PV electrical basics
Industry Term

Voc (Voltage at Open Circuit)

The voltage of a PV module when no load is applied, i.e., the PV inverter is not producing.

What does Voc (Voltage at Open Circuit) mean?

The voltage of a PV module when no load is applied, i.e., the PV inverter is not producing.

What should designers verify about Voc (Voltage at Open Circuit) before selecting PV equipment?

Open-circuit voltage is measured when a module or string is not connected to a load. Designers use it because cold temperatures can raise voltage, and the highest expected string voltage must remain within the input limits of the inverter, optimizer, rapid shutdown device, and other connected equipment.

Practical design considerations

  • Check the term against the current datasheet and installation manual, not only a product overview.
  • Consider temperature, irradiance, string length, and equipment input limits before applying the value.
  • Use the same units and test conditions when comparing products or calculations.

Related Tigo Support: For design, installation, commissioning, or troubleshooting details, see TS4 PV Module Compatibility.