[RE-wrenches] Tigo inverter experience

Sat Feb 15 06:04:49 PST 2025

RSD is the worst thing to happen to solar. Has anyone considered civil
disobedience?
    I wonder what would happen if all the installers banded together and
refused, as a united industry ‘brotherhood.’ WE are the ones stuck with the
bullshit in the aftermath.
     I’m not being snarky here , this a genuine question to the group:
Does anyone have *good* experience with RSD?   i.e. you’re really glad RSD
was there, and you genuinely feel safer?  you’re glad and happy to comply
with this code and you look forward to continuing to use RSD for the rest
of your career?

On Fri, Feb 14, 2025 at 3:40 PM Ray Walters via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> it seems silly that we are required to install these extra pieces of
> equipment for added "safety", that are actually a fire hazard on the roof.
> Just to survey again: how many homes have been saved by RSD?  How many fire
> fighters have actually actuated the RSD system, so that they could hack
> through the array to vent the roof?
>
> I think it should only be required if you have covered so much of the roof
> with PV, that the fire dept can't access uncovered roof to do their
> venting.  The whole premise of RSD is flawed.  IMHO, its just another
> effort to block the wider adoption of solar.
>
> When it comes to off grid, RSD causes such a decrease in reliability to
> amount to a decrease in safety, due to possible loss of communications,
> water, and heat.  Add the fire hazard and RSD is really not making our
> customers' lives better.
>
> Ray Walters
> Remote Solar
> On 2/14/2025 3:52 PM, Jason Szumlanski via RE-wrenches wrote:
>
> I had a site (not my install) with a ground rack and these TS4-F units,
> and they exhibited the exact same burn characteristics. At least half of
> them were burned up to some degree.
>
> Jason Szumlanski
> Principal Solar Designer | Florida Solar Design Group
> NABCEP Certified Solar Professional (PVIP)
> Florida State Certified Solar Contractor CVC56956
> Florida Certified Electrical Contractor EC13013208
>
>
> On Fri, Feb 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM David Buckner via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello Nick,
>>
>> Yes, it's the TS4-F units.  We have made every effort to install to the
>> specs provided (as the goal post and solutions keep changing) but have
>> still seen RSD's start to swell and/or burn over time.  We've separated DC
>> wires and home runs and stayed within the home run complete circuit
>> distance that is recommended.  We've used the "Pure Signal" transmitter
>> solution that syncs up the signaling from multiple inverters in an effort
>> to avoid the "chatter" that starts when the RSD is failing (see video below
>> about that).
>>
>> It's all field R&D at our expense in my opinion.  Sadly, I'd be happy if
>> the RSD failed and didn't work but it starts to work in overdrive until it
>> burns up and causes an arc.  These photos below are from a site where we
>> got lucky and the fire didn't spread.  Below the photos is a link to a
>> video of Tigo and Mayfield discussing the crosstalk issue.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is a video discussion of the cross-talk and signal corruption issues
>> that are the supposed cause of the unit's failure's:
>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_1_0Ofuhao
>> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_1_0Ofuhao>
>> Mayfield Renewables and Tigo Energy - Crosstalk Workshop
>> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_1_0Ofuhao>
>> A deep dive into how to design PLC (Power-Line Communication) based solar
>> rapid shutdown systems in order to minimize cross-talk and other signal
>> integrity issues. This is a technical presentation meant to assist with the
>> design of large scale solar rooftop arrays that use PLC-based rapid
>> shutdown systems, which are used to meet the rapid ...
>> www.youtube.com
>>
>>
>> David Buckner
>>
>> President
>>
>> 917-848-0215
>>
>> 718-389-1545
>>
>> 41 Box Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11222
>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on
>> behalf of Nick Lucchese via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Sent:* Friday, February 14, 2025 1:26 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Cc:* Nick Lucchese <lucchesesolar at gmail.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo inverter experience
>>
>> CAUTION: External Email.
>> Greetings David,
>>
>> Can you elaborate on which products of theirs failed catastrophically?
>> Their TS4-F single and double units by chance? My experience has been an
>> annoying occurrence where certain installed units lock up
>> requring replacement after the array is shut down for O&M tasks but nothing
>> that starts burning as you mentioned. I've still got a reasonable amount of
>> them in my inventory but would rather not deploy if they're "burning" in
>> some way.
>>
>> Thanks for sharing your experience, Nick
>>
>> *We've had catastrophic failures with the RSDs and have heard from plenty
>> of others that have had the same.  The company denies and deflects and
>> blames the installer until you are fatigued.  A product that uses power
>> line communication that can start burning when the signal gets corrupted
>> should not be allowed to remain on the market.*
>>
>> *David Buckner*
>> *SES*
>>
>>
>> David Buckner
>>
>> President
>>
>> Solar Energy Systems
>>
>> 917-848-0215
>>
>> 718-389-1545
>>
>> dbuckner at solaresystems.com
>>
>> www.solaresystems.com
>> <https://us.content.exclaimer.net/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.solaresystems.com%2F&tenantid=sjl0rdWaEe6F-WBFvdNAXQ&templateid=933619bad6e2ee11aaf06045bdd55b16&excomponentid=W0znjuLBICxfJOZwpEisk1w6Uz7kRcz8RFh31bsCZu4&excomponenttype=Link&signature=oLHGWCDHeQYPxuVijopczXguVIz2A9gWA29emAtwvdbqV2XsAnsbVfPJR3OQHtcxck-4zeNWEHrxwAX_LXCUOBXnvLDZkSB3Ue09sLzQcUNKGxMLclBt5peel7iiM1neHKnk8UctTRnOeUfIagifjZaGWicP4Wi23eUaL-JSNh0iUlYWH5Y2kOEt_QGU-R6LtdhPzR8aNOqjq8ttGuksaSFX3YQorUNiBDkXDGXmmCSiiNgljGMekvYiEvoXMsCe_CC1DpnfHsaH45ZBD8L442uACHbkOuyDJ-IG20zpBYXGK3TzDh-GW4efLwZfi6MUcJohrIgQQag5JDhSynWoDQ&v=1&imprintMessageId=70f4909c-5e4b-4d4e-a4f1-8a28a937dd26>
>>
>> 41 Box Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11222
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 6:06 PM David Buckner via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> We've had catastrophic failures with the RSDs and have heard from plenty
>> of others that have had the same.  The company denies and deflects and
>> blames the installer until you are fatigued.  A product that uses power
>> line communication that can start burning when the signal gets corrupted
>> should not be allowed to remain on the market.
>>
>> David Buckner
>> SES
>>
>>
>> David Buckner
>>
>> President
>>
>> Solar Energy Systems
>>
>> 917-848-0215
>>
>> 718-389-1545
>>
>> dbuckner at solaresystems.com
>>
>> www.solaresystems.com
>> <https://us.content.exclaimer.net/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.solaresystems.com%2F&tenantid=sjl0rdWaEe6F-WBFvdNAXQ&templateid=933619bad6e2ee11aaf06045bdd55b16&excomponentid=W0znjuLBICxfJOZwpEisk1w6Uz7kRcz8RFh31bsCZu4&excomponenttype=Link&signature=oLHGWCDHeQYPxuVijopczXguVIz2A9gWA29emAtwvdbqV2XsAnsbVfPJR3OQHtcxck-4zeNWEHrxwAX_LXCUOBXnvLDZkSB3Ue09sLzQcUNKGxMLclBt5peel7iiM1neHKnk8UctTRnOeUfIagifjZaGWicP4Wi23eUaL-JSNh0iUlYWH5Y2kOEt_QGU-R6LtdhPzR8aNOqjq8ttGuksaSFX3YQorUNiBDkXDGXmmCSiiNgljGMekvYiEvoXMsCe_CC1DpnfHsaH45ZBD8L442uACHbkOuyDJ-IG20zpBYXGK3TzDh-GW4efLwZfi6MUcJohrIgQQag5JDhSynWoDQ&v=1&imprintMessageId=70f4909c-5e4b-4d4e-a4f1-8a28a937dd26>
>>
>> 41 Box Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11222
>>
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>> ------------------------------
>> *From:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org> on
>> behalf of Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Sent:* Thursday, February 13, 2025 7:05 PM
>> *To:* RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> *Cc:* Howie Michaelson <Howie.Michaelson at gmail.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Tigo inverter experience
>>
>> CAUTION: External Email.
>> I do not have a lot of experience with Tigo equipment, almost all using
>> their optimizers with CCAs and TAPs.  The 2 things I can say is after
>> getting my head wrapped around the setup and commissioning process (which
>> is not the most intuitive process), I haven't had much trouble with them
>> (again only have maybe 4 or 5 systems out there), and their tech support is
>> generally very available and very knowledgeable and helpful, impressively
>> so. Otherwise I can't speak much to their durability, reliability, or
>> functionality.
>>
>> Howie Michaelson
>> Sun Catcher
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 13, 2025 at 6:50 PM Vince McClellan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Dave
>> I haven't tried their micro inverter or ESS, but so far all the products
>> that I've used from Tigo including the RSD switches that melted have been
>> problematic. Personally, I wouldn't use their products.
>>
>>
>> Vince McClellan
>>
>> President
>>
>> NABCEP PV Professional
>>
>> p: 541-485-8122
>>
>> a: 860 Conger St. Suite 12,. Eugene, OR 97402
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/860+Conger+St.+Suite+12,.+Eugene,+OR%0D%0A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++97402?entry=gmail&source=g>
>>
>> e: vince at solarenergydesign.com <vince at solarenergydesgin.com>
>>
>> w: SolarEnergyDesign.com
>>
>> CCB# 161672
>>
>>
>>
>> If you have received this email and are not the intended recipient,
>> please delete this email. Copying or using any part, content, or attachment
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>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM Dave Tedeyan via RE-wrenches <
>> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi All,
>> I am curious if anyone has any experience with the Tigo inverter and
>> energy storage system. It looks very similar to the SMA setup, but maybe a
>> bit farther along in development. Even as just a simple string inverter, it
>> seems fairly reasonably priced.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Dave
>>
>> --
>>
>> [image: Logo] <https://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> Dave Tedeyan, P.E.
>> Owner | Sungineer Solar
>> p: he | him | his
>> a: 1653 Slaterville Rd.
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail&source=g>
>>
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail&source=g>| Ithaca,
>> NY 14850
>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1653+Slaterville+Rd.+%C2%A0+%7C%C2%A0Ithaca,+NY+14850?entry=gmail&source=g>
>> w: www.sungineersolar.com <http://www.sungineersolar.com/>
>> c: (607) 270-0370
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