Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are becoming increasingly popular for residential homes and commercial businesses, and although such a system is relatively simple – each solar panel is a PV cell which is usually connected in parallel with other identical cells, and then also connected to an inverter and a battery – it is important that the system is installed correctly and operates correctly.
What are the key stages involved in solar PV testing?
Solar PV testing therefore usually involves three key stages:
- Installation and commissioning – ensuring the system is installed safely and correctly and then going through the process of confirming this so the system is ready to use.
- Service, maintenance and performance assessment – periodically testing the system to confirm it is operating safely and within the parameters it should be, and is therefore creating the electricity savings it is designed to.
- Troubleshooting – testing processes as and when necessary to identify specific performance or safety problems.
As a professional electrician you may be involved in all three of these stages, or you may only be a dedicated installation and commissioning engineer, for example. However, the types of electrical tests required at each testing stage do differ, and hence different types of test equipment are required.
What test equipment do you need for solar PV testing?
Typically the electrical testing processes required at each of the above stages can involve:
- Installation and commissioning – these will be functionality tests to confirm the fundamental safety and performance of the installation, such as continuity testing, voltage and current testing, insulation testing and irradiance monitoring, all in accordance with the standard BS EN 62446. The commissioning process also involves confirming the functionality of the strings in a PV field, to confirm these are performing as they should be when connected to the inverter, ie. when under operating conditions.
- Service, maintenance and performance assessment – service and maintenance of the solar PV system will involve a repeat of most of the above safety and commissioning tests, but important tests to confirm the ongoing performance of the system also include I-V curve tracing and checking irradiance levels. Power analysis also measures the power output of the solar panels and the system as a whole, so you can check this output is at the expected levels.
- Troubleshooting - when identifying specific performance issues you would carry out I-V curve tracing, power analysis and possibly thermal imaging, which is a method of identifying connection or performance issues which are producing heat spots within the system.
A multi-function tester with solar PV functionality – such as the TIS PVCHECKS supplied by Test Instrument Solutions – will be designed to carry out all the tests required in the commissioning process, and can also perform many tests required for ongoing service, maintenance and performance assessment. Specialist troubleshooting equipment can include an I-V Curve tracer, an irradiance meter and a thermal imaging camera.
What qualities do I need in solar PV testing equipment?
Once you have identified the type of testing equipment you need, you should check the specifications and the test capabilities. Ideally you want test equipment that can perform as many tests as possible, but to as high a degree of accuracy as possible. Usability is also important. So a checklist for solar PV test equipment could include:
- A good test range capability
- Tests in accordance with the standard BS EN 62446
- Accuracy and precision – a high quality of performance and reliability
- Good safety features
- Ease of use
- Portable and easy to transport and set up for numerous repeated tests
- Durable and long-lasting
- Good value for money
Video Demonstration
Below you can see a product demonstration of our multifunction device the TIS PVCHECKs:
Check out our range of solar PV test equipment at Test Instrument Solutions and we can get you set-up for all your solar PV testing needs.