Major step forward with new PV analyser and I-V curve tracer

Fluke has released the new Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 PV Analyzer and I-V Curve Tracer. The announcement means that installation and maintenance engineers working on large-scale solar PV arrays and farms can now test up to 1500V and continuously measure high efficiency (HE) strings up to 30A.

Also offered is the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500T2 PV Analyzer and I-V Curve Tracer, which can measure 3.5MW in under an hour and handle up to 30A for strings of modules <1% efficiency and 10A for strings of high-efficiency modules with ≥19% efficiency.

With the device, solar energy engineers, energy consultants and field technicians can access a unique tool that provides on-site productivity when verifying PV performance. The device minimises the time needed for each testing cycle by delivering unprecedented measurement throughput speeds and offers a much higher return on investment than other PV testers by supplying superior levels of stability and accuracy.

The device supplies best-in-class I-V curve tracing for large-scale solar installations. Similar products often need help obtaining accurate readings due to high capacitance levels and the fact that they cannot record data continuously without overheating. Disconnecting an I-V curve tracer until it cools down is disruptive in an environment where time is crucial, but this device removes this problem because it can be used throughout the day without any interruptions.

For optimal user experience, the company has bundled the new PV analyser into several kits. These are the first kits to combine the Solmetric product with Fluke devices, such as the TiS75+ thermal camera, the 393 FC Solar Clamp Meter and 87V Industrial Multimeter, and the 1537 Insulation Resistance Tester. The company also supplies a range of training packages to help users get the most out of the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2 and kits while meeting the shortage of skilled workers in PV installation testing.

Will White, Fluke solar application specialist, says: “The Solmetric name is widely respected around the world and bringing these high-quality products into the Fluke family means we now have tools in our portfolio that can test the entire solar sector. No other I-V curve tracer in the world can offer users such impressive levels of performance, efficiency, throughput and reliability as the Fluke Solmetric PVA-1500HE2.”