The Fluke PVA-1500HE2 Solmetric High Efficiency PV Analyzer I-V Curve Tracer is a cutting-edge I-V curve tracer designed to measure photovoltaic (PV) system performance. With this high-precision testing equipment, the user can reliably assess the health and performance of solar modules and arrays. Easily being able to determine the health of these units allows for informed decisions to be made in order to enhance their output and longevity.

The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 offers an array of advanced features. The high throughput I-V curve tracing provides quick and detailed performance data. The intuitive user interface enables easy navigation and real-time analysis which allows for immediate identification of potential issues. By pinpointing problems early, the user can maximize solar energy production and minimize downtime.

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

The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 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 Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 generates the P-V (power versus voltage) curve, Isc, Voc, Imp, Vmp, Pmax, fill factor, and performance factor which is the ratio of measured to expected maximum power.

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

By touching the customized array tree at the branch being measured, the user can save their measurements. The software automatically calculates the expected I-V curve and displays the performance factor.

Highly efficient modules at more than 19% module efficiency possess high capacitance. This high capacitance poses a challenge for some I-V curve tracers that may not be able to measure them. The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 is uniquely designed to measure all string types, even those with high efficiency modules, up to 30 amps.

The Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 operates with a swift sweep-to-sweep delay of only nine seconds. This results in the ability to measure 3.5 megawatts within an hour-- even in high-temperature settings where standard curve tracers often fail due to overheating.

The SolSensor provides irradiance, module temperature, and array tilt data to the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 model. The unit 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 and automatically orients 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. The high accuracy across the board allows for I-V curve measurements both 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 Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2's SmartTemp feature blends these two methods for best accuracy.

Wireless interface between the user’s tablet or laptop (Windows), Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2, and SolSensor is possible.

The unit and SolSensor communicate wirelessly with the user's PC via WiFi with a line-of-sight wireless range of 100 meters. The wireless communication allows for a quick setup with no wires underfoot, the ability to move around while troubleshooting strings, and the flexibility to measure multiple combiner boxes with a single SolSensor setup.

Capture data in the field with the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2's PVA Application and validate the results with the Data Analysis Tool (DAT). This Data Analysis Tool is a Microsoft Excel-based solution which streamlines the analysis of PVA I-V curve data and presents analysis results in multiple formats.

This solution 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 which offers a clear depiction of consistency and identifies atypical strings. The tool also generates histograms for PV parameters across the string population. This generated data can be added to a customizable report exported as a PDF.

The Data Analysis Tool (DAT) features multi-language support and can be downloaded for use with the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2.

To get the most out of the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 unit, Fluke offers a variety of training sessions and courses (not included) related to PV testing and measurement. This training can be delivered as a virtual on-demand course or as a live online presentation and discussion format with a product expert (may differ regionally).