Following last year’s announced cooperation with Tigo, PV inverter manufacturer GoodWe is now launching the DNS and SDT rapid shutdown inverter series with MLPE functionalities, a streamlined solution for the optimization of energy yields on the module level which is perfectly adequate for complex system designs and partial shadings – using optimizers on shaded modules recovers an average of 36% energy loss due to mismatch.
Problem
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Since solar systems generate electricity based on the amount of sunlight they receive, it makes sense that when a shadow is cast on a panel. Its power output heavily decreases if even just a single module is shaded, just like the water flowing in pipes. Although there are a number of different approaches that can be applied in PV system design to reduce shading losses, most of them require full deployment on the modules which leads to higher investment. An ideal and efficient solution is to solve only the problem of shaded modules, optimize where needed.
Solution
Offering from shutdown code compliance to module-level diagnostics and maximized energy harvest, the Tigo TS4 platform is claimed to work seamlessly with both GoodWe DNS and SDT inverters. Compared to other traditional optimization systems in the market which require MLPEs on every module even when it is not necessary, GoodWe offers a highly efficient solution with fewer BOS components which lowers the overall cost of the system and is easier to install.
Applications
GoodWe DNS and SDT series smart inverters are said to offer a cost effective and reliable solution that matches perfectly with smart modules. This enables end users to harness more system data for valuable insights about real-time analysis in both Tigo and GoodWe’s monitoring platforms and also enables cost-effective datalogging to collect operating information from the inverters as well as each smart module.
Platform
The TS4 platform utilizes two key components that are compatible with any PV module: a base that is integrated into the module, and five separate detachable covers housing varied levels of MLPE functionalities. Customers can mix and match TS4 covers according to their ideal budget and system requirements. The TS4 platform offers the option to selectively deploy the exact functionality needed to maximize system performance, all while guaranteeing the lowest cost with the greatest ROI. The retrofitting process can be completed quickly just with changeable solar junction box covers which do not require any screws, allowing easy upgrading or fast replacement in case of damage. Furthermore, thanks to the integration of Tigo's Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) datalogger, users can reduce hardware costs avoiding the need to purchase an additional datalogger. Fewer components reduce potential points of failure and risk, and simplify service when it is required.
Availability
May 2018 onwards.