Fluke PVA-1500/FPC3 Offers

Offering comprehensive data analysis and reporting features with an intuitive interface and portable design that makes it easy to use in both the field and the lab, this high-efficiency curve tracer gives technicians the ability to make informed decisions, maximizing the efficiency and reliability of solar installations.

Built with durability and reliability in mind and boasting several advanced features - including enhanced precision measurement capabilities - this tracer is an essential tool for solar professionals seeking to optimize the performance and longevity of individual PV systems.

Features

• Built-in PV performance modeling and advanced wireless irradiance, temperature and tilt sensing
• Unprecedented measurement throughput with sweep-to-sweep delays as low as nine seconds
• Saves time through automated data analysis and reporting, streamlining the process of obtaining and interpreting measurement results
• Uninterrupted measurements even in hot environments
• Measures and displays I-V curves up to 1500 V and 30 A
• Advanced built-in PV model provides immediate PV performance checking
• Sweep-to-sweep delay of nine seconds to measure 3.5 MW in under an hour
• Database of more than 70,000 modules with automatic updates
• Wireless interfaces for faster setup, safer work environment, and freedom of movement during PV troubleshooting
• In-the-field firmware update ready
• Test high-efficiency modules faster without overheating the test instrument
• PC connection during testing allows you to analyze and manage data in the field
• Solmectric PV Analyzer Software and Data Analysis Tool (DAT) insights, visualizations, and customizable reports

PV module and string testing

This kit is specifically designed for testing and analyzing individual solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. It allows users to assess the performance of PV modules accurately, enabling detailed analysis of factors such as shading, mismatch, degradation, and other performance anomalies.

Real-time troubleshooting

With its advanced features and precision measurement capabilities, this high-efficiency Solmetric PV analyzer facilitates real-time troubleshooting of PV modules. This includes detecting issues such as shading or mismatch, allowing for swift identification and resolution of problems to ensure optimal performance of solar installations.

Comprehensive data analysis

Equipped with comprehensive data analysis and reporting features, this analyzer empowers technicians to make informed decisions. Users can analyze data collected by the tracer to gain insights into the efficiency and reliability of solar installations, aiding in performance optimization and maintenance planning.

Portable field testing

The portable design of this kit makes it suitable for field testing applications. Solar professionals can easily transport the tracer to different locations for on-site testing and analysis of PV modules, enabling quick assessment and diagnosis of issues in real-world settings.

Comprehensive measurement and efficient analysis

For commissioning, operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting of PV arrays, I-V curve testing is the most complete solar module performance measurement. Quick analysis of curve datasets aids in detecting outliers, and the stored data functions as a baseline for future performance inquiries.

Accurate I-V curve tracing

The PVA measures the I-V (current versus voltage) curve of a PV string or module using a capacitive load. The measurement is typically performed at the string level by connecting directly to the string or at a combiner box using the fuses to select the string under test. The number of I-V curve points can be selected at 100 or 500. Additionally, the PVA generates the P-V (power versus voltage) curve, Isc, Voc, Imp, Vmp, Pmax, fill factor, and performance factor (the ratio of measured to expected maximum power).

Time-saving interface

With a tablet or laptop (Windows only) as the user interface, perform more tests per hour and display the data in multiple, easy-to-read formats.

Save your measurements by touching your customized array tree at the branch you are measuring. The software automatically calculates the expected I-V curve and displays the performance factor.

The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 elevates PV testing capabilities

Accurate measurement of high efficiency modules up to 30 A

Highly efficient modules (>19% module efficiency) possess high capacitance, posing a challenge for some I-V curve tracers that may not be able to measure them. This curve tracer is uniquely designed to measure all string types, even those with high-efficiency modules, up to 30 A.

Rapid performance in high temperature environments

This I-V curve tracer operates with a swift sweep-to-sweep delay of nine seconds (at VOC <1350V). This results in the ability to measure 3.5 MW within an hour, even in high-temperature settings where standard curve tracers often fail due to overheating.

SolSensor™ wireless PV reference sensor

The SolSensor™ provides irradiance, module temperature, and array tilt data to the PV model. The model uses this information to predict the I-V curve shape at these operating conditions and to translate the measured curve to standard test conditions. The SolSensor™ clamps to the module frame, automatically orienting the irradiance sensor to the plane-of-array.

Irradiance and temperature accuracy

The spectral response of the silicon photodiode sensor in the SolSensor™ is corrected for the PV technology under test. Special factors are provided for multi- and mono-crystalline cells as well as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and other thin-film technologies. The sensor is temperature-compensated and the angular response of each unit is calibrated for rotation and elevation. As a result, the SolSensor™ is accurate over a broad range of technologies, sky conditions, and sun angles, allowing I-V curve measurements earlier and later in the day.

The SolSensor™ provides two external thermocouple inputs for measuring module backside temperatures. Effective cell temperature can also be calculated directly from the measured I-V curve per IEC 60904-5. The PVA’s SmartTemp™ feature, optionally, blends these two methods for best accuracy.

Wireless connectivity

Wireless interface between user's tablet or laptop (Windows), PVA unit, and SolSensor™.

The PVA and SolSensor™ communicate wirelessly with your PC via WiFi with a line-of-sight wireless range of 328' (100 m). That means no wires underfoot, quick setup, the ability to move around while troubleshooting strings, and flexibility to measure multiple combiner boxes with a single SolSensor™ setup.

Turn PVA data into key insights, visualizations, and customizable reports

Capture data in the field with the PVA Application and validate the results with the Data Analysis Tool (DAT), a Microsoft Excel™-based solution streamlining the analysis of PVA I-V curve data. It presents analysis results in multiple formats. It compiles key PV parameters in a string table, flags non-conforming strings, and delivers a statistical overview of the entire array. Additionally, it visually combines string I-V curves at the combiner box level, offering a clear depiction of consistency and identifying atypical strings. The tool also generates histograms for PV parameters across the string population, and this data can be added to a customizable report exported as a PDF. The Data Analysis Tool (DAT) can be downloaded for free use with any PVA.

Supported languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Solmetric PV Analyzer Application Software

The PV Analyzer Application software features a graphical interface to control the PVA-1500 and manage measurements. The software enables you to quickly create a digital replica of your solar sites with an extensive database of solar manufacturers. It allows for a precise analysis of the site performance that can be exported into a report.

Note: The PVA application and the Data Analysis Tool work best with Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Fluke premium care features

Introducing fluke premium care: Reduce unforeseen expenses and maximize the efficiency of your tools. This coverage is designed to prevent unexpected downtime caused by damaged test equipment, accessories, or tools in need of calibration or repair. With Fluke Premium Care, ensure continuous performance, extend the lifespan of your valuable instruments, and enjoy complete peace of mind, knowing that you and your tools are covered.

• Repair manufacturing defects
• Annual calibration or performance test
• Accidental damage repair
• Expedited calibration and repair
• Expedited freight
• Replacement of damaged accessories
• Software updates
• Priority tech support

Applications

• Commissioning
• Auditing
• Operations and maintenance
• Performance verification
• System commissioning
• Troubleshooting and fault identification
• Degradation analysis
• Optimization of PV system performance
• Safety compliance checks
• Quality assurance for PV panels
• Preventative maintenance