Products / Compare
Archai vs Tigo: a fair comparison for UK installers.
Tigo's TS4-A-O is the optimiser most like ours: an add-on unit that works with someone else's inverter. Here's how the two compare, side by side, including where Tigo is ahead.
Tigo figures from Tigo's published TS4-A-O (725 W) datasheet. Checked November 2026. View Tigo's datasheet ↗
01 / Side by side
The specifications.
Where the two are specified differently, we say so rather than force a like-for-like number.
| ArchaiiOPT 800W | TigoTS4-A-O (725 W) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Add-on DC optimiser, one per panel | Add-on DC optimiser |
| Max panel power | 800 W | 725 W |
| Max input voltage | 70 V | 80 V |
| Max input short-circuit current | 23 A | 22 A |
| Operating voltage range | 12–60 V (MPPT) | 12–80 V (VMP) |
| Max system voltage | 1500 V | 1000 V (IEC) / 1500 V (UL) |
| Published efficiency | ≥ 99.7% peak MPPT efficiency | 99.6% maximum efficiency |
| Different measures: MPPT (tracking) efficiency vs conversion efficiency. Not directly comparable. | ||
| Panel data to gateway | Wired: PLC over the DC cable | Wireless 2.4 GHz to a Tigo Access Point (TAP) |
| Shutdown signal | PLC over the DC cable, from the GT gateway | Wireless via TAP, or PLC with an optional Tigo RSS transmitter |
| Equipment for monitoring and shutdown | Archai GT gateway (one per string, up to 30 optimisers) | Tigo Access Point (TAP) and Cloud Connect Advanced (CCA) |
| Rapid shutdown level | About 1 V per optimiser | ≤ 30 V DC on controlled conductors within 30 s (US NEC 690.12 limits) |
| Different ways of specifying shutdown: per-optimiser output vs a system-level limit. | ||
| Connectors | Genuine Stäubli MC4 | MC4 or EVO2, depending on part number |
| Ingress protection | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +65 °C | −40 to +70 °C |
| Weight | 0.865 kg | 520 g |
| Selective deployment | No: one optimiser per panel | Yes: can be fitted only to panels that need it |
| Inverter compatibility | Certified with Solis and Fox ESS single-phase | Tigo states thousands of inverter models from more than 50 brands |
| Monitoring platform | SolarSync (app and desktop) | Tigo Energy Intelligence (EI) |
| Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Company and support | UK company. UK-based technical support and warranty handling | See Tigo's website for regional support |
02 / Honest verdict
Where each one fits.
Both are good products. The right choice depends on the job.
ACHOOSE ARCHAI WHEN
You want wired data and UK support
- You don't want to rely on wireless on the roof. Panel data and the shutdown signal both travel over the DC cable, with one gateway per string.
- You're fitting a Solis inverter, or a Fox ESS single-phase hybrid. Both are certified with Archai.
- You're using high-power panels. The iOPT 800W takes panels up to 800 W.
- You want UK support. Archai is a UK company, with technical support and warranty handling from the UK.
- You care about the connector. Every optimiser ships with genuine Stäubli MC4.
BTIGO MAY SUIT BETTER WHEN
You need breadth or selective fitting
- Your inverter isn't on our certified list. Tigo states compatibility with more than 50 inverter brands.
- Only a few panels are shaded. Tigo supports fitting optimisers only where they're needed.
- Your panels' open-circuit voltage is above 70 V. Tigo's input goes to 80 V.
- You need a larger installed base and track record for a particular client or funder.
Not sure which fits a job? Send us the design and we'll give you a straight answer, including if we think another product suits it better.
03 / Notes
How we compiled this.
- Archai figures are from the Archai iOPT 800W + GT datasheet.
- Tigo figures are from Tigo's published TS4-A-O (725 W) datasheet, checked November 2026. Tigo also sells other TS4-A versions (for example 700 W / 15 A), and regional versions can differ. Always check Tigo's current datasheet for the exact part you're specifying.
- Specifications change. If you spot anything out of date, tell us at hello@archaipower.com and we'll correct it.
- Tigo, TS4, TAP and CCA are trademarks of Tigo Energy, Inc. They are used here only to identify Tigo's products. Archai is not affiliated with Tigo Energy.