New stuff from Tigo: three Duo covers, partnership with SMA

Tigo, a pioneer of the smart modular Flex MLPE platform, is always announcing new products and partnerships. Here are the latest:

Three new Duo covers

These three new “Duo” covers are  add-on / retrofit solutions for its TS4 platform:

• TS4-R-O-Duo (Optimization),
• TS4-R-S-Duo (Safety), and
• TS4-R-M-Duo (Monitoring).

The TS4-R-X-Duo brings smart module functionality to standard PV modules, adds smart features to new PV installations and upgrades underperforming PV assets. With UHD-Core technology and expanded specifications, the Duo supports two PV modules connected in series with a combined power of up to 700W and a combined voltage of up to 90V.

With a universal base and a range of covers containing flexible module-level power electronics (Flex MLPE), Tigo’s Duo increases freedom of choice when selecting features for a particular project and budget. All three Duo covers work with any inverter and any module within its electrical specifications.

Partnership with SMA

Tigo and SMA are joining forces to deliver total compliance with the newly released SunSpec Alliance specifications regarding Rapid Shutdown adoption for PV plants. SunSpec Alliance, certifier of PV components and communication standards, has defined the specifications of the powerline-based PV transmitter signal covering varying installation types and regions.

Tigo and SMA’s partnership brings the first transmitter and receiver offering that represents interoperability between the inverter and the PV module’s MLPE. SMA’s full line of US string inverters will be supporting the new SunSpec standard to fulfill the tightened module-level requirements in National Electric Code (NEC) 2017, becoming mandatory in January 2019. Tigo will expand its current offering to include a SunSpec Rapid Shutdown and add this capability to its TS4 Flex MLPE product line. The new addition is 100% compatible and certified by about 40 PV module suppliers currently using the TS4 platform – including Trina Solar, Itek, and Sunpreme. The new offering is also available for add-on or retrofit applications.

2017 Solar Inverter Buyer’s Guide

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/new-stuff-tigo-three-duo-covers-partnership-sma/]