Great job explaining how these optimizers work. There are a lot of individuals using solar that I don't believe know or realize how beneficial these can be. A little extra cost for a peace of mind and more efficiency is completely worth it. Keep up the great content!
@@SmitHVAC. hey thanks. The tigo optimizers are probably my favorite thing I have done with solar. It is pretty unbelievable what they bring to the table.
Good explanation of how these things work, if I had a problem with shading I would look into them, I have an un-obstructed southern view with no trees near my array.
@@UnkyjoesPlayhouse Nice! But definitely an option for many people who have limited space with buildings and trees blocking full sun. Thanks for watching
Rodney you the man. Can't wait for the install video on your tilt array. As you know, using your videos, I built my own tilt array using 10 450 watt panels. You and your videos really helped me and gave me the confidence to build my system. On the same note. Do you rotate/tilt your tilt array regularly? Every month or every quarter? I haven't moved mine from the original set angle as of yet. Planning on realigning it 1st of August according to my GPS coordinates for best angle at solar noon. Was just wondering how you did it. Thanks for all you do my friend.
That's a good option. I know the shade is the solar mortal enemy. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to your video on your optimizer install on your array. ..... Jeff
@Rodney thats some awesome data, BTW I noticed your export to gird total data is going up, the last few videos your total export to grid was allot less, is the CT’s very far from your main? Maybe the ratio needs to be adjusted? Or your utility company do not care?
They are on main grid panel so right where they should be. I think every few day it might go up .1 and electric company hasn’t said a thing. Don’t think it is actually enough to send up any flags.
@@rodneyhunt thats great to hear, keep us posted if anything changes, i wonder if the 12Kpv has newer tech to be a bit more accurate? Quicker to drop the load, the Growatt 11.4k MIN11400TL-XH-US is amazing its zero export is truly spot on, real fast to adjust with demand.. BTW did you receive the 12Kpv yet?
Thanks for the good content, it's very informative. Question: I'm assuming that you only need an optimize for the panel(s) that are shaded correct or do you need it to install for the whole PV array i.e. Pv1, Pv2, etc..
You can add to just the shaded panels if you want. But adding to them all in a string does show lots of info if you like tracking. But if power is all that matters then yes!
Good video. Optimizers and micro inverters have had a history of RFI (radio interference ). I wonder if the Tigo has that problem. Too bad you aren’t near me in Texas so I could bring a radio by to test. Do you know if these have any RFI? All the best from north Texas.
On the A string of panels, you said A4 IS A 305 watt panel and the others are 395 watts. When your cursor moved over the A4 panel icon it showed to be a 395 watt panel. If A4 is a 305 watt panel but you told the optimizer it is a 395 watt panel is that what lets the other panels maximize their output instead of being brought down to the 305's power level, or do the optimizers do that automatically?
Each is optimized alone. It should not matter what you say is installed. I may have just put in the same thing for all panels until I switch that panel out.
@@rodneyhunt Hey, I appreciate the fast reply, The reason I asked is I'm just starting to learn solar and trying to plan a system for my house. I want to end up with about 8000 watts with an eg46000xp inverter. To start out I would like to start with 4 panels to keep the array small and learn how to set them up. Probably going to go with used panels and was wondering if the optimizers would let the panels put out max power even if there was a slight mismatch in the specs of panels added at later dates.
You should it some panels are shaded in your strings. These are probably my favorite thing I have done yet in solar. Amazing devices that give details you can get anywhere else for each panel. Plus the efficiency
Would be good to watch “Gary Does Solar” episodes on optimizers. If not for diodes, hard shading would have a detrimental impact on the entire string impact and optimizers would make sense. With the advent of half cut cells and diodes, the current through a shaded portion of the panel will go to zero, as the current is bypassed around that shaded portion of the panel and the other portions of the panel and subsequent unshaded panels are not impacted negatively. You can see this in your string performance by looking at the string voltage being reduced due to shading as some portions of a panel or entire panels are bypassed due to hard shading.
Thanks for the comment! I have not disputed what you are saying because it surely helps. But from my testing the proof is undeniable for my parents setup. They get more power with them than without. I believe everyone is free to use them or not. Will definitely try to do some on video testing with these head to head string to string with and without optimization. Thank you!
Just got my set of 16 I ordered using your link after watching this video but cannot find a good video of how to install the tap and cca? Do they go out by the array or by the inverter?
The tap is at panels. The CCA I out close to inverter but it needs to be close enough to communicate with TAP. Hopefully I can do a full install video soon
Great Video, what togo equipment u had to install, is it only the Tigo A-O or also the TIGO cloud connect ??, can the system work just with the Optimizers or u need the controller ?
Thanks I have had these in my cart for months lol I was curious, should I put optimizer on all my panels or just the couple that get the morning and evening shade?
At least all the panels in the string. If you have multiple strings then just put all the shaded ones together if it works put for your inverter specs. Voltage wise
@rodneyhunt I have 2 sets of 8 485w bifacial qcells but only the edge panels on each array get hit with shade in the morning and evening. So the whole string of 8 panels need optimizers to work?
Yes that’s what I would do. Partial deployment is not an option on a string.wait edit that. You can use on only shaded panels as long as you don’t want rapid shutdown capability. So yes
@@deeziegaming8545 Well microinverters only work when grid connected from my understanding. So just depends on when you want your solar to work. They may have options to work off grid with batteries but I can’t say for sure. For my goals optimization is my best bet.
It can work with that as well. Now not sure what kind of gains you will get from just moving cloud cover but it definitely will help. Shading from trees, buildings, etc is definitely where the Tigo optimizers shine!
Great job explaining how these optimizers work. There are a lot of individuals using solar that I don't believe know or realize how beneficial these can be. A little extra cost for a peace of mind and more efficiency is completely worth it. Keep up the great content!
Appreciate that! I have hope my content helps the DIY community.
Pretty cool system! The little studio is looking good too.
@@SmitHVAC. hey thanks. The tigo optimizers are probably my favorite thing I have done with solar. It is pretty unbelievable what they bring to the table.
Good explanation of how these things work, if I had a problem with shading I would look into them, I have an un-obstructed southern view with no trees near my array.
@@UnkyjoesPlayhouse Nice! But definitely an option for many people who have limited space with buildings and trees blocking full sun. Thanks for watching
Rodney you the man.
Can't wait for the install video on your tilt array. As you know, using your videos, I built my own tilt array using 10 450 watt panels. You and your videos really helped me and gave me the confidence to build my system.
On the same note. Do you rotate/tilt your tilt array regularly? Every month or every quarter? I haven't moved mine from the original set angle as of yet. Planning on realigning it 1st of August according to my GPS coordinates for best angle at solar noon. Was just wondering how you did it. Thanks for all you do my friend.
I try to move them monthly. Have ideas to move them electronically but that might be beyond me lol. Big ideas though
That's a good option. I know the shade is the solar mortal enemy. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to your video on your optimizer install on your array. ..... Jeff
@@JWTX Hey Jeff! It definitely is
@Rodney thats some awesome data, BTW I noticed your export to gird total data is going up, the last few videos your total export to grid was allot less, is the CT’s very far from your main? Maybe the ratio needs to be adjusted? Or your utility company do not care?
They are on main grid panel so right where they should be. I think every few day it might go up .1 and electric company hasn’t said a thing. Don’t think it is actually enough to send up any flags.
I have had eg4 adjust the ratio before
@@rodneyhunt thats great to hear, keep us posted if anything changes, i wonder if the 12Kpv has newer tech to be a bit more accurate? Quicker to drop the load, the Growatt 11.4k MIN11400TL-XH-US is amazing its zero export is truly spot on, real fast to adjust with demand.. BTW did you receive the 12Kpv yet?
Thanks for the good content, it's very informative. Question: I'm assuming that you only need an optimize for the panel(s) that are shaded correct or do you need it to install for the whole PV array i.e. Pv1, Pv2, etc..
You can add to just the shaded panels if you want. But adding to them all in a string does show lots of info if you like tracking. But if power is all that matters then yes!
Great Video
Will you be doing a video of the install of the Tigo Optimizers?
Thanks
Yes I will. Full install on my tilt array
Good video. Optimizers and micro inverters have had a history of RFI (radio interference ). I wonder if the Tigo has that problem. Too bad you aren’t near me in Texas so I could bring a radio by to test. Do you know if these have any RFI? All the best from north Texas.
I think I have a rfi meter but what is high?
Thanks Rodney.
Thank you!
On the A string of panels, you said A4 IS A 305 watt panel and the others are 395 watts. When your cursor moved over the A4 panel icon it showed to be a 395 watt panel. If A4 is a 305 watt panel but you told the optimizer it is a 395 watt panel is that what lets the other panels maximize their output instead of being brought down to the 305's power level, or do the optimizers do that automatically?
Each is optimized alone. It should not matter what you say is installed. I may have just put in the same thing for all panels until I switch that panel out.
@@rodneyhunt Hey, I appreciate the fast reply, The reason I asked is I'm just starting to learn solar and trying to plan a system for my house. I want to end up with about 8000 watts with an eg46000xp inverter. To start out I would like to start with 4 panels to keep the array small and learn how to set them up. Probably going to go with used panels and was wondering if the optimizers would let the panels put out max power even if there was a slight mismatch in the specs of panels added at later dates.
Good video. I’ve considered getting some of these at some point.
You should it some panels are shaded in your strings. These are probably my favorite thing I have done yet in solar. Amazing devices that give details you can get anywhere else for each panel. Plus the efficiency
Would be good to watch “Gary Does Solar” episodes on optimizers. If not for diodes, hard shading would have a detrimental impact on the entire string impact and optimizers would make sense. With the advent of half cut cells and diodes, the current through a shaded portion of the panel will go to zero, as the current is bypassed around that shaded portion of the panel and the other portions of the panel and subsequent unshaded panels are not impacted negatively. You can see this in your string performance by looking at the string voltage being reduced due to shading as some portions of a panel or entire panels are bypassed due to hard shading.
Thanks for the comment! I have not disputed what you are saying because it surely helps. But from my testing the proof is undeniable for my parents setup. They get more power with them than without. I believe everyone is free to use them or not. Will definitely try to do some on video testing with these head to head string to string with and without optimization. Thank you!
Just got my set of 16 I ordered using your link after watching this video but cannot find a good video of how to install the tap and cca? Do they go out by the array or by the inverter?
The tap is at panels. The CCA I out close to inverter but it needs to be close enough to communicate with TAP. Hopefully I can do a full install video soon
@rodneyhunt mine are 230' apart, do they need to be connected using 4 of the 8 wires in my cat6 cable?
Great Video, what togo equipment u had to install, is it only the Tigo A-O or also the TIGO cloud connect ??, can the system work just with the Optimizers or u need the controller ?
You need the cloud connect(cca) kit. CCA kit will have the tap( access point). I should have links but will look again.
Somehow my description is blank lol. I will add it
Thanks I have had these in my cart for months lol I was curious, should I put optimizer on all my panels or just the couple that get the morning and evening shade?
At least all the panels in the string. If you have multiple strings then just put all the shaded ones together if it works put for your inverter specs. Voltage wise
@rodneyhunt I have 2 sets of 8 485w bifacial qcells but only the edge panels on each array get hit with shade in the morning and evening. So the whole string of 8 panels need optimizers to work?
Yes that’s what I would do. Partial deployment is not an option on a string.wait edit that. You can use on only shaded panels as long as you don’t want rapid shutdown capability. So yes
@@rodneyhunt I have one panel in my string that gets shade in the morning. Do I still need the kit or can I just purchase one optimizer?
You need the kit as far as I know. It might work without it but not sure. Will look into that
PV1 is the 6 panels on the pergola and 9 panels on the roof is PV2? What is PV3?
The other 9 panels on bottom row of patio. They don’t have tigo
so what would be better these optimizers or those mini invertors that can be supplied to each panel?
@@deeziegaming8545 Well microinverters only work when grid connected from my understanding. So just depends on when you want your solar to work. They may have options to work off grid with batteries but I can’t say for sure. For my goals optimization is my best bet.
@@rodneyhunt aah ok thanks for the response. I would like to do off grid with maybe tie in to grid if needed or to sell excess energy
What if you basically have no regular sources of shade other than occasional clouds?
It can work with that as well. Now not sure what kind of gains you will get from just moving cloud cover but it definitely will help. Shading from trees, buildings, etc is definitely where the Tigo optimizers shine!
Can i use 4 of the 8 cat6 cable for the connection between the tap and cca?
I just ordered a cable from Amazon. I will add the link to the video
@@rodneyhunt 🙏
Rodney! Dont lose too much weight!
Lol. My body just git me down where I should be. Carnivore diet!
I noticed too. Looking good!
Carnivore here also. At least 99%. Aches gone, better mental health, less reflux etcetcetc. Steady energy.
If only rib eye was $5 lb I would be in heaven.😋
@@ry2456 lol yeah! I have to eat some ground beef, chicken, etc. But I do eat many steaks lol