1 Getting Started
1-1
1 Getting Started
Overview
This User Guide covers the PVA-1500, PVA-1000S, and PVA-600
+
I-V Measurement
Units and their associated SolSensors. Throughout this user’s guide when you see “PV
Analyzer” it is referring to all versions. When you see “PVA-1500xx” it is referring to
all 1500V versions, including the PVA-1500S, PVA-1500V2, PVA-1500V3, PVA-
1500V4, and PVA-1500T. When you see “PVA-1500V2/V3/V4/T” it is referring to all
four models: PVA-1500V2, PVA-1500V3, PVA-1500V4 and PVA-1500T.
The Solmetric PV Analyzer is a portable electrical test instrument designed for
commissioning and troubleshooting PV arrays. It measures the current-voltage (I-V)
curves of PV modules and strings and immediately compares the results to the
predictions of built-in PV models. Measurement results are easily saved for future
reference and analysis. The I-V Measurement Unit and associated sensor unit are
controlled wirelessly by your tablet or notebook PC. Wireless interfaces allow you to
move around in the immediate work area without the trip hazards associated with hard-
wired interconnections.
Irradiance, PV module temperature, and PV module tilt are measured by SolSensor, a
wireless PV reference sensor that streams this data to your PC. Sensor measurements are
also triggered simultaneously with the I-V curve measurement and saved with the I-V
curve data.
The (I-V) curve of a PV module, string, harness, or array provides a detailed description
of its energy conversion ability. The curve nominally ranges from the short circuit current
(I
sc
) at zero volts, to the open circuit voltage (V
oc
) at zero current. At the ‘knee’ of a
normal I-V curve are the maximum power current and voltage (I
mp
, V
mp
), the point at
which the array generates the maximum electrical power at the present irradiance and
temperature. All of these important voltages and currents are captured when the I-V curve
is measured. The detailed shape of the curve between these points gives additional
information about the health of the PV module, string, or array under test.
The value of the measured I-V curve is greatly increased by comparing it with the
predictions of a comprehensive PV model. The model takes into account the
specifications of the PV modules, the number of modules in series and strings in parallel,
and the losses in system wiring. Other data used by the model includes the irradiance in
the plane of the array, the module temperature, and array orientation.
The PC software that controls the PV analyzer contains a powerful graphical Array
Navigator tool with a graphical array tree that you touch to save and recall your
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