[RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility

Lloyd Hoffstatter lloyd at sunstruckconsulting.com
Fri Nov 18 07:47:02 PST 2022


Chris,
For emergency shutoff switch i just used a lock pushbotton switch in a clear front lockable box with an led to indicate status. We did use an external power supply because we were using Tigo optimizers, CCA and TAP.
Best regards,
Lloyd

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________________________________
From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on behalf of Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 10:14:52 AM
To: Bradley Bassett <bbassett2 at gmail.com>; RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Cc: Christopher Warfel <cwarfel at entech-engineering.com>
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] SolArk and Tigo compatibility


Thanks everyone, the person I started with a SolArk asked me to call them, so I've left a message.  I'll let everyone know what the determination is.  Bradley raises a good point about shutting down the back up loads panel. We would like to have an outdoor accessible disconnect switch between the back up loads panel and the inverter so that can happen more easily for first responders.  I have to go back and understand a few more things and will let you know.  Thanks again. Chris

On 11/16/2022 10:14 PM, Bradley Bassett wrote:
The issue as I see it is that the Tigo RSS Transmitter and the APsmart transmitter are both rated to draw up to 800ma. The 12VDC output of the Sol-Ark inverters is limited to 100ma. Since some have used this successfully I suppose that means that either these transmitters don't really use more than 100ma, or the 12VDC output of the Sol-Ark can actually handle more than that, or some combination of both. If I owned a Sol-Ark I'd test this to see what the answer is, but alas I do not. I design systems using a 48VDC to 12VDC power supply (Online Components has a Mean-Well device for a reasonable price, sorry no link from here) and a fairly rare IMO shutdown button (we have that) that has both NO and NC contacts. This is needed because to shut down the Sol-Ark inverter requires a NO contact that closes on initiation which is quite rare in RSD initiators. And you do still need to shut down the inverter as well as the RSD devices so that it does not continue to feed voltage back into the PV circuits (I think). This also shuts down the AC output of the Sol-Ark which tends to make the inspector happy. Since it also shuts down the inverter, that limits the battery to its own circuits, does this count as a battery disconnect also?? I'm seeing some inspectors calling out for battery disconnects which is much more problematic.

Brad Bassett
AEE Solar

On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 4:27 PM Jerry Shafer via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:
Wrenches, Christopher
I have done quite a few and per solark have always connected in the inverter with no issues, Now with that connecting to the output side it would do much the same work until it did not then shut off the modules.
Fun times

On Wed, Nov 16, 2022 at 6:33 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org<mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>> wrote:

Hi, We are doing our first system with these two devices. The inverter is SolArk 12P (mutimode) and the Tigo product for RS is the TS4F.  Tigo has me a little bit walking in circles.

I told them that SolArk says not to use the 12VDC RS output terminals for connecting the transmitter.  I gave them the attached drawing which they ask for, which shows the transmitter connected to a 120VAC/12VDC breaker which they supply.  They told me to wire the 120VAC source to the main service panel so the array would shut down on loss of power. I told them that is exactly NOTwhat I wanted to happen as that would stop the battery charging when there is a loss of utility power. I said I wanted the 120VAC source to be the back up loads panel. After about a week of calls and emails, I got an email back saying to use the SolArk 12VDC terminals for RS.  I just emailed them a screen shot of the SolArk manual that says not to do that.

At this point, I am asking anyone on the list to let me know how they wired the transmitter successfully. Thank you for any guidance, Chris Warfel





--
                                         Christopher Warfel
                     ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
                                                            401-466-8978
[cid:part1.kvlyaN1Z.GZgWHIop at entech-engineering.com]<http://entech-engineering.com>


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                                         Christopher Warfel
                     ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
                                                            401-466-8978
[cid:part1.kvlyaN1Z.GZgWHIop at entech-engineering.com]<http://entech-engineering.com>


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