Tigo Energy Bets on Safety, Efficiency, and Retrofits to Boost Solar Productivity in Brazil

By EnergyChannel – Reporting from São Paulo

As Brazil’s solar sector navigates a challenging landscape marked by infrastructure bottlenecks and regulatory uncertainty, Tigo Energy is doubling down on a clear mission: maximize the performance of existing PV plants and ensure safety in new installations. In an exclusive interview with EnergyChannel, executives André Gellers (Country Manager) and Manoel Monteiro (Sales & Marketing Manager LATAM) outlined the company’s strategy and the technologies gaining ground in the country.

Efficiency: The New Growth Driver for Brazil’s Solar Sector

With physical expansion constrained and transmission systems facing congestion — including overloaded substations and limited grid capacity — Brazil’s solar industry must prioritize productivity. “Electricity is now as essential as food. The challenge is to extract maximum efficiency from operational plants,” says Gellers.

Tigo’s approach focuses exactly there: enhancing output from already-connected PV systems, addressing key pain points like undetected losses, hidden system failures, and the lack of real-time performance monitoring.

Retrofits and Monitoring: Intelligence at the Heart of Solar Generation

One of Tigo’s flagship offerings is retrofit solutions — modernizing existing PV plants with advanced monitoring and optimization technologies. “With our optimizers, you can pinpoint issues like faulty modules, excessive dirt buildup, diode failures, or localized shading — all without dispatching a crew or shutting down operations,” explains Monteiro.

Tigo’s system enables automated detection of generation losses, with a return on investment in less than two years and average generation gains between 5% and 7% annually, according to the company.

Rapid Shutdown: Mandatory Safety Now a Competitive Advantage

Beyond performance, electrical safety is fast becoming non-negotiable. States like Minas Gerais, Goiás, the Federal District, and soon São Paulo, already require rapid shutdown systems for new PV installations — a regulation where Tigo stands out.

“Our technology fully complies with NBR 17.193, protecting people and assets. It reduces operational risks and is already influencing insurance pricing for solar plants, as seen in markets like Germany,” says Gellers.

Selective Optimization: Flexibility and Savings for Installers and Homeowners

A standout feature of Tigo’s platform is its selective optimization capability. This means optimizers are used only where shading or performance issues occur, reducing costs and allowing targeted upgrades.

“You don’t need to replace every component or invest in expensive microinverters. With Tigo, installers can keep the original inverter and adapt the system based on the customer's actual needs,” adds Monteiro.

25-Year Warranty: Aligned with the Solar Project Lifecycle

Tigo’s products come with a 25-year warranty, matching the expected lifespan of most solar projects. This offers long-term security for investors, EPCs, and residential users alike — ensuring smarter asset management over time.

“The market has matured. There’s no room for underperforming systems anymore. The future of solar lies in productivity — and that’s exactly what Tigo delivers,” concludes Gellers.

Want to Boost Your Solar Plant’s Performance?

If you’re an installer, investor, or end-user looking to optimize your solar generation, leave your questions in the comments below or contact the Tigo team directly.

Tigo Energy Bets on Safety, Efficiency, and Retrofits to Boost Solar Productivity in Brazil