Hey folks! I'm working with 16 Tigo TS4-a-o optimizers—one for each solar panel—and I'm unsure about the best way to connect them. Should I connect two optimizers in parallel first and then link those 8 pairs in series, or is it better to connect 8 panels in series and then combine them all in parallel? Also, if I only have 15 panels, what's the best connection method there? Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
Yeah, it's usually better to create smaller series strings before going parallel to maintain voltage. If you have 16 panels, going with 8 pairs in series and then connecting them in parallel is a solid choice. If you go with 15 panels, you might need to adjust your series count, but the principle stays the same. About the connectors, you shouldn't need to strip them; you might want to use a junction box to keep things tidy and make the connections more secure.
When connecting your solar panels, you generally want to create series strings first to reach the correct voltage, and then you can combine those strings in parallel. Make sure you're matching the voltage requirements of your inverter to avoid any damage. If you're asking about the TS4-a-o model, those are optimizers, right? Also, just to clarify, what inverter or charge controller are you using? That will matter for your setup.