PVA-1500 Series PV Analyzer, I-V Curve Tracer
Key features
- Measures and displays I-V curves up to 1500V and 30A, including on high efficiency modules (PVA-1500HE2)
- Advanced built-in PV model provides immediate PV performance checking
- Sweep-to-sweep delay of 9 seconds to measure 3.5MW in <1hr
- Wireless interfaces for faster setup, safer work environment, and freedom of movement during PV troubleshooting
- Automates data management, analysis, and reporting
Product overview: PVA-1500 Series PV Analyzer, I-V Curve Tracer
Measure your solar PV system performance
The PVA-1500 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-1500 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.
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.Download the PVA Application and Data Analysis Tool
Training
Fluke offers a variety of training related to PV test and measurement. Training can either be delivered as a virtual on-demand course or as a live online presentation/discussion format with a product expert (may differ regionally).
What's in the box:
- PVA-1500 V unit
- SolSensor™ and clamp
- Alligator test leads
- MC4 disconnect tool
- Chargers
- 2x thermocouples and adhesive disks
- Sensor cleaning supplies
- Transit case (included with the PVA-1500HE2)
- Available by free download: PVA Application and Data Analysis Tool
Specifications: PVA-1500 Series PV Analyzer, I-V Curve Tracer
| PVA-1500 Specifications | ||
| PVA-1500T2 | PVA-1500HE2 | |
| Voltage Range (Voc) | 20 to 1500V DC | |
| Maximum Current Range (Isc) | ||
| Module Efficiency <19% | 0 to 30A DC | |
| Module Efficiency ≥19% | 0 to 10A DC | 0 to 30A DC |
| Voltage Accuracy (0 °C to 45 °C) | ±(0.5% ±0.25V) | |
| Current Accuracy (0 °C to 45 °C) | ±(0.5% ±0.04A) | |
| Power Accuracy (0 °C to 45 °C) | ±(1.7 % + 1.0 W) (current ≥3 A, module efficiency <19 %) | |
| Voltage Resolution | 25 mV | |
| Current Resolution | 2 mA | |
| Measurement Throughput | ||
| Sweep-to-sweep delay (@VOC ≤ 1350V) | <9 seconds | |
| Max number of I-V sweeps per hour (@VOC ≤ 1350V) | 400 sweeps/hr | |
| Max megawatts measured per hour | 3.5 MW/hr | |
| Thermal Capacity | ||
| # sweeps at 18 s sweep-to-sweep delay | unlimited (25 °C, 77 °F ambient) 550 (45 °C, 113 °F ambient) | |
| # sweeps at 9s sweep-to-sweep delay | unlimited (25 °C, 77 °F ambient) 330 (45 °C, 113 °F ambient) | |
| I-V Trace Points | 100 or 500 (selectable) | |
| I-V Sweep Duration | 0.05 to 2 seconds (typically 0.2 seconds for PV strings) | |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to 45 °C, 32 °F to 113 °F | |
| Storage Temperature Range | -20 °C to 65 °C, -4 °F to 149 °F | |
| Operating Humidity | <90 % RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a cold instrument to warm and humid air as condensation will result. Store the instrument in the same conditions in which the instrument will be used. | |
| Altitude | 2000 m max | |
| Battery Charging Time | 6 hr | |
| Battery Run Time | Approx. 8 hr | Approx. 7 hr |
| Safety and Regulatory | CAT III 1500V IEC 61010-1: Pollution Degree 2 | |
| Warning Features | Over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, reverse polarity | |
| PV Connector | Staubli MC4-EVO2 | Banana Jacks |
| Charging/Charged LED | Yes | |
| In-the-field firmware update-ready | Yes | |
| Interface to Tablet/Laptop | Wi-Fi interface between user tablet or laptop, I-V unit and SolSensor™ | |
| Weight | 6.6 kg, 14.55 lb | 7.3 kg, 16.09 lb |
| Height | 43.2 cm, 1.41 ft (including test lead and strain reliefs) | 53.3 cm, 1.74 ft |
| Width | 21.6 cm, 8.50 in | |
| Depth | 15.2 cm, 5.98 in | |
| PVA-1500 Test Lead and Clip Specifications | |
| Voltage Range | 0 to 1500V DC |
| Current Range | 0 to 30A DC |
| Temperature | 0 °C to 45 °C, 32 °F to 113 °F |
| Humidity | Maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to 31 °C (87.8 °F) decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Pollution Degree | 2 |
| Altitude | 2000 m, 6561 ft maximum |
| Lead Length | 152 cm, 59.84 in |
| Lead Colors | Positive=red, negative=black |
| Manufacturer (Test Leads and Alligator Clips) | Staubli |
| Note: Use only test leads and clips provided by Fluke for the PVA-1500. | |
| SolSensor™ Specifications | |
| Irradiance | |
| Sensor Type | Silicon photodiode with corrections for temperature, spectral, and angular effects |
| Measurement Range | 100 W/m² to 1500 W/m² |
| Accuracy | ±2 % when used to predict the performance of well characterized poly- and monocrystalline PV modules with direct irradiance >600W/m² |
| Resolution | 1 W/m² |
| Measurement Interval | Typically, 3.5 s |
| Temperature | |
| Sensor Type | Type K thermocouple, two inputs |
| Measurement Range | 0 °C to 100 °C, 32 °F to 212 °F |
| Accuracy | ±2 °C, 35.6 °F (not including limits of error of thermocouple) |
| Resolution | 0.1 °C, 32.18 °F |
| Measurement Interval | Typically, 3.5 s |
| Tilt | |
| Sensor Type | Electronic |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 90° from horizontal |
| Accuracy | ±2° typical (0 to 45°) |
| General | |
| Measurement Cynchronization with I-V Curve | Typically, <1 s |
| Wireless Range (open line of sight) | 100 m, 328 ft |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 ºC to 45 ºC, 32 ºF to 113 ºF |
| Storage Temperature Range | -20 ºC to 65 ºC, -4 ºF to 149 ºF |
| Operating Humidity | <90% RH, non-condensing. Avoid exposing a cold instrument to warm and humid air as condensation will result. Store the instrument in the same conditions in which the instrument will be used. |
| Battery Charging Time | 6 hr |
| Battery Run Time | >16 hr typical use |