Using traditional tools such as a clamp meter or multimeter to test and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic (PV) installations can take a lot of time, and the accuracy of results may vary. There are specialised tools available that provide quicker and more accurate ways to test solar PV systems, in turn streamlining maintenance tasks.
Comtest, the local representative of Seaward, provides a number of specialist PV test solutions for 1 000 V and 1 500 V systems. These tools are used and trusted by thousands of solar PV professionals around the world. Technicians can select the test kit that best suits their needs.
The Seaward PV200 Solar Installation Tester provides for electrical safety and performance verification of photovoltaic installations in a safe and easy-to-use device. Transforming the way PV systems are tested, the PV200 combines earth continuity, dc operating power and operating current test functions in a handheld device. It can be used to test insulation resistance, open circuit voltage and short circuit current, at the push of a button. The unit can also be used to capture and record, wirelessly, real-time irradiance, ambient temperature and PV module temperature measurements from the Solar Survey 200R. The PV200 has memory to store up to 999 datasets on the instrument and, once downloaded to the SolarCert software, comparison to the standard test conditions can be made.
Professional test certificates and reports can also be created when the instrument is used with Seaward’s SolarCert software.
The Seaward PV200 complete solar PV test kit includes:
- All-in-one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing
- Automatic fill factor calculation
- Ground (earth) continuity measurement with test lead null
- Memory for up to 999 records with USB download to PC
- Instant NFC data transfer using the PVMobile app.
The Seaward Solar Utility Pro provides for:
- Testing of multiple strings in parallel up to 1 500 V 40 A
- Testing at a string level or in the combiner box
- Recording up to 999 full sets of string data
- Testing of open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), irradiance (W/m2), ambient temperature and more.
Product and O&M training is provided free of charge with every purchase.
For more information visit: www.comtest.co.za
