Tigo Energy introduces new technology to increase string length by 30%--lowering BOS costs, and increasing the speed of installation

LOS GATOS, Calif., July 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tigo Energy the smart module market leader, today announced a new patented technology that enables 30% more modules in a series-connected string while still remaining within 600V or 1000V NEC safety norms.  This new feature, introduced to Smart Modules optimized by Tigo Energy, significantly reduces balance of systems costs, such as wiring and combiner boxes, by reducing the number of strings required per installation.  It also makes installation times faster.  The new feature now comes standard from Tigo Energy's Smart Module partners.

The patented feature, called Smart Curve, introduces a voltage limiting device directly in the module.  This allows a module manufacturer to program the maximum voltage of their module in the factory.  A typical 60-cell polycrystalline module, for example, could be programmed to a new Voc of 32V as compared to 38V for a traditional module.  The maximum voltage does not change with temperature so the coefficient of temperature is 0%/K.  This allows Smart Modules to be designed with 30% longer strings than a traditional module and represents approximately 5 cents per watt of BOS savings in the North American market.

"Tigo Energy believes that Smart Modules are the future of our industry," said James Bickford, Director of Global OEM Accounts. "We are committed to working with our Smart Module partners to deliver the benefits of additional safety, energy harvest, and advanced O&M capabilities at minimal up-front cost.  By working with module and inverter partners, we feel that there is significant value that Tigo Energy's technology can bring at minimal up-front cost.  Smart Curve represents a major step in achieving our vision."

The Tigo Energy Smart Module solution will be featured by partners at Intersolar North America.  Module and Inverter partners alike will display their newest products that work with Smart Modules optimized by Tigo Energy.

Smart Curve has received certification from CSA and TUV Rheinland for use worldwide and is shipping today with Tigo Energy's Smart Module partners.  The feature complies with existing NEC code.

More information on Smart Curve can be found at TigoEnergy.com/SmartCurveAppNote

To learn more about Tigo Energy and our partners please visit us at Intersolar North America (Booth: 8121).

About Tigo Energy

Tigo Energy is the market leader in Smart Module technology.  Tigo Energy's patented Smart Module technology has the highest efficiency, lowest part count, and best reliability in the industry.  Smart Modules optimized by Tigo Energy deliver maximum energy harvest, enable designs with uneven string lengths and different orientations, and enhanced safety functionality. Installers and system owners achieve the highest ROI by increasing energy production and reducing BOS costs of all solar projects. Headquartered in the Silicon Valley, Tigo Energy is an innovative force partnering with module, inverter and combiner box manufacturers to drive higher value from the solar system.

SOURCE Tigo Energy