Meter

Tigo Access Point (TAP)

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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/

TAP Installation

Supplies required: TAP

The TAP mounts on the back of a centrally located PV module.

  • The maximum distance between any two TS4-A-O that can be served by the same TAP is 33ft (10m).
  • The maximum distance between the TAP and the farthest TS4-A-O is 115ft (35m).
  • Up to 300 TS4-A-Os can be configured to 1 TAP if the above conditions are met.
  • If additional TAPs are required due to split arrays, multiple TAPs can be wired in series.

TAP placement example:

Figure 35 TAP Mounting

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.

TAP/Communications conduit

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.

 

Wiring the TAP

Tools required: 1/8” flat screwdriver

Supplies required: 4-conductorRS485 (18-22AWG), cable ties

Figure 36 TAP Overview

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.

Figure 37 TAP Terminals

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:

Figure 38 TAP-Inverter connection