Tigo Energy has announced certification of its TS4 platform – the world's first universal junction box (Jbox) solution. The TS4 platform enables module manufacturers and installers to standardize on a single Jbox design that can feature any number of Module Level Power Electronic (MLPE) capabilities such as ‘Rapid Shutdown Safety’ and monitoring within a standardized platform, reducing inventory and labour costs compared with traditional solar PV installations.
Problem
PV module manufacturers and installers require lower assembly and BOS (Balance of System) costs, respectively. Reducing inventory requirements across the supply chain are required. A standardized junction box able to house a range of MLPE capabilities could reduce inventory and labour cost, reducing BOS costs.
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Solution
TS4 platform has been designed to standardize the application of a wide range of MLPE capabilities to any PV Module. The TS4 platform is made up of a two-piece solution, the TS4 base (Jbox base), which is mounted to the solar module, and a TS4 cover, a plug-and-play MLPE which can easily be swapped in and out. TS4 is certified in five offerings: diodes, monitoring, safety, optimization, and longer strings. Installers and system owners utilizing the TS4 platform can choose which features are important for any given project or budget while using the same PV module. Whether an installer wants safety and monitoring to meet NEC 2014 Rapid Shutdown requirements or optimization, or simply a traditional module that can be easily upgraded later in life, the TS4 platform can support them.
Applications
Standardised Module Level Power Electronic (MLPE) junction box.
Platform
The TS4 universal JBox platform enables plug-and-play functionality to any solar module. The TS4 platform features a common base plate that any number of functional electronic covers can plug onto. This base plate provides a single interface to address any number of functions or budgets, as well as any range of project goals. In addition, the TS4 platform is upgradeable as needs change, allowing for maximum system flexibility.
Availability
TS4-D (diodes) are the equivalent of traditional modules and are priced at current Jbox costs, therefore adding zero cost to TS4 equipped PV modules. TS4 based modules will ship at the end of Q1 2015.