Fluke PVA-1500HE2 Solmetric PV Analyzer High Efficiency IV Curve Tracer

The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 is an advanced I-V curve tracer designed to provide precise analysis and optimization for photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The PVA-1500HE2 allows solar professionals to accurately assess the performance of PV modules, strings, and arrays in real-time, including high efficiency strings, even those with module efficiency exceeding 19%, up to a full 30A. The PVA-1500HE2 enables users to detect issues such as shading, mismatch, degradation, and other performance anomalies swiftly and effectively. Its user-friendly interface and ergonomic design make it easy to operate, even in challenging environments. The tracer offers comprehensive data analysis and reporting features, empowering technicians to make informed decisions to maximize the efficiency and reliability of solar installations. Built with durability and reliability in mind, the Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 is the ideal tool for solar professionals seeking to optimize the performance and longevity of PV systems.

Key features:

• Measures and displays I-V curves up to 1500V and 30A, including on high efficiency modules
• Advanced built-in PV model provides immediate PV performance checking
• Wireless interfaces for faster setup, safer work environment, and freedom of movement during PV troubleshooting
• Automates data management, analysis, and reporting
• Validate voltage and current from individual panels or a series of panels in a PV array

What's in the box:
1 x PVA-1500 V unit
1 x SolSensor™ and clamp
1 x Alligator test leads
1 x MC4 disconnect tool
1 x Chargers
2 x thermocouples and adhesive disks
1 x Sensor cleaning supplies
1 x Transit case (included with the PVA-1500HE2)
Available by free download: PVA Application and Data Analysis Tool

Measure your solar PV system performance
The PVA-1500HE2 is a cutting-edge I-V curve tracer kit designed to measure PV system performance. With this high precision testing equipment, you can reliably assess the health and performance of solar modules and arrays, making informed decisions to enhance their output and longevity.

The PVA-1500HE2 kit offers an array of advanced features, including high throughput I-V curve tracing, providing quick and detailed performance data. Its intuitive user interface enables easy navigation and real-time analysis, allowing for immediate identification of potential issues. By pinpointing problems early, you can maximize your solar energy production and minimize downtime.

Comprehensive measurements 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.

Advanced High Efficiency PV Testing Capabilities
Accurate measurement of high efficiency modules up to 30A: 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. The PVA-1500HE2 is uniquely designed to measure all string types, even those with high efficiency modules, up to 30A.

Rapid performance in high temperature environments: The PVA-1500HE2 operates with a swift sweep-to-sweep delay of 9 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.

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.

The PVA and SolSensor™ communicate wirelessly with your PC via WiFi with a line-of-sight wireless range of 100m. 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.